Looking seriously at Eberlestock pack/ picking which one advice?

[Westside88]

As the title says, I'm looking seriously at getting a new/nicer pack. I currently use a Cabela's fanny pack type with suspender straps. It's ok, but maybe a little heavy for what it is. I'm sure I'll keep it around, but I'm really looking for a pack that will also carry a Bow or Rifle. I'm drawn to Eberlestock so far. Probably because of this feature. I'm really not concerned with a pack for hauling out meat. I have that part covered, although, some capacity is a bonus. My main motivation for this type of pack is carrying my weapon and some light gear while riding a bike several miles behind gates and or hiking steep/rough terrain and having my hands free.  So far I'm thinking I like the X1A1, X1 Europe, Gunrunner ( although I'm not sure it accommodates a Bow), and the Team Elk.  Anyone have experience with these you'd like to share? What should I be looking at I haven't mentioned?  Thanks

[Magnum_Willys]

If you are concerned about weight check the specs.  Eberlestocks are Heavy !

[ghosthunter]

I have bought four off this forum.

I bought wo J105s and they are good packs but they are heavy empty.
I bought them for the same reason to carry my gun. One for me and one for my son.
He likes his but he is 30. At 68 I am lighting the load.

I had bought a gunrunner for my grand son and two years later decided to buy one for myself. I like it a lot better.

They are not water proof and get heavier when wet. But for caring my rifle and light gear I love it.

[Westside88]

I did notice they seemed a little heavy, but I’m most concerned with function and durability. Finding one that holds a weapon securely but still allows reasonably quick access it one of my main goals. Thanks to both of you for the input I appreciate it

[ghosthunter]

I find them the most comfortable pack I have ever had.

Not sure about easy accessible in the pack. Young guys maybe can reach behind their head and draw a rifle. I can’t.

I swing it off one side and draw.

Most the time I carry my rifle in hand. I use the pack scabbard when I need my hands free.

[The scout]

I would go with one of the bigger packs over the gunslinger, mainly because they sinch down to a pretty small size and you can still expand them to haul some meat if you want

[jdb]

My son has the team elk pack and loves it. I had a X1 and loved it. If I were ever to need another pack I'd buy the team elk pack

[The scout]

I’m going to be selling my pack real soon. I think it’s the j34 just one pack if your interested

[Westside88]

Thanks everyone I really do appreciate hearing everyone’s input. Is the just one set up to carry a bow as well? I’ll be checking their website out again soon after hearing everyone’s thoughts

[KFhunter]

I use an X1A1 thinking I'd carry my bow in it, or gun, or spotting scope tripod. 


Turns out I never carry the bow in the pack, won't fit an AR very well and it's hard to slide a tripod in it.  So mostly I bought bling that adds weight.  Last time I emptied the gun scabbard I had 1/2 pound of fir tree needles in it.

[buglebrush]

Unless you have a very short torso you'll likely not have functional load lifters on the eberlestocks.  Probably one of the last packs I'd every consider. 

[jasnt]

Running the team elk and love it

[Duckslayer89]

Kifaru don’t look back

[RockChuck]

I have the X1 and it is an bit  heavy, I use the rifle scabbard on first trips out with game, I also use it for my spotting scope quite regularly. I take the waist strap off for most hunting but roll it inside the bottom of the pack while elk hunting to install if needed for that first pack back to camp.

[MooseZ25]

I have a X1 and love it.  It has a bow bucket and is probably the best day pack I have used.  It does not have a frame so heavy loads can be hard on my body.  I bought a Team Elk and this has solved all of the problems with heavy loads and also works great for bows to rifles.  I sure like the way Eberlestock packs fit me.