Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: ThurstonCokid on April 24, 2018, 01:17:38 PM
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Does anyone have opinions on eberlestock packs? Looked at reviews and videos online and think it’s what I’m looking for. I have an opportunity to trade for a terminator f4 pack? Let me know what y’all think!
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Never had that specific pack but had the X2 and the team elk which I liked both. Depending on what you are hoping to do, Eberlestock makes a good product.
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its a good pack, my only complaint was that the straps didnt have enough padding.
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I have owned two eberlestock and loved them both. My only complaint is how much they weigh compared to other packs of similar or better quality. I currently run Kiui and love it.......significantly lighter and way more functional for waht I do.
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Unless you're quite short I doubt you'll get any functional load lifter angle out of any of the Eberlestock. :bdid: Buy once, Cry once. Save for a Kifaru, Exo, or Stone Glacier, and you'll actually be money ahead. :twocents:
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Not sure about the exact pack you're wanting but i own the gunslinger 2 eberlestock and its too heavy for a hunting pack. It weighs 10lbs, not kidding. Its built like a tank though. I own two kuiu packs and they are great. Light weight and seem pretty tough. Seen lots of abuse and still going strong.
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I had a x2 and I loved it. Very very comfy. I'd say it was the perfect day pack. I mean I really really love bed that pack but it was just a little too small for packing heavy loads of meat. So I gave it to my son and bought a kuiu, I do not love the kuiu. It does carry heavy loads like a champ. But for $500 bucks I thought it'd be more comfortable. If I had it to do over I'd likely get a team elk pack
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One of my hunting partners has the Dragonfly, and another has the Blue Widow. Decent quality packs. Can get awkward with really heavy loads (ie 100lb elk quarter)....then again few packs handle really heavy loads well.
Biggest drawback that my friends complain about is when they get wet, they can get heavy. That material doesn't wick water well.
I'm not familiar with the Terminator F4 model, nor do I know anybody with one. And don't know what you're trading for it. So can't offer much advice on that specific one.
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Appreciate all the reply’s! Thanks y’all
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H E A V Y !
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Not sure about the exact pack you're wanting but i own the gunslinger 2 eberlestock and its too heavy for a hunting pack. It weighs 10lbs, not kidding. Its built like a tank though. I own two kuiu packs and they are great. Light weight and seem pretty tough. Seen lots of abuse and still going strong.
I bought four off this forum ,2 J105s and two gunrunner s. The J,s are heavy . I bought the gun runner for my grandson. Than got my self one . Very comfortable.
I am using the gunrunner now took. It turkey hunting. I like them for the scabbard.
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I have two Eberlestock packs, the X2 and the Team Elk. Both are great packs for day hunting, they are a bit heavier especially for multi day hikes or hunts. Both of my packs have hauled an elk hind quarter more than once.
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Like others have already said, they are very durable packs for the price and will handle heavy loads, however they get pretty uncomfortable with heavy loads. I have the J34 and have hauled out multiple dear in one trip quartered.
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H E A V Y !
I second that. Great pack, but if you're going light weight then go another route.
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They're heavy and they don't have functional load lifters so they don't handle heavy loads. They're very durable and good option for day hiking in my opinion. Just plan on them being very uncomfortable if you're packing a deer out or something like that.
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Eberlestock packs are built very well but as others have said, they are heavy as heck in day pack mode. Now once you pack em up with meat, that heaviness of the material doesn't matter that much in the present moment. I packed a few critters out with a Blue Widow and it worked fine for loads up to 70ish pounds (that's all I dared putting in them crawling out of the holes the elk decided to die in). Dead elk rack, straps, and loins riding out in a Blue Widow below. I'm a gnats hair shy of 6' and I'd say the load lifters work just OK. If you can swing the price tag, I'd certainly look at an EXO for an all in one pack. At any rate, yes... the EB packs will serve the intended purpose but are not so comfortable to pack around in day pack mode.
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Badlands!
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:DOH:
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I have a j34 pack it's functional for the elk woods but heavy as crap and not the most comfortable. Packs are kinda like optics buy once cry once. If you can save and get into a kifaru, stone glacier, mystery ranch or exo it will be worth the extra money.
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too bad there isn't a place around here to try out all these high end packs
for me, the eberlestock is comfy, all the weight is on my hips. I do get the web strap slipping through the belly belt buckles and find myself pulling on the tag ends to tighten them back up time to time, like others have complained about before when it's loaded up.
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Cory miller at xxx archery has some kifaru stuff on hand. Exowill be at the northwest mountain challenge at Stevens pass.
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I agree with most all of the responses. I have the J104 Eberlestock, and it is heavy compared to other packs. If I'm hunting it is usually on my back because all my stuff is in it.
My brother in law has a KUIU and it is lighter. He has only used his on one hunt so far and liked it, but we both could hear it squeek as he walked with a loaded pack. Maybe it will get quieter with use? It is a nice pack though and distributes the weight well.
If I was buying a new pack I would be looking for something lighter than Eberlestock and still able to carry my gun on the pack. :twocents:
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I have a EXO 3500. A EXO or stone glacier is probly the only 2 packs i would consider. Like the guy above says the EXO is the do it all pack
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I started out with an Eberlestock J107 for backpack hunts. As mentioned, it is not the best performer with heavy loads. To utilize the full volume of the pack (center zipper unzipped) the bag is very bulky and the center of gravity is way behind you and becomes uncomfortable quickly. I also feel the scabbard is a little gimmicky, which I definitely fell for. You can't sit down at all with your rifle barrel sticking out below. I sold mine after two years and two brutal packouts and upgraded to an Exo 3500. Rides and carries weight much better. The side pockets fit a rifle stock well and you can easily strap a rifle to the side. If day hunting, the eberlestock will likely fit your needs just fine, but i would not recommend for backpack hunting.
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I owned a Eberlestock at one time and no longer have it. Upgraded to Kifaru and its a much better pack. I would suggest saving up the money and buy once.
