Fellas, I'm considering the acquisition of a new backpack. I've been using a Badlands 2200 for several years now and like it well enough, though it's never really "fit" me like I want it to, despite much adjustment. So, I've been searching around for potential replacements, and I really like the looks of the Eberlestock J34. The rifle-carrying capability and the spike camp duffel option add to its appeal. I played with one in Sportsman's Warehouse and it seemed to fit and feel very nice; with no weight though. Do any of you more experienced backpack hunters have experience with Eberlestock packs, and in particular the J34? My primary use is for all-day hikes and 2-3 day hunts; no week-long trips into the back country planned with this pack. Think two or three days chasing mule deer around in the rocky hills of the US west.

I originally purchased the J34, but I ended up exchanging it for the J107.

My gripe with the J34 was that it just seemed too flimsy when in the collapsed "day pack" mode. The J34 has a great suspention system and I tend to think that it would work well when used as a multi day pack(ie, expanded to 4600ci). The problem when using it as a day pack is that the pack becomes deformed when the straps are cinched down.

The J107 is basically the same pack with the addition of a flexible frame panel. The frame panel helps the pack hold its shape when the straps are cinched down in day pack mode. The panel is also supposed to allow the J107 to carry more weight, but I doubt that it makes much difference in the "fully loaded" mode.

I am happy with my J107.

I just looked the Eberleestock's site and I see that they have a new pack called the M5 Team Elk and it sounds interesting. I would take a long hard look at that one.

I,ve got one of the dragonflys, nice pack. Notice that nine times out of ten, I usually grab the X2 when I,m heading out the door. 6,2" tall, at a glance the X2 seems like it would fit a little small, but in practice, quite comfortable. Back ventilation helps a lot.
Fits nicely over the top of a .44 worn cross draw. You can get a side scabbard for it as well.

Jason, thanks for the input. I looked at the Team Elk pack, but it doesn't seem to have the capability of inserting/attaching the spike camp duffel. It also doesn't have the cinch straps that allow it be compressed into daypack mode, which is how it's likely to get used. I hate a loose floppy pack.

The bigger J107 is a couple more pounds than the J34, which is partly why I'm considering the 34. Can't see carrying the extra weight unless it's really necessary. I may have to play with the bigger version next weekend when I'm near SW again.

Muttly, thanks too. I'll give the X2 a look as well.

I'm very happy with my J34. It is extremely flexible and I've comfortably carried just over 60lbs. (several miles) with the pack. I couldn't ask for a better day pack for elk and deer hunting. IMHO, the rifle scabbard is one of the best features and the Spike Camp duffle is just adds to the value.

Not sure what the top trunk/ detachable fanny pack weighs, you might be able to call Eberlestock and find out.. Never had a chance to try a Mystery Ranch pack out, but hear good things about them. Their Dragon Slayer has a nice configuration, similar price range as the J 107. Don,t recall if they offer a rifle scabbard, but think you have different belt and harness size options. Might be worth a look..

Save your $$ and buy a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab with NICE frame will be the last pack you will ever have to buy bar none use it as a day pack or 3-4 backpack and still have room to pack out a elk 1/4 in comfort check out ther web site great people to deal with cant say even good about them

quote:

Originally posted by sjr:
Save your $$ and buy a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab with NICE frame will be the last pack you will ever have to buy bar none use it as a day pack or 3-4 backpack and still have room to pack out a elk 1/4 in comfort check out ther web site great people to deal with cant say even good about them

I don't know about that. There was one for sale in the classifieds that had torn out the material at the top of the frame. Here is the LINK.

quote:

Originally posted by DesertRam:

The bigger J107 is a couple more pounds than the J34, which is partly why I'm considering the 34. Can't see carrying the extra weight unless it's really necessary.

The detachable fanny pack adds about a pound to the J107(the website shows the J107 to be 8.5 pounds compared to 7.5 pounds for J34). I leave mine off.

Having owned both I really don't believe the J107 is bigger than the J34(I believe the fanny pack is included in the increased capacity of the j107).

I would check them out side-by-side if possible.

The J107 makes a great seat also. Here is a photo of my daughter testing it out.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by sjr:
Save your $$ and buy a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab with NICE frame will be the last pack you will ever have to buy bar none use it as a day pack or 3-4 backpack and still have room to pack out a elk 1/4 in comfort check out ther web site great people to deal with cant say even good about them

I don't know about that. There was one for sale in the classifieds that had torn out the material at the top of the frame. Here is the LINK.

Had my Mystery Ranch pack for 4 years been on over 50+ trips most very hard core and I don't baby it the only problem I had is I broke one clip off the side and that was my fault <closed the truck door on it> one call to MR and they sent me a new clip no charge

I have no doubt that the MR packs are very durable, as are the Eberleestock.(the same can't be said for some of their competitors.

I was just pointing out that no brand is completely bulletproof.

Cool picture Jason!

Thanks for input on MR. I like the looks of the MR NICE packs, and they seem well built and versatile. That said, they don't have the one feature I really like on the Eberlestock - a firearm storage location that provides for easy, rapid access to one's rifle. In that regard, they don't offer much more than my Badlands, which is tough as nails. I hunt mulies in some pretty rough, rocky terrain that is often best hunted with both hands free. Even then, taking a spill because of a rolling rock will happen (my beat up T/C Encore is proof that rifle stocks typically lose when in a collision with rock ). I like the protection and rapid accessibility offered by the Just One packs. That fact that they're half the price also makes them worthy of my consideration.

I have a J34 and use it for the same purposes you have described. It has not let me down. I went thru a long debate over brands when I purchased and have no regrets on my decision. Not to say that another brand wouldn't have me just as happy. That being said, one of the features that really sold me was the scabbard. For hiking in or out, or traversing rough terrain it is wonderful to be hands free. However, I don't rely on it being "quick access", it is just a little to clumsy.
I liked the pack so much I purchased an X1A1 for less aggressive day hunting near home.
Good luck with your new purchase.

RandleJ

quote:

Originally posted by randlej:
I liked the pack so much I purchased an X1A1 for less aggressive day hunting near home.

I fell into the same trap: I like my J107 so much that I also purchased an X1A1. It is a great little day-pack.

DesertRam, whatever you decide, I can't suggest too strongly that you do not buy a pack without first wearing & weighting it.

You've probably already come to that conclusion yourself, too. In my thinking, if I wouldn't buy high-end hiking boots w/o trying them on, I wouldn't buy a pack w/o wearing it either.

Someday I'll tell you the story about the boots...uuugh!

friar

The Just one packs are very nice and offer a lot of flexibility for any use you might have to add / subtract carrying space but are a little heavy and bulky for a day pack. My friends who have them or the Blue Widow end up using another smaller pack or a fanny pack for the day pack role. The X2 on the other hand is a perfect size for a day pack by itself and on mine I've got the rifle scabbard, an add-on fanny pack pouch, the butt bucket and the spike duffel available to strap on if I need that utility.

It is unbelievably rugged and capable for a smaller pack, will easily haul out an elk quarter and and you will find that you aren't switching back forth nearly as often with the X2 as another day pack.....it does work better on shorter torsos and not what you would choose for more than 1 or 2 nights - but a much more comfortable pack for me than the 2200.