I am considering a new backpack for a Wyoming deer hunt. I need to pack out quarters and have used a Cabela's packframe with a daypack strapped on in year's past, but was looking online at the Eberlestock X2 as it advertises being able to strap on quarters.
ANyone use one and have some comments? I was especially wondering if slinging a rifle was possible withthis pack? Thanks

They offer an add-on side scabbard to carry a rifle.

I have a J34, which has a built-in scabbard. Haven't hunted with it yet, but I think all the full size Eberlestock packs can handle quarters.

I'm shopping a little too right now and also really like the Horn Hunter "Full Curl".
I've heard great things about Barney's outfitter pack, but it's too much to justify when there are so many other good choices.

Pulled the trigger on the X2. I think it will work for me. If not after my Wyoming trip, EBAY!

quote:

Originally posted by Westernmassman:
Pulled the trigger on the X2. I think it will work for me. If not after my Wyoming trip, EBAY!

How did it go?

It worked really well for me. I was able to carry all my gear, organized, with room to spare. I didn't use it to pack out my Mulie, as I grabbed my Cabela's Packframe from my buddy and loaded that up for the 1.5 mile hike out. He carried my pack with his gear added. ( My buddy has a bad back so I am the mule on these hunts)

I used the pack in Massachusetts to haul my Heater Body Suit into my stand. It worked outstanding and really made a difference by using the side butterfly bags for lunch, coffee thermos, and small gear, and strapping on my pad. Don't think the 7 ptr appreciated me being able to sit on stand that long!

So for me the pluses are: capacity and load size adjustments, comfort, quality. The minuses are: fabric noise, and its empty weight.

I will keep the pack for western hunts and eastern stand hunting, but use my wool pack for eastern still hunting as its lighter and quiet.

quote:

I have a J34, which has a built-in scabbard

I've been thinking about the Eberlestock J34 pack pack too. What do you like about it.

I have a J34 pack that I really like. It is very comfortable after you get it adjusted to fit your torso.

The rifle scabbard works very well. The expansion feature of the pack works really well also.

Overall, a very nice pace for the money, a quality made product.

quote:

Originally posted by Jett:

quote:

I have a J34, which has a built-in scabbard

I've been thinking about the Eberlestock J34 pack pack too. What do you like about it.

I had a J34 and liked it, but as I was used to external frame packs the J34 was just too flimsy for me.

I upgraded to the J107 and I like it much better. The J107 is basically the same as the J34, but the J107 has an upgraded suspension and a frame panel.

IMO, the J107 is worth the extra cost(20% more).

BTW, after experiencing utility of the built in scabbard I can't see ever buying a pack without this feature.

JBrown

Many of the Eberlestock pack models seem to have that built in scabbard feature.

Is it awkward to get the gun out while you are wearing the packs?

quote:

Originally posted by Jett:
JBrown

Many of the Eberlestock pack models seem to have that built in scabbard feature.

Is it awkward to get the gun out while you are wearing the packs?

I think it might be difficult or awkward if the hunter was shorter, or if the rifle was exceptionally long(or if the rifle had an over-sized scope). But I think it would need to be a very short hunter, or a very long rifle.

I am 6'1" and I use standard sized bolt action hunting rifles(22" or 23" barrels, 13.75" length of pull) and I find that my rifles come out very smoothly with the pack on my back. In fact the packs have a couple of straps that are supposed to collapse the scabbard when not in use. I actually collapse the scabbard even when using it to carry a rifle and it still works great.

To get the rifle out I reach behind my head and grasp the rifle on the buttstock near the pistol grip. I lift up and use my other hand to grasp the forend, then I release my grip on the buttstock and lift the rifle free. It is much easier to do than explain. A very slick system.

The rifle is very easy to get out of the scabbard with a little practice.

You can also use scabbard for packing or storage if not carrying a rifle.