Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

[jeverett06]

Looking to buy either the gunslinger 2 or x3 lowdrag ebelestock packs. it will mostly be used for hunting whitetails in ok but want to be able to take out west for elk and mulies. I want to be able to carry my rifle along with a spotting scope as well with all the normal gear. Wanted to see which pack most guys thought would do the best job. Lets hear it.

Thanks,
Jr

 

[O_W]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

I have no experience with the x3 but I have hauled my GSII all over the upper midwest, west and canada and even parts of alaska hunting. I love it. i have made a couple of small custimazation to mine but that is specific to the gear I carry.

I have hauled 3 days worth of gear and food for a muley hunt very comfortably.

the one downside to the GSII over the GSI for hunting is the size of the gun scabbord. If you use a regulat sporter style stocked rifle it will shift around in there. I run a GAT stock on my 300 and it handles nicely. I also get my spotter/tripod in the scabbord with the rifle.

 

[triceratops3]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

no experience with the gs2 but if you plan on going out for much longer than a day then there will probably not be enough room in the x3.

My x3 has enough room for all my gear, ammo and a jacket for a day out shooting.

 

[threetrees]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

gs2 in dry earth - all the way.

 

[bribri]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

The x3 is considered more of a day pack and the GS2 is a multiple day pack.

I have the x3 and I carry my rifle, tripod, and spotting scope and lots of other gear, plus food and water for the day with ease.

 

[-Nick-]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

I had an X3 and I'm upgrading to the GS2. The X3 was nice, but I didn't care for how they set up the internal divider. If you're going out for more than a day you'll likely want the GS2.

 

[mpmilton]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

As everyone has stated, the x3 is a great one day pack but is a little lacking for space and does have an internal divider. But it is still a great pack.

 

[shotdown]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

It's kind of hard to determine what other gear you'll be carrying. I have the X3 and it definitely is a day pack. I have 100 rds of .308 in Pelican cases, a 4" shooting bag (round), sunglasses, Storm Tactical Data book, and a few other small items in the bottom compartment and it still has a little wiggle room left. I do have space in the top compartment and that's where I keep the Kestrel and Lens Pen. However, my mags and one of my shooting bags are attached to the outside molle of the X3 as to not take up a lot of space inside the bag.

In some ways I wish I had the G2 but I had a feeling I'd stuff it with tons of items making it too heavy.

 

[Mac62]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

I picked up the Phantom. It is similar to the GS2. I find it has enough space for the things I carry, but I'm a minimalist.
Tough, durable and comfortable pack. Well made. I don't often use the weapon carry system but it sure comes in handy when you need both hands to do something else.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

I'll piggyback on some other opinions voiced here. Based on what I'm reading, you don't need more than a day's with of gear and won't be loaded down with 30+ pounds. If this is the case, the X3 should be fine. However, the Gunslinger II can also fulfill this role and does have some advantages over the X3. First, you'll get approx. 600 cubic inches in added capacity that is easily compressed when not needed. Also, the GSCT Scabbard Butt Cover accessory is included with the pack (you'll need to buy it separately if you go with the X3). Finally, the internal layout offers a larger main internal compartment, which helps if you're hauling anything that vertical in nature.

The more info you can provide, the more I can narrow down your options.

Best of luck & just ask if you have additional questions. The crew here knows these packs well!

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

firstly hit up ceylonc here on the hide he is a hide dealer for eberlestock gear and very well respected for his customer service. he will answer all your questions and do you a great deal.i got my gs2 in off him.I find i can pack my rifle and few bits for 2 days or so happily enough in it. its well made and durable.

 

[mpmilton]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

Oh and DEFINITELY go through ceylonc, one of the best vendors on here and will gladly answer all your questions.

 

[SPDSNYPR]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mpmilton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh and DEFINITELY go through ceylonc, one of the best vendors on here and will gladly answer all your questions. </div></div>

Agreed

Our team snipers have both the original gunslinger, and we all went to the lodrag. Of course, it's not the same as the GS2, but the original GS is close in size. Frankly, the GS was too big. I'm big on having the size right, and don't like any slop. We generally don't have to pack a bunch of cold weather gear. The lodrag was and is perfect for what we carry (including small mats, slik tripods, spotters, ammo, log books, snivel gear, and whatever the individual thinks they may need for a callout).

Couldn't be more happy. Most of our GS packs sit on a shelf, but are there if we need a bigger pack.

 

[-Nick-]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The more info you can provide, the more I can narrow down your options.

Best of luck & just ask if you have additional questions. The crew here knows these packs well!

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com </div></div>

I've purchased multiple packs from Ceylon and he never disappoints. If you need knowledge and help making the best choice then I would call him first.

 

[DrewinTejas]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

will the X3 fit a 26" Barreled Rifle with a Manners T2?

 

[MTETM]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrewinTejas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">will the X3 fit a 26" Barreled Rifle with a Manners T2?</div></div>

Yes...
My wife carries a 28 inch rifle with Vortex Razor in an A-5 without any issues. She generally carries it muzzle up though...

 

[DrewinTejas]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

Just placed my order on the phone with Ceylon. Very helpful guy. Should have my x3 on Tuesday.

 

[jeverett06]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

Thanks everyone for the help, lotta good knowledge here. I believe I need to call and have a talk with the backpack man to make final determination. Hell ill prob just buy em both, then I wont have to worry about it.

 

[smokebomb]

Re: Gunslinger 2 vs x3 lowdrag...opinions?

I have the GS2 and couldn't be happier for it's use. It will carry everything, EVERYTHING, I need for a 3 day hiking trip. When I dont need to carry a sleeping bag, tent, food, gallon of water, binoculars...etc the pack collapses plenty small enough to be a biking/jogging backpack/hydration carrier.

The extra $100 was hard for me to spend, but Im very glad I did for the increased capabilities over the lowdrag.

After getting my first GS2, I promptly had to buy another as fiancee fell in love with mine. She hikes and jogs with hers, but also uses it as carry-on for airline travel.