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Eberlestock Pack

Driftwood

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 28, 2009
503
1
Idaho, USA
I am interested in a Eberlestock pack. I am currently looking at the G3 and the G4. I am not sure what the diffrences are. If you have any experience with either pack I would like to hear which one you think is better and why.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

I just got the G3. Came in Friday. It is awsome. What are you planning on using if for. I was supprised how many pockets it has inside and out. I really like that you can put a tripod in the side pocket.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

I had a G3. Really did not like it. It has no adjustability for height. The "frame" is just a plastic sheet that did not work well for me loaded with a gun and gear of 50 lbs.

The pack has some nice features, but was just too uncomfortable for me. I sold it at a loss and got a Kifaru Navigator, which is light years ahead in adjustability and comfort. I can carry a rifle on the Navigator with the gun bearer.

YMMV.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am interested in a Eberlestock pack. I am currently looking at the G3 and the G4. I am not sure what the diffrences are. If you have any experience with either pack I would like to hear which one you think is better and why. </div></div>

As far as which pack is better, it is going to come down to YOUR intended usage/applications. Both have unique design features that may or may not be right for what you want to do.

As far as differences between the two packs, here are a few:
<span style="font-weight: bold">Phantom</span>--4,500 c.i. of capacity (scabbard included); removable scabbard (becomes a drag bag); front load access; radio shelf; side hydration pockets;
<span style="font-weight: bold">Operator</span>--5,000 c.i. of capacity (scabbard included); integrated scabbard (not removable); front and top load access; side hydration pockets; 2 front accessory pockets;

Hope this helps. Let us know what you are going to do with the pack & we can specifically recommend one for you.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

I wanted a "do all" pack. I planned to use it as a check on or carry on if it was small enough when traveling to and from home from overseas. While in Iraq as a 3 day work pack/bug out bag. Back home using the bag for attending any sniper courses or competitions as well as hunting/light backpacking (2-5 days). I planned to use it as a range bag as well. I like the G3's ability to dump the dragbag when not in use, as I don't see me using that feature as much. However,I do like having the ablity to stow my long gun safely in the pack. I appreciate your help.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wanted a "do all" pack. I planned to use it as a check on or carry on if it was small enough when traveling to and from home from overseas. While in Iraq as a 3 day work pack/bug out bag. Back home using the bag for attending any sniper courses or competitions as well as hunting/light backpacking (2-5 days). I planned to use it as a range bag as well. I like the G3's ability to dump the dragbag when not in use, as I don't see me using that feature as much. However,I do like having the ablity to stow my long gun safely in the pack. I appreciate your help. </div></div>
If you're wanting to use the pack for commercial air travel as a carry on then you want the Phantom. The Operator is going to be too big for that application. I'd look at the Phantom or Gunslinger II if I were you.

Best of luck to you.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're wanting to use the pack for commercial air travel as a carry on then you want the Phantom. The Operator is going to be too big for that application. I'd look at the Phantom or Gunslinger II if I were you.</div></div>
I haven't flown with my Operator (yet?
smile.gif
), but - depending on how heavily it's packed - I think it could go as carry-on. I regularly see people carrying bigger and heavier suitcases aboard with them, and backpacks tend to cause less resistance (compared to suitcases or roll-aboards).
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

I wonder if I could squish the operator down with compression straps. I could always just check it on. I just want it to be functional. I think the G3 may be more what I am looking for. My home is in Boise where they are made, I may just wait until I am home next and run by the factory and see which one I like better. Thanks for the input.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wonder if I could squish the operator down with compression straps. I could always just check it on. I just want it to be functional. I think the G3 may be more what I am looking for. My home is in Boise where they are made, I may just wait until I am home next and run by the factory and see which one I like better. Thanks for the input.
</div></div>
The Operator does have compression straps that will help with getting it to comform to the airline's sizing standard. It is all going to depend on how much you like to pack while travelling. You can stuff a LOT of clothing into a Gunslinger II and still have it fit in an overhead compartment and the sizing bin by the boarding gate. The Operator is much larger, both from a dimensions and internal capacity standpoint. You could pack it lightly, compress it where need be, and still have a flight attendent Nazi force you to check it because it's longer than the sizing test bin. Then again, if the crew is having a good day you could probably get by with it and have it fit in an overhead compartment just fine.

You're rolling the dice but it may not be a big deal to you either way. Bottom line is to get the pack that best suits the MAJORITY of your applications & not worry so much about the few times a year you might need it to do something else...

If you go to the Boise factory store, be ready to be amazed with all the ways you can accessorize your pack! Glen, Gail & Karen are very knowledgeable & will patiently show you all the options out there.

Best of luck to you.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

Received my Operator Monday from Ceylon. It
made both the pns-atl and atl-iah legs in the overhead bin yesterday as an experiment. It could definitely be overloaded if you tried. Had a laptop and IPad in scabbard.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wonder if I could squish the operator down with compression straps. I could always just check it on. I just want it to be functional. I think the G3 may be more what I am looking for. My home is in Boise where they are made, I may just wait until I am home next and run by the factory and see which one I like better. Thanks for the input.
</div></div>
The Operator does have compression straps that will help with getting it to comform to the airline's sizing standard. It is all going to depend on how much you like to pack while travelling. You can stuff a LOT of clothing into a Gunslinger II and still have it fit in an overhead compartment and the sizing bin by the boarding gate. The Operator is much larger, both from a dimensions and internal capacity standpoint. You could pack it lightly, compress it where need be, and still have a flight attendent Nazi force you to check it because it's longer than the sizing test bin. Then again, if the crew is having a good day you could probably get by with it and have it fit in an overhead compartment just fine.

You're rolling the dice but it may not be a big deal to you either way. Bottom line is to get the pack that best suits the MAJORITY of your applications & not worry so much about the few times a year you might need it to do something else...

If you go to the Boise factory store, be ready to be amazed with all the ways you can accessorize your pack! Glen, Gail & Karen are very knowledgeable & will patiently show you all the options out there.

Best of luck to you.</div></div>

Out of curiosity, has anyone ever been forced to put their packs into those sizing bin by the gates? Every time I've flown with oversized backpacks (the regular kind), they just ignore me at the gate. I've yet to once have to test out a bag in the sizing bin...and wondered if by this point they're just a scare tactic.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of curiosity, has anyone ever been forced to put their packs into those sizing bin by the gates?</div></div>
Yes - twice or so, about 15 years ago. Can't recall anything more recent.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Every time I've flown with oversized backpacks (the regular kind), they just ignore me at the gate.</div></div>
Same here - and my pack is smaller than what many are carrying on board (also unobstructed and un-harassed).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've yet to once have to test out a bag in the sizing bin...and wondered if by this point they're just a scare tactic.</div></div>
They <span style="text-decoration: underline">can</span> enforce that rule, and often do so on small puddle-jumpers (where overhead bins could fit one hat, but not two). Rarely on decent-size jets.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

I have never had to try the bin. I have had some questioning looks.

I travel enough that I have my TSA routine down pat, however the Operator caused me to spend some extra time at a check point this week. I had the laptop and the Ipad in the scabbard. I took the laptop out as usual but forgot about the Ipad. Xray operator did not like that. I had the whole bag searched. Talk about trying to figure out how many hidey holes the G4 has!
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

How big is a G3 compared to a Camelbak "Motherlode"? How big is the G2 compared to the G3? I like the ability to topload with both the G2 and G4, but like the ablity to ditch the scabbord of the G3.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

For hunting purposes only, I know more guys that have used Eberlestock packs and sold them than guys that kept them. And these are typically guys that USE their packs instead of just barely get off the road. They don't hold a ton of weight very comfortable when compared to other 'hunting' packs. These guys typically either go for the BlacksCreek, Badlands, or Mystery Ranch if they want to spend the cash....

My roommate used a Blackscreek Canadian to haul out HALF a bull elk plus head/horns and gear 8 miles outta a wilderness unit this year and the pack held up great. He used to have a Eberlestock but sold it... and just recieved his Mystery Ranch and loves it. I've used a Badlands 2200 for 5 years now and it is AWESOME and their warranty is one of the best in the business. Just my .02 hope it helps.

Mike
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

Thanks Mike.... I see you are a Broncos fan! LOL I am guessing not. I have some friends at home that are U of I alumni. I graduated from BSU so its fun to tease them. I have read where others have not liked the internal frame system. I like the bag, but can see where it may need more of a frame. Thanks for the input. I looked up the capacity of the motherlode..2100 cubic inches. It gives me a reference as to the size of the packs. I am currently using an older version of the Motherlode as a bugout/daypack. I can put all my bullets,bandages,some water and a little gear in it. I don't like the suspension system or the lack of one I should say. I wonder if the Eberlestock packs are similar.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Mike.... I see you are a Broncos fan! LOL I am guessing not. I have some friends at home that are U of I alumni. I graduated from BSU so its fun to tease them. I have read where others have not liked the internal frame system. I like the bag, but can see where it may need more of a frame. Thanks for the input. I looked up the capacity of the motherlode..2100 cubic inches. It gives me a reference as to the size of the packs. I am currently using an older version of the Motherlode as a bugout/daypack. I can put all my bullets,bandages,some water and a little gear in it. I don't like the suspension system or the lack of one I should say. I wonder if the Eberlestock packs are similar. </div></div>

Vandals all the way! haha
I personally haven't used the Eberlestock packs as I heard enough about them to avoid them for hard hunting use. The badlands 2200 is an phenomenal pack at 2200 cubic inches. Last year when I shot my bull, I opted for my 2200 as a meat pack instead of a pack frame just because I can adjust the 'batwing' style sides to keep a typically wobbly load of boned out meat up high and close to my back. It also has an internal aluminum frame that you can adjust the shape to fit your back. I've had as much as 115 lbs in mine and it was very stable even if my legs were not.

The thing I'm most impressed is I've used it with as little as 5 lbs of lunch and water +knives and first aide stuff and it compresses down to a very small pack, yet I can throw an elk quarter and head/horns onto the frame for the trip back to the truck/trailhead thus saving a worthless trip with little meat to get the packframes. Their warranty is lifetime unconditional. You buy a broken one at a garage sale and they will fix it/replace it with only cost of shipping to them no questions asked.

It could very well be used as a carry-on as well because it does compress down to a very manageable size. Best of luck.

Mike
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boogyman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Phantom, brand new, for sale if anyone is interested. </div></div>

No you dont. You lack the post count to sell anything on this site. The rules for selling items does not just apply to the "For Sale Section". I suggest that you read the rules and follow them, or Im sure one of the mods will cut your time here short.
 
Re: Eberlestock Pack

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJohnson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For hunting purposes only, I know more guys that have used Eberlestock packs and sold them than guys that kept them. And these are typically guys that USE their packs instead of just barely get off the road. They don't hold a ton of weight very comfortable when compared to other 'hunting' packs. These guys typically either go for the BlacksCreek, Badlands, or Mystery Ranch if they want to spend the cash....

My roommate used a Blackscreek Canadian to haul out HALF a bull elk plus head/horns and gear 8 miles outta a wilderness unit this year and the pack held up great. He used to have a Eberlestock but sold it... and just recieved his Mystery Ranch and loves it. I've used a Badlands 2200 for 5 years now and it is AWESOME and their warranty is one of the best in the business. Just my .02 hope it helps.

Mike </div></div>
To the OP, please check your PM. Wanted to share some suggestions regarding your question that probably should not be posted on this thread.

Bottom line... you owe it to yourself to test & evaluate a number of different packs & manufacturers. DON'T eliminate a model or brand due to reading opinions that are based on heresay and not actual usage.

Best of luck to you.