I have a pretty good hike coming up here in a couple months through the mountains. I'll be packing 40-50 pounds of gear, a 14 pound rifle. I've been looking at the gunslinger but would a smaller pack work??
Need a good pack
- Thread starter PhOnEpHrEaK
- Start date
A lot is going to depend on what your hauling that makes up the 40-50 pounds, along with your personal preferences in a pack. The Gunslinger II could definitely fit the bill, and with the new Intex II frame system, should do just fine in making that load as comfortable & stable as possible. The scabbard should have no issues with your weapon, so I think you'd probably be GTG with that pack.
If you're wanting other suggestions for comparative purposes, then consider the X3 LoDrag and M5 Team Elk packs from Eberlestock. While the M5 is more of a dedicated hunting pack with wide mouth scabbard (only comes in hunting camo patterns, no solid color packs), it offers a great layout and could accommodate a good amount of gear and still be comfortable. The X3 LoDrag is a VERY popular pack among 'Hiders, and works great in the roles of daypack, match/range pack, etc. It won't be quite as stable as the Gunslinger II with heavier loads (uses a plastic framesheet for stability vs. the Intex II frame of the Gunslinger II), but I have seen them loaded to 50 pounds & perform well. It does offer a weight savings over the GS II, and could work, but it is hard to say that it would be more versatile or a better performer for your applications if you're leaning toward the Gunslinger II.
Hope this helps & please ask if you need further clarification.
Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com
If you're wanting other suggestions for comparative purposes, then consider the X3 LoDrag and M5 Team Elk packs from Eberlestock. While the M5 is more of a dedicated hunting pack with wide mouth scabbard (only comes in hunting camo patterns, no solid color packs), it offers a great layout and could accommodate a good amount of gear and still be comfortable. The X3 LoDrag is a VERY popular pack among 'Hiders, and works great in the roles of daypack, match/range pack, etc. It won't be quite as stable as the Gunslinger II with heavier loads (uses a plastic framesheet for stability vs. the Intex II frame of the Gunslinger II), but I have seen them loaded to 50 pounds & perform well. It does offer a weight savings over the GS II, and could work, but it is hard to say that it would be more versatile or a better performer for your applications if you're leaning toward the Gunslinger II.
Hope this helps & please ask if you need further clarification.
Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com
Well my load will consist of a small tarp, jacket, space blanket, GPS, about 200 rounds of ammo, food, 2-3 liter water bladder( may switch this out for canteens or another way to carry water), flares, food small/medium first aid kit, some sort of fire source, flashlight, map, and compass. These are what's going for sure. I may add a little to it before the trip but those are necessary. My rifle is a R700 with an M40 contour barrel in an AICS.
which pack would you recommend out of the two you mentioned?
which pack would you recommend out of the two you mentioned?
I have a couple of MR packs, recently purchased the new Metcalf pack and all I can say is "wow". Under 7 pounds with daypack lid with the nice frame makes this the lightest MR NF option so far. I have only been able to load this up and run a couple test day-hikes, but will be taking it on a 5-day hunt with my son this fall. No compartmentalization, but it is very functional. It also does not have the built-in scabbard, but I have no trouble attaching just about any style scabbard to this pack. The versatility is unmatched imo, but this is a bit pricy coming in just under $700 with a Nice Frame. This guy did a pretty good review:
Mystery Ranch Metcalf (2) - YouTube
Mystery Ranch Metcalf (2) - YouTube
