Posted: 2/10/2012 6:40:03 PM EDT
| How are they for actual hiking? I'm sure the gunslinger is good for a hunting trip but what about keeping the load tight and comfortable for a couple days over rough turain? |
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Like most things, there's a bit of a compromise. Eberlestock packs are generally pretty comfortable and capable, but that capability comes with a price. Weight. The gunbearer models add weight, and if you're not carrying a rifle, it's dead weight. Some models have a lot of molle, and if you're not using thaat either, it's more weight. Also, most of the packs are designed for guides and/or packing out lots of game and gear, so they're freaking huge. Great if you need it, not ideal for weekend hiking on the AT?
It just depends on what your primary use and budget are. My solution is more than one pack. An Eberlestock for hunting/combat type use, a lightweight Arc'teryx for most backpacking/moutaineering, and a smaller daypack for day hikes/tourist use. Buying one pack for all uses means compromising weight, capacity, comfort, etc. If you are in that boat, you have to decide what's most important. But overall, Eberlestock packs are pretty comfortable. Their waistbelts are some of the best designed in the business, and the fact that they're removeqble/replaceable is awesome. Az |
| Original Gunslinger owner here. Heavy but tough, wish it had some kind of frame. There have been many improvements to newer models. It is not sized well for someone with a long torso (I am only 6' 1''). If you are not using the scabbard it pulls the pack away from your body. I have used it for around 75 miles of The Long and Appalacian Trails. |
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Quoted: Original Gunslinger owner here. Heavy but tough, wish it had some kind of frame. There have been many improvements to newer models. It is not sized well for someone with a long torso (I am only 6' 1''). If you are not using the scabbard it pulls the pack away from your body. I have used it for around 75 miles of The Long and Appalacian Trails. There is a frame listed under accessories on their website. I think it goes in the rifle scabbard There are eber packs with frames the dragonfly model looks like it has, still that's getting into a pricey pack for something made in china or where ever. I kind of want to play with one...
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Original Gunslinger owner here. Heavy but tough, wish it had some kind of frame. There have been many improvements to newer models. It is not sized well for someone with a long torso (I am only 6' 1''). If you are not using the scabbard it pulls the pack away from your body. I have used it for around 75 miles of The Long and Appalacian Trails. There is a frame listed under accessories on their website. I think it goes in the rifle scabbard There are eber packs with frames the dragonfly model looks like it has, still that's getting into a pricey pack for something made in china or where ever. I kind of want to play with one... gunslinger was $169 directly from them when I bought it in 2005ish. They are like $100 more now, not worth it IMHO. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Original Gunslinger owner here. Heavy but tough, wish it had some kind of frame. There have been many improvements to newer models. It is not sized well for someone with a long torso (I am only 6' 1''). If you are not using the scabbard it pulls the pack away from your body. I have used it for around 75 miles of The Long and Appalacian Trails. There is a frame listed under accessories on their website. I think it goes in the rifle scabbard There are eber packs with frames the dragonfly model looks like it has, still that's getting into a pricey pack for something made in china or where ever. I kind of want to play with one... i cant believe i lived with that for years and hiked god knows how many miles with a 50+ lbs pack. Thanks for the heads up 
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