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Posted: 3/12/2012 6:10:51 PM EDT
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I am in the market for a new back to use for hunting mostly elk and deer all along the western edge of Idaho as well as for a general use pack for 2-3 day hikes through the mountains(about all work will allow). I am 6'3" and about 290lbs.
I am currently looking at a J107M Dragon Fly or Gunslinger II. I am looking for people that have used them and how they have stood up and any 1st hand experience people have. This will be my first real pack of any kind as I am from the midwest and we don't have to much need for them, |
| I don't have any first hand experience but I will say that the folks over on other forums speak very, very highly of them. I wish I had gone with one of their packs instead of the Voodoo Praetorean I purchased... I have been pretty disappointed with it, but at 1/3 the cost, I couldn't help but at least try the Voodoo. |
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Eberlestock packs are solid performers. I have had several(Halftrack, Gunslinger, Low-Drag, Phantom). Down to just the Low-Drag now. They are built like tanks and have nice features. The rifle carrier is the best feature and it works just as described. The packs are a bit heavy compared to similar sized packs from Mystery Ranch or others and the harness system is not as nice as Mystery Ranch. But, you will definately get your money's worth and have a solid pack that will last a lifetime.
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I have both of the one's you listed.
About two years ago I bought the J107m for $130 used off a soldier(Thanks Cole !) from Ft. Campbell. He used it in Asscrackistan while deployed it looked almost new except for all the dust! I figured if it could go there and back, I couldn't hurt it so I bought it, as I was curious about the packs but didn't want to commit the $ on one and find out I didn't like it. It is a solid pack very comfortable to carry a load with lots of organization,but they are a bit heavy. I really liked how you could expand it to make it bigger. The only thing I didn't like was the small gun scabbard. But I could still put a AR without a mag in it,same for AK's (no mag) I used it for about a year and a half then gave it to my daughter (she thinks it's the coolest pack ever! her words) when I got the Gunslinger II. The Gunslinger II is what I was looking for with the wide scabbard and top&front loading design,lots of pals webbing inside and out. The harness is the same as the J107m so it's very comfortable. Either one will serve you well! |
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I have an eberlestock lowspeed and it worked great for mule deer in the mountains here in ID.
I packed my rifle, spotting scope,basic gutting/hunting stuff, food and water in there and still had some room for more if i needed, plus the molle on the outside if I needed to attach more. |
| Here is some options http://www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17605&cat=251&page=1 and the http://www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17530&cat=251&page=1... Pricey but seen them at Shot have not used them so if you wanna try them out here yah go.. Just some options. |
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Thanks for all of the information. I had a chance to go and try them on this past week and will be going with the gunslinger II I believe.
The last question I have is I am looking for a way to carry a M&P .40 on the lower straps (that go around your hips). I want it to be concealed or at least not obvious that I have a pistol as I am not huge on open carry. I thought of just putting a gp type pouch with 2 or 3 mag pouches, but not sure if this would be a great method? |
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I have the Gunslinger II. Used it on a 3 day trek with a friend - it held up exceedingly well. It's very comfortable, and the weight is mostly on your hips if you set it up right.
I also loaded it up when I went out to the shooting range, put all my guns in it, with ammo. Came to probably 80 pounds or so, and it still worked well |
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