Now that I've put several miles on this pack I'll give my review. I bought this from Whip and his service was great. I also bought the buckle replacement kit (about 6 different buckles) so that I can make repairs in the field if a buckle fails or I smash it in the door or tailgate.
My initial thoughts on first receiving the pack was that it was well constructed. The material is soft and quiet, doesn't make the nylon "zipping" noise when you run your fingernails across it that even some brushed materials make. Speaking of zippers, the zippers are nice waterproof (except zippered waist pockets) zippers that open and close smoothly and quietly. The waistbelt zippers have large finger ring pulls to help open them since they can be difficult to get to when closed and behind you. There are plenty of pockets and areas to store things. I can reach back and get things out of the side mesh pockets (like trim shears). There's also plenty of lash points everywhere, something my last pack was missing and my biggest complaint with that old pack. The side pocket holds my Platypus Big Zip 2.0L with room to spare, or my Nalgene bottle (for sports drink mixes or filtration). I have a 19" torso, as measured by the pack device at Gander, and this pack fits nicely length-wise. The top sits below my shoulders, I know some don't like that for use of load adjusters but for a day pack with the lighter weights I'll usually be carrying I kind of prefer that for maneuverability. It rides nice and stays out of my way for shooting. I was able to stuff all my calls, decoys, extra clothes, and carry a 19# tom this past turkey season, no problem. The mesh back and air space does help keep my back cooler on these summer hikes. As far as cons: First off I have the creaking problem, bad. The pack creaks every step. It's not coming from the adjustable strap as described on Eberlestock website but from the bottom web sling that acts as a pocket for the frame. If I hold the strap taut while walking it silences the issue. I plan on getting some friction tape to wrap the frame in but haven't done that yet. Other than that I'd say the waist belt seems to be the biggest weakness. It's well padded and has pockets but I seem to have a problem keeping it tight on my (hopefully shrinking 34") waist. It's got lots (too much?) of strap on both sides but it seems I'm always trying to cinch it up tighter to keep the weight riding on my hips rather then my shoulders, don't know if that's because the back area where the sides of the belt hinge is too wide. Just seems the first time I put it on I have to adjust the waist back down and again later as I'm hiking from time to time. It also tends to push my pants down around my waist if I'm not wearing a belt, which seems to indicate it's riding a little high. The other complaint I have is the pockets on the waist belt could stand to be gusseted a little more, perhaps only 1". It's a tight fit to even put a pocket camera in and out of them, which would be where I'd want it, even getting my slim phone out can be somewhat difficult. This will be where I store my flashlight, compass, and calls come elk season, it's too small for the topo map.
All-in-all it's a solid pack and I look forward to using it for years to come. I've been weighing it down with weights but hope to give a report on how it packs elk out later this fall.
Topic: New Pack for Elk Hunting - Updated with Super Spike pics Pg 3 (Read 3316 times)
