Eberlestock Mini Me - Big Pack in a Small Package

[Whip]

I haven't previously carried the Eberlestock Mini Me packs.  To be honest, I just thought that they would be too small to be useful for the average bowhunter.  However after seeing one in person for the first time I have to say I am impressed.

I'd like to get other opinions on this pack before stocking up a lot of inventory on it.  I will be bringing a couple with me to the PBS Odd Year gathering and also to Denton Hill so that you can get a first hand look at them.

In the meantime, here is a pictorial of this impressive little pack.  I think I might need one for myself!

The pack is rated at 800 cubic inches.  Doesn't' sound like much room.  But the way it is laid out and some of the features make great use of the space available, and as you will see, the built in Bird Bag really adds versatility.

This one is shown in Mossy Oak Brush camo.

 

Here it is with a bow on top to give you an idea of the size.
 

Front pocket for small items.

 

Front pouch for spotting scope or other long easily accessible gear.

 

Included with the pack is a 100 ounce water bladder that goes in this compartment.  There is also quite a bit of space for gear in this spot.

 

[awbowman]

Seems like a great day pack to me given some of the packable rain gear out right now.  What would be the price?

[Matt Quick]

I really like that pack for late spring/summer pig hunts.  It carries plenty of water and has just enough room for the rest of your stuff.  Been using it for two summers.

[Whip]

Behind the water compartment (closer to your back as you are wearing it) is another compartment that is zippered all the way around.  Partially unzip it for a deep storage spot for more gear.  Or unzip it all the way around and it opens up to allow an optional rifle or bow scabbard to slip inside.  Personally, I don't want my bow riding on my back, so I will likely leave this pocket zipped up and use it for rain gear, a vest, or game bags.

 

This view shows that pocket fully unzipped.

 

Inside a zippered storage compartment on the bottom of the pack is found a Bird Bag, which is a mesh type bag that could be used to carry small game, extra clothing, or larger bulkier items.

 

 

On the lower part of each side of the pack is a small zippered compartment that hides a pull out waist belt.  In many cases while using this small of a pack a belt won't be necessary, but for those times when you might have it loaded up a bit it is nice to have the option.

 

[Whip]

I have just added the Mini Me as a listed product on my website. (See link below) Pricing information is available there.  If you have looked on the site recently you may have to hit "refresh" on your browser to see the new changes.

[Gen273]

This looks to be a really thought out small pack.

I like it.

[Pete McMiller]

Nice looking pack Joe.  I like this size and hunt with a very similar sized pack, any bigger and I end up taking way too much stuff with me.  You think the bird bag is big enough for an elk backstrap or two?  Looking forward to seeing it up close at PBS.

[Dan Adair]

Oh how I miss the days when I hunted within a mile of a road  :D

On day trips I take a Mystery Ranch Crewcab.  That load shelf can fit an entire boned out deer in there or a boned out Elk quarter and backstraps/tenderloins (don't ask me how I know that)

[Scott Teaschner]

Whip,
I have one and it is a nice pack. I bought mine for Mule Deer and antelope hunting my x2 was just a little big for hunting from the truck. The one thing I will fault it is with a rifle and a filled water blader it is tight not much room. The game bag takes up quite a bit of room when stuffed inside. I am a pack man I love packs they all lack something some where and have there strenghts else where. For what it is it is an awesome pack I even like it for 3D shoots. The blader it comes with is very nice holds a good amount of water and easy to clean. All in all I give it a two thumbs up. Its a reasonably priced pack also.
Scott

[shdwhwk]

Had one last year for a couple of months, ok as a hydro/day pack. Would have been better without the bird bag & rifle slot, just too much for a small pack. Ended up selling it, just didn't work out for me.  

 Decided to go bigger and get a Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer -- now that's a daypack  

[Whip]

Pete, I think it could probably do backstraps in a pinch - you can check it out next week.  But if I hope to be hauling meat, personally I will be carrying my X2 pack.  I think that is a better one for in the mountains.  

Where I think this little Mini Me would be good might be like an antelope blind as Scott suggested, a turkey or small game hunt, or a southern hog/javilina hunt.  

Packs are like womens purses. You need more than one!    

shdwhwk, my thought on the rifle slot would be to just use that as a seperate compartment.  If you only unzip the top half it functions just fine as a place to stow a variety of items.  On the bird bag, I suppose that could be taken out if a person didn't want it, but I think it might come in handy for a number of different uses.

I appreciate the feed back.  I'm trying to decide if I should order more of these to have a good supply in inventory.

[MT Longbow]

Fellas, with this pack on do you think you could sling a large Howard Hill back quiver over it and still have the quiver  be functional??

thanks,

Patrick

[shdwhwk]

Whip,

The problem I had with using the rifle slot as storage, the weight of the water bladder was pushed out further from your back and allowed more side to side movement when your moving.
 The bird bag would've been ok if it was removeable (zipper, straps/buckles), I put 10lbs of weight in to test it (bird bag)with 3ltrs of water and a jacket -- would work, but not well.

Other than that, the pack seems well built. My neighbor bought it from me, his 12yr old boy used on a hunt and now won't give back, so there are those who like it.

 Went through 3 other big name daypacks, before finding the one that worked for me...just a bit pickier I suppose.

[Scott Teaschner]

Patrick,
I dont use a back quiver but every thing I have read on how they function I would have to say it would alter how the BQ works. I dont see how you could you use any thing other than BQ with out sacrficeing its function. I think Rod Jenkins Quiver would work well with any pack.
Scott

[Whip]

I don't use a back quiver either, but I would guess that Scott is right.  I think any pack is going to interfere with a back quiver.  The Safari Tuff quivers work great with a pack on, and I think any side style quiver would work as well.

[huntin_sparty]

Thanks for the review.  I love Eberlestock packs I have the Blue Widow and the tailhook for lighter excursions.

[Oliverstacy]

Looks just about perfect for a day hunt pack here in Michigan when you're not going to be gone for long.

That is about just the size I need!  Small enough that when I hunt a morning and night close to home it will carry all I would need...strap on a RS Mini or Arrowmaster and you'd be good to go.

Joe...going to have to give you a call on this...darn I don't need a 3rd pack but oh well!

Josh