On my recent Wyoming elk scouting trip I had the opportunity to put a new pack through the paces and give it a good field test.
As you may know, Eberlestock makes some great hunting packs, and they have been some of the most popular ones that I sell. Unfortunately, they had a warehouse fire last winter, and the most popular model - the X2 - has not been available until now. I finally received a shipment just in time for my western trip.
The good news is that during the wait the X2 pack has been redesigned to incorporate new features that makes it an even better pack for the type of hunting that I do. Some of the new features are a better suspension system and upgraded waist belt, and most importantly to me, a rigid light weight frame that gives the pack the ability to handle heavy loads extremely well.
One lesson I learned long ago in the mountains is to be prepared to be successful. The last thing you want to do when you get an animal on the ground miles away from the truck is to have to hike back to retrieve a pack frame. I want the ability to haul a good load of meat out on my first trip out, and this X2 pack can do that very well.
I also like to carry a fair amount of gear with me when I hunt the mountains. Lots of water. Food, emergency supplies, and meat processing gear are always with me. Add rain gear and other miscellaneous gear and pretty soon you find yourself carrying a fair amount of weight. I want a pack that can do that without a lot of strain on my shoulders.
The new frame system on the X2 distributes the weight of a heavy load extremely well. One afternoon I loaded the pack up with 55# of rocks and carried it up and down the mountain and all the way back to camp. I was really impressed with how it balanced the load between my shoulders and hips comfortably.
Here is a look at the frame system.
A large center compartment provides plenty of storage for bulky items, and the two side bat wing compartments are great for smaller items and are both hydration compatible.
The wide shoulder straps distribute the weight well and offer two separate adjustments to level the load.
Internal pockets on each side compartment are perfect for a spotting scope and tripod.
External compression straps and multiple attachment points allow a load of meat to be strapped to the outside of the pack easily.
The pack rides great on my back and allowed me to slip easily through the tight stuff while ducking under limbs or squeezing between trees.
Overall, I am very impressed with the new X2 pack, and it will be on my back on a daily basis next month. I'm hoping to add a picture showing it carrying a large quarter of elk next time instead of having a bunch of rocks stuffed inside!
Topic: New Pack for Elk Hunting - Updated with Super Spike pics Pg 3 (Read 2542 times)
