Hunting Backpacks - your Opinion

[scootrd]

Has anyone used these Eberlestock Packs?
To be honest I'm not sure I understand the Scabbard idea. Wouldn't you have to take your pack off every time you want to sit?
Wouldn't the rifle butt keep hitting you in the head? Wouldn't the weight loaded in pack so far away from your back
force you to lean too far forward to compensate? Doesn't seem there is ease of access to your rifle during chance encounters.



I would think a more practical solution would be a sensible lightweight frame pack that incorporates the use of a Kifaru GunBearer quick release sling. Your thoughts? Anyone have any real back country experience with either of these two products?

[teamnelson]

Not with those two products, although I've heard good reports on the Kifaru from some friends. Depending on what you want to do, an inexpensive Molle Scabbard (like $20 on Ebay) can attach to a lot of different (cheaper) packs; like an milsurp Alice or Molle w/frame.

[mcwoodduck]

I think the idea of the scabbord in the pack is to snug the rifle after the kill, allowing you to use both hands to drag / pull what ever you do to get the deer out and not have a slung rifle keep trying to slide down your arm, or allow you two hands to cross logs over creeks and other obstructions.
After all why would you be hunting with the rifle in the pack.  I have jumped too many critters while walking through the woods.
And As I found out with my M29 on my hip.  You will never out draw a whitetail in the woods.

[scootrd]

Thanks for the response. I tend to agree with you , can't see getting the rifle out of Eberlestock scabbard in time for a quick shot.

I think the latter design (a sensible sturdy pack ) combined with the Kifaru GunBearer quick release sling seems the more practical solution
and the one I'm leaning towards for weekend over nighters (have 2 planned)  .

A Friend recently bought a used Kifaru "Day Stalker " off his uncle.
Pack Weight: under 3 LBS.
Not sure what his add-ons weigh  -  but it came with GunBearer System, Rain Cover, Water Bladder, Cargo Chair, and a few other add-ons. 
He paid about 235.00. Say's it's the best investment he has made in quite a while.

I gotta admit the internal frame looks pretty comfortable and snug. 

[teamnelson]

$235 would more than cover a surplus milspec internal frame Molle system which could give you everything but the chair. Say $10 for a 3 legged folder, and I'm certain you'd have $ left over for ammo and such. I'm going to go check to make sure, but I'm pretty certain.

I like Kifaru, don't get me wrong. But I'm cheap ...

[bilmac]

Scooter.
I think you pretty well have it figured on this pack. Another problem is the weight of the rifle is all on one side. I prefer to carry my rifle in hand if I'm carrying a heavy load.