Blacks Creek and Eberlestock J34

Hi guys! First time posting here but have been reading here for some time.

So I'm in the market for a new pack for this coming deer season to replace my blacks creek Jim Horn Signature Alaskan pack. Overall I have not been impressed with the way the Blacks Creek distrubited the load when I have a whole quartered up black tail deer in it. For those that may not be familiry with the older Alaskan, when you unzipped the main bag the entire pack expanded outwards or directly back which made you feel very top heavy and ready to go over backwards when loaded down. Now I was looking at the J34 pack and after unzipping the main bag it seems like the bag would expand more to the sides as opposed to directly back like the blacks creek. Does anyone have any experience with both of these packs or can comment on how the J34 carries weight? I still have my old frame pack that does well but it is a pain to carry while on a spot and stalk type hunt.

I would like to suggest that you try the Horn Hunter Full Curl. It is an awsome pack that will do everything and carries weight great. The J34 or the Just one series carry weight like a drunk hooker hanging on your back!

Of course if the money is available Kifaru can't be beat for choices and comfort IMHO.

Good luck!

I've had dozens of packs thru the years and I now own only 2 that I use anymore. My Cabellas Alaska freighter is fine for trail or relativly easy terrain packing out animals and backpacking. My E-stock J104 is the most comfortable pack I've used and it works great for carrying out critters and packing camps.I use it on scouting and daytrips,backpacking and daily hunting. Its more comfortable than my daypacks. Haven't carried any drunk hookers tho. My J104 is 8 years old and I've never had any problems with it. Great packs IMHO!!

Thanks for the suggestions and will take a look at them. How about the badlands 4500? I know they have some issues with zippers but how about carrying heaving loads?

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I would steer you toward the Eberlestock pack since it has that rifle scabbard built in.