Which Eberlestock?????

Passionforelk16 · May 1, 2013

I have narrowed it down to the Eberlestock JP9 Blue Widow, J107 Dragonfly and the J34 Just one. I have watched the videos and read some of the reviews here on MM. The pack will be used on 2-3 day trips and used as a summertime pack when out scouting.

I do have a few questions:
Will the pack cinch down enought for a 31" waist?
Can you remove the scaabbard from the J107 and the J34?

If anyone has experience with any of these packs please share.

Thanks in advance

fatrooster · May 1, 2013

I like the J107 Dragonfly. I just got one but haven't used it yet. But I've used the J105 for about 6 years and was very happy with it. The scabbard did not come out but did fold up and out of the way into the pack. I love the rifle scabbard because I like to leave my spotting scope attached to the tripod and then slide the tripod down into the scabbard.
I do not know if the waist belt will cinch down to 31" but I think it will. fatrooster.

falloutwest · May 1, 2013

I have one of the original "Just One" packs from Eberlestock that is 10 years old. It has been a good pack, but it is time for an upgrade. After much research and a few trips to Sportsman's, I am going with the new Eberlestock M5. I like the fact that it is 3,100 CU and has a lightweight external aluminum frame (similar to the X2). Should handle heavier loads much better than the internal frame packs.

Tank · May 3, 2013

I have the Dragonfly, since I bought mine 4 buddies bought the Blue Widow. I like the ability to drop a tripod and spotting scope in the gun scabbard when I am bow hunting. I have a 32 waist and you won't have a problem with the belt. It is a very versatile pack, because you can go in with a 2200c.i. pack and come out with a 4500c.i. pack full of meat. Plus the meat actually cools because of the mesh zip out, so you don't spoil your meat. If I had it to do over, I would still go with the Dragonfly, but during the bow hunt the ounce counter in me wishes my pack was a pound lighter.

Tank · May 3, 2013

And no you can't zip out the scabbard on the Dragonfly.

Passionforelk16 · May 3, 2013

Thanks for all the information guys!

falloutwest, how does the M5 compare to the J107.

tank-does the scarbbard get in your way when your not using it? How do your buddies like their Blue Widow?

Tank · May 3, 2013

My buddies are all bow hunters, but they are about to find out how nice it is to have the scabbard this year. Too many years of chasing nice bucks and bulls without success is taking its toll. There is talk about going to the dark side and killing a couple bulls with rifles that haunt our dreams every year before they die of old age. We all have multiple brand name packs and the Eberlestock is the go to because it is so versatile. The other packs stay in the closet for friends who might need them.

THe scabbard can tuck back up into the bottom of the pack if you don't need the full length.

falloutwest · May 4, 2013

The J107 does have the versatility of expanding for heavier loads, but I have always found with my Just One that the pack becomes too awkward when it is fully unzipped and filled with a bunch of low-sitting weigh. The beauty of the M5 is that it still has a large main compartment that will carry a lot, including meat, but with the external aluminum frame, which also has a shelf built into it and compression straps, you can position quarters or boned-out meat to the outside of the pack on the aluminum shelf. Add in dual scope/hydration side pockets, a gunslinger two-type lid, a gun scabbard and bow carrier, and waist belt pockets, and this pack has everything I want.

Once you have hunted with a pack with a built-in rifle scabbard, it is hard to imagine hunting without one. Hands free rifle hunting with your gun at the ready just behind your head is hard to beat....especially if you are doing a lot of hiking. You wont regret getting any of the top end Eberlestock packs.....