Question on Eberlestock day packs...w

[The Oregonian]

First elk hunt this coming fall...will need a pack with a scabbard and enough room for the essentials as well as a spotting scope and tripod, it won't be an overnight pack, just for full day excursions.

I wouldn't like to spend any more than necessary but price is not the main factor. I want something that will allow me to enjoy my hunt and have easy access to things I may need quickly (rifle, rangefinder, etc) and enough room for various clothes as the weather changes or we get on a hard hike, water, snacks, etc.

Seems like the gun runner and team elk seem to fit the bill, with the team elk giving easier access to spotting scopes, etc. I am not concerned with the extra $100 if the team elk is the way to go.

Any input or advice from folks who have owned and used any of these in a similar way to how i will use mine?

Thx

Tom

 

[shooter7]

I run a Team Elk. I purchased it right before the 2016 season from a buddy who purchased a stone glacier. The Team Elk fits my very large 300wm and enough gear to overnight in the early season. It's a very well thought out pack that gives you what you need to take a large load out on your first trip. I would highly recommend it if your budget allows. I looked at the gun runner right before I got this and I didnt feel like it had enough room for everything I wanted, and it would have more than likely lead me to purchasing a separate frame just for packing meat.

 

[Spedray]

Have both and the gun runner is not a pack to take elk hunting away from the roads. I have packed out an elk quarter with it once and was miserable.
The team elk will pack as much weight as you can physically carry and still be comfortable. I do love both packs but the gun runner is just too small for any real heavy load.

 

[The Oregonian]

Many thanks for the input....it confirmed what the product descriptions suggested. Now I have plenty of time to try to find a good deal on one.

 

[jrock]

I really like the X2. I only day pack and it has plenty of room and can be cinched tight to slip through thick brush easily. I don't need a scabbard as its really easy to attach a rifle too. I don't even carry a sling anymore. It can hold all my equipment and an entire deer. I wouldn't use it as my sole elk hunting pack. I have an old external frame I leave at the truck in such cases. The Team elk is several pounds heavier and I didn't think it was worth it, plus the meat shelf doesn't fold up like some other external frame meat haulers.

 

[brentc]

The Gunslinger II is a nice pack that potentially meets your needs. I has the large scabbard. I've packed all my large rifles in mine and it has enough capacity to carry a spotting scope, tripod, and other essentials into the hills for a day or possibly two.

 

[Catahoula]

I would stay away from Eberlestock! After using one of their new packs last spring hunting black bears, the main zipper tore away from the fabric & they would not warranty the pack. Luckily Cabelas did return it as that was where I bought it.
Thanks, Kirk

 

[Rick Richard]

Eberlestock packs are heavy in my opinion. There are better choices out there that are lighter and will serve your needs.

 

[Crews]

I'd suggest getting one from their tactical line with the larger scabbard. I had the gunrunner. The scabbard got tight with a box magazine and a scope with tall elevation turret. It was okay for what I was using it for.... hiking in to a stand and sitting for the day. Even then, the top loading single compartment makes it a pain to get to everything, inevitably what you need will be in the very bottom.

 

[The Oregonian]

Eberlestock packs are heavy in my opinion. There are better choices out there that are lighter and will serve your needs.

Can you suggest some of the other brands/ packs?

 

[Rick Richard]

I ended up with a couple. For cost savings I like my Sitka 20. Got it for a much reduced cost at camofire.com

 

[The Oregonian]

I just ordered the Team Elk...got it for $250 from optics planet with free shipping. They also have free returns if needed.

But at that price I jumped on it. $275 and a 10% coupon i found online.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

Excellent.. I have a Team elk... I love it. It is tough, will carry plenty of weight and gear. They are not the lightest pack up are good and durable. I use mine a lot during hunting season. I also have a J107 dragonfly with a zip in bag...it will carry more than I want to pack! Good selection...wish I could have got my for $250

 

[shooter7]

I just ordered the Team Elk...got it for $250 from optics planet with free shipping. They also have free returns if needed.

But at that price I jumped on it. $275 and a 10% coupon i found online.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.