Eberlestock Gunslinger ll

[backcountryguide]

looking hard at this system for an upcoming muley hunt. I own a wide array of packs but nothing real suitable for packing my long range rifle. Can some of you that have used this model hit on your likes and dislikes of the system. I would also like to know if it has frame stays or just the sheet. My rifle weighs around 13lbs but I need room for my tripod and 15x Swaros also.

 

[Len Backus]

I have used mine for 4 hunting season with a long range rifle.

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I've also looked really hard at this pack as a hunting system but to me the pack wasn't rigid enough for heavy loads. That is until now, It looks like they have made some updates to the design of the Gunslinger II pack, giving it a more stable platform with heavy loads. I copied this from snipershide:

Instead of me going through these new features, I'll just copy/paste the message from Eberlestock:

The G2 Gunslinger ll has been one of our most popular and bestselling packs since its release in 2009. Over the lifespan of this pack minor changes have shaped the platform and transformed it into a ruck that has served a multitude of purposes. From a combat ready assault pack to a remote hunting survival pack the G2 has proven itself as a leader in the mid-sized tactical and hunting markets.

Today we would like to introduce you to the next evolution of the Gunslinger II. The first enhancement to the pack is our new Intex II aluminum frame. With the addition of this frame, the user will now be able to utilize a solid platform that's designed to add strength and stability to the pack. This system is designed to be interchangeable with an alternate frame (coming soon). Or, the frame can be completely removed (ideal for using the bag as carry-on luggage), allowing the pack to revert back to the traditional G2 platform. This new set of features is going to allow the user too completely re-think what is possible with a G2.

The other two additions to this pack include: a redesign to the back padding and new placement of the load adjuster straps. By re-configuring the padding on the back, we created a system that covers critical comfort points on the users back, allowing for maximum breathability and optimal contact points; the padding is more efficiently placed and is comfortable and stable with either direct-wear or with body armor. The new placement of the load adjusters allows the user to compress the scabbard compartment in a way that is in balance with the load on the pack. It is a simple and efficient way to dampen the movement of a weapon being carried in the scabbard.

Please note:
-- We no longer plan to make the G2H in our hunting camouflage patterns. For customers interested in a similar pack in hunting fabric and camo, we recommend the M5 Team Elk pack.

 

[TXshooter]

I love mine. It carries my big 338 Norma no problem. My only complaint is that the main compartment could have a divider in it so my stuff could be better organized. They make one just like the gunslinger that has this option. Other than that its awesome. My first thought is that it was heavy but once you strap it on it doesn't feel heavy. Also the gun scabrous makes a great quick acces pocket for things like iPad or laptop. Especially when going through airports and you have to take all that stuff out. My 2 cents anyway

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

Here is a pic of the new version with the pattern Unicam II:

 

[TXshooter]

Dang makes me want to trade mine in on the new one

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I love mine. It carries my big 338 Norma no problem. My only complaint is that the main compartment could have a divider in it so my stuff could be better organized. They make one just like the gunslinger that has this option. Other than that its awesome. My first thought is that it was heavy but once you strap it on it doesn't feel heavy. Also the gun scabrous makes a great quick acces pocket for things like iPad or laptop. Especially when going through airports and you have to take all that stuff out. My 2 cents anyway

The bummer is that the first version won't be able to retro-fit to the new frame.

I currently own the Eberlestock Phantom model, it has a pretty solid design with the soft Velcro divider and tons of organizational features.

 

[TXshooter]

The bummer is that the first version won't be able to retro-fit to the new frame.

I currently own the Eberlestock Phantom model, it has a pretty solid design with the soft Velcro divider and tons of organizational features.

Yea to bad I can't add the frame to mine

My only real problem with a single compartment without the divider is that everything falls to the bottom of the pack so things aren't evenly distributed. Not a deal breaker. Still love mine.

 

[RTK]

I love mine. It carries my big 338 Norma no problem. My only complaint is that the main compartment could have a divider in it so my stuff could be better organized. They make one just like the gunslinger that has this option. Other than that its awesome. My first thought is that it was heavy but once you strap it on it doesn't feel heavy. Also the gun scabrous makes a great quick acces pocket for things like iPad or laptop. Especially when going through airports and you have to take all that stuff out. My 2 cents anyway

+1. It is a tad heavy

 

[azsugarbear]

Love my Gunslinger II (pre-alum frame model). It carries my 13.5 lb rifle very well. Easy access and great balance. Just remember, the limited size of the main compartment makes it a day pack, or overnight pack at best. This isn't designed to be a hike-in pack for a week long hunt.

 

[SidecarFlip]

looking hard at this system for an upcoming muley hunt. I own a wide array of packs but nothing real suitable for packing my long range rifle. Can some of you that have used this model hit on your likes and dislikes of the system. I would also like to know if it has frame stays or just the sheet. My rifle weighs around 13lbs but I need room for my tripod and 15x Swaros also.

I sure like mine. It fits my savage 308 Lightweight Hunter just fine. It will accept the 338 Laqua Savage as well but the butt end sticks up pretty far, far enough to be a burden in low pines.

It has plenty of expandable room inside and it will take 1 or 2 hydration bottles and has sewn in exit ports on each side for the hose. It has a nice shootingh glass pouch up top as well and I carry my camera in the outside side compartment.

I believe it has aluminum stays and it's real compressable so it really shrinks upo with a light load but opens up nicely too.

The only drawback is it's made across the pond.

Len sells them on this site BTW.....

I'd get the reverseable rain cover, hunter orange on one side, camo on the other and the butt cover thought I believe it comes with the cover no charge.


Far as Len is concerned......

I have used mine for 4 hunting season with a long range rifle.

We know that Andy carries the pack and you carry the camera......

 

[mcseal2]

No experience with this model but it looks like it has the loops for the compression straps to run through that compress the scabbard. My J34 has that feature and I really like it, it stabilizes the load and quiets the scabbard down considerably. I would pick this over the X1 series for that reason if it has the loops. I sold my X1 and Gunrunner that didn't have that option, just using the J34.

 

[trebark]

The GS2 (without the aluminum frame) is a good pack for short trips with light loads. Last year when i was training for a 24hour adventure challenge, I had my GS2 loaded with 30lbs (16pound of which was rifle) and would go for 20mile hikes with minimal stops. In time I found the waist belt to be not quite adequate and the shoulder straps cutting into my shoulders. this was of course due to the fact that it did not have any sort of frame.

Seeing this new version with a frame, going to have to check it out.

 

[Ghostmoney]

I bought the updated version with the frame. The construction of the pack is excellent but I am not a fan of the frame. When trying to slide my rifle into the scabbard it is always in the way and I have to fight with it to try to get the rifle to go in butt down. A few times I have given up on it completely and just carried the 14lb rifle instead of fighting with it any longer. fyi this is with a mcmillian A5 stock.