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Backpacks #5558955 01/23/15 12:58 AM
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Erny Offline OP
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This fall I am going on a backpack mountain goat hunt. I need a good pack. May have to back in or a couple of nights at a time. Was thinking about an eberlestock dragonfly, but don't know anyone who owned one. The reviews on line seem pretty good. Any one have any recommendations?

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559007 01/23/15 01:24 AM
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I have the Dragonfly J107. I have used it for several years.
Here is the good news: it is tough, roomy, comfortable, has pockets in just the right places, and the rifle scabbard is absolutely wonderful. I love the pack.
Here is the bad news: it weighs dang near 9 pounds.

This pack drives me nuts. I have other, lighter, packs and have tried to retire my J107 again and again. But I cannot do it. The rifle scabbard is simply a lifesaver. It gives your hands total freedom, balances the weight of the rifle perfectly for carrying, and keeps it handy because you can just snatch your rifle out of the scabbard. I have tried Kifaru's gunbearer, strapping my rifle to my pack, detachable rifle scabbards, just carrying it, everything..... Nothing works as well for me.

I looked at Kuiu's Icon pack at the DSC show and was impressed. Kuiu has a rifle carrying system they said was the bee's knees. IDK. It just looked like another version of Kifaru's gunbearer system to me. Look at them all-Kuiu, Kifaru, Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Badlands, etc., etc., etc. Your mileage may vary.

Meanwhile, I am waiting for Eberlestock or another good company to make a lighter weight pack with the built in scabbard.

Last edited by Nogalus Prairie; 01/23/15 01:33 AM.

Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559011 01/23/15 01:27 AM
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Here it is in action on a recent AZ hunt.



Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559036 01/23/15 01:35 AM
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Erny Offline OP
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NP the rifle scabbard is the main reason I was interested in the dragon fly. Your right I noticed the empty weight was more han 9 pounds. Thats pretty high for an empty pack especially climbing a mountain after goats!

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559053 01/23/15 01:42 AM
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Originally Posted By: Erny
NP the rifle scabbard is the main reason I was interested in the dragon fly. Your right I noticed the empty weight was more han 9 pounds. Thats pretty high for an empty pack especially climbing a mountain after goats!


That sounds like a great hunt!

Honestly, I think the scabbard makes any rifle seem 2 lbs. lighter because it rides right up against your back. Combine that with the other advantages and I still believe the weight is well worth it. Obviously I do-as I keep using it. On that sheep hunt pictured I used my Kifaru Timberline at the start, and couldn't switch out to the J107 fast enough after the first days' hunt.

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559079 01/23/15 01:56 AM
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I have the G4 Operator. Only complaint is the weight but Eberlestock has the best design when it comes to a scabbard that's why I tolerate the weight. You can buy a more expensive pack but I don't think you can buy a better pack than a Eberlestock.

When I was in the market for a good pack I even looked at custom built packs along the same lines as a Eberlestock. Price was north of $1k so I quickly dismissed that option and went with Eberlestock. No regrets.

Re: Backpacks [Re: JCB] #5559214 01/23/15 02:55 AM
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I have hunted out west several times and my preference is Badlands. I take my 2200 if I am carrying a spotting scope and my Super Day pack if I am not. They are both very comfortable, well made and can carry a lot of gear.

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559278 01/23/15 03:26 AM
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I also have a badlands super day. Great pack if you don't carry a gun in it.

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Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559707 01/23/15 01:07 PM
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Ditto. The Badlands Superday is a great daypack. Super comfortable and well-built.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5559924 01/23/15 03:02 PM
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There might be other options here.

http://www.nimrodoutdoor.com/

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5560037 01/23/15 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted By: Erny
This fall I am going on a backpack mountain goat hunt. I need a good pack. May have to back in or a couple of nights at a time. Was thinking about an eberlestock dragonfly, but don't know anyone who owned one. The reviews on line seem pretty good. Any one have any recommendations?


It's heavy.

Elberlestock just came out with an ultra light frame. Lot more versatile, with a lot more options.
http://www.eberlestock.com/F1-Mainframe.htm


I'm a fan of the EXO mountain pack. A lot more comfortable then any of the badlands or elberstock packs


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gtgoh/mobile
Re: Backpacks [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #5560041 01/23/15 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
I have the Dragonfly J107. I have used it for several years.
Here is the good news: it is tough, roomy, comfortable, has pockets in just the right places, and the rifle scabbard is absolutely wonderful. I love the pack.
Here is the bad news: it weighs dang near 9 pounds.

This pack drives me nuts. I have other, lighter, packs and have tried to retire my J107 again and again. But I cannot do it. The rifle scabbard is simply a lifesaver. It gives your hands total freedom, balances the weight of the rifle perfectly for carrying, and keeps it handy because you can just snatch your rifle out of the scabbard. I have tried Kifaru's gunbearer, strapping my rifle to my pack, detachable rifle scabbards, just carrying it, everything..... Nothing works as well for me.

I looked at Kuiu's Icon pack at the DSC show and was impressed. Kuiu has a rifle carrying system they said was the bee's knees. IDK. It just looked like another version of Kifaru's gunbearer system to me. Look at them all-Kuiu, Kifaru, Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Badlands, etc., etc., etc. Your mileage may vary.

Meanwhile, I am waiting for Eberlestock or another good company to make a lighter weight pack with the built in scabbard.


Kafuri just came out with one. Eberlestock added the f1

With a lot of the Kuiu, EXO etc that have meat pockets you can buy the elberstock scabbard and add it to them


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

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Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5560266 01/23/15 05:50 PM
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Have tried the scabbard. It's not a bad option but still unbalances the load to me. If the meat pocket option puts the rifle close to your back/interior that would be great.

Thanks for the info. You have sent me on a quest now. smile

Last edited by Nogalus Prairie; 01/23/15 05:52 PM.

Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5563544 01/25/15 07:01 PM
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I have the Sitka Flash 20 and recently used it on a hunt with Mulie Mike where we went up 7000+ feet and down and had no issues with it at all. My shoulders were not even sore! Fits very well on the shoulders and through the waist and chest. Carries a heck of a lot more than I expected it to as well.
For reference I am 5'9".

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5564573 01/26/15 04:34 AM
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What about the J34? I've had that sucker on my wish list for a while now.

Re: Backpacks [Re: shea.mcphail] #5564597 01/26/15 04:57 AM
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Originally Posted By: shea.mcphail
What about the J34? I've had that sucker on my wish list for a while now.


Basically the J107 without the rifle scabbard IIRC.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #5564753 01/26/15 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Have tried the scabbard. It's not a bad option but still unbalances the load to me. If the meat pocket option puts the rifle close to your back/interior that would be great.

Thanks for the info. You have sent me on a quest now. smile


You would like the F1 frame via elberestock.

My gunrunner the built scabbard and it annoys me how it flops/rolls real bad, f1 won't do that.


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Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5570087 01/29/15 02:01 AM
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Badland packs are the best. Find someone who carries them in your area and go try on a few. Very comfortable with plenty of storage

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5570865 01/29/15 04:24 PM
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Erny Offline OP
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Does anyone in the DFW area have these packs in stock? I would like to try them on and take a look at them before I buy it. Cabelas has eberlestock in the catalog but not in the store.

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5570916 01/29/15 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted By: Erny
Does anyone in the DFW area have these packs in stock? I would like to try them on and take a look at them before I buy it. Cabelas has eberlestock in the catalog but not in the store.


Bass pro has badlands but I wouldnt recommend them for your use. To heavy and not as functional as the others.

Texas isn't the ideal place when looking for packs. EXO, elberstock and Kuiu have great return policies.


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Re: Backpacks [Re: BOBO the Clown] #5595779 02/12/15 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted By: BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted By: Erny
This fall I am going on a backpack mountain goat hunt. I need a good pack. May have to back in or a couple of nights at a time. Was thinking about an eberlestock dragonfly, but don't know anyone who owned one. The reviews on line seem pretty good. Any one have any recommendations?


It's heavy.

Elberlestock just came out with an ultra light frame. Lot more versatile, with a lot more options.
http://www.eberlestock.com/F1-Mainframe.htm


I'm a fan of the EXO mountain pack. A lot more comfortable then any of the badlands or elberstock packs


I will second the EXO mountain pack. I have the 5500 and used it to pack out a whole mule deer this year and the pack handled it perfectly, just wish my legs were up to the task of carrying me. I don't have any experience with Eberlestock, KUIU, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, etc. but I do have an Arc'teryx Altra 65 pack and I find my EXO is more comfortable, rides better, and is more adjustable.

Re: Backpacks [Re: TWarren] #5595799 02/12/15 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted By: TWarren
Originally Posted By: BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted By: Erny
This fall I am going on a backpack mountain goat hunt. I need a good pack. May have to back in or a couple of nights at a time. Was thinking about an eberlestock dragonfly, but don't know anyone who owned one. The reviews on line seem pretty good. Any one have any recommendations?


It's heavy.

Elberlestock just came out with an ultra light frame. Lot more versatile, with a lot more options.
http://www.eberlestock.com/F1-Mainframe.htm


I'm a fan of the EXO mountain pack. A lot more comfortable then any of the badlands or elberstock packs


I will second the EXO mountain pack. I have the 5500 and used it to pack out a whole mule deer this year and the pack handled it perfectly, just wish my legs were up to the task of carrying me. I don't have any experience with Eberlestock, KUIU, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, etc. but I do have an Arc'teryx Altra 65 pack and I find my EXO is more comfortable, rides better, and is more adjustable.


I have the Altra 65 too, but have not used it yet. Bought it based on its pick as an "Editors' Choice" in either "Backpacker" or "Outdoors" magazine (can't remember which) a few years back. I plan to use it for summer backpacking. Hope it is comfortable-I distinctly remember the article about the editors going on a month+ trip to test different packs and everyone loving the 65 so much they couldn't wait for the days when it was their turn to use it.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5596319 02/12/15 08:53 PM
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IMHO, You're going to want a frame pack and possible a pack like the H2 gunrunner for a day pack.

Re: Backpacks [Re: Erny] #5596366 02/12/15 09:23 PM
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Check Midway in their Military surplus section. I bought a barely used internal frame pack for $60 bucks.


"I was called by the Yorkers a outlaw, and later by the english a rebel" Ethan Allen
Re: Backpacks [Re: rifleman] #5596652 02/13/15 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted By: rifleman
IMHO, You're going to want a frame pack and possible a pack like the H2 gunrunner for a day pack.


My wife uses my gunner as a blind bag now.

I can run the scabbard off my x2 in the middle of my EXO pack and it doesn't flop like the H2GR does. Plus EXO lashes down tighter to the frame then the H2GR.

In CO I actually dropped the bag off it and just ran the hydration, beavertail and a small bag I made. Work very well and extremely light

Kifaru new pack looks very promising


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