I'm looking for a bag that I'd like to use as a larger bug out bag. I'd like something with maxpedition quality but they don't make anything as large as I'd like. Right now I'm liking the eberlestock F4 terminator the best but haven't found a lot of people that have experience with this particular pack. Any one here have any informed opinions on this pack?
Tactical backpacks
- Thread starter Brilton
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I have the G4 version of the Eberlestock pack, this has the rifle scabbord attached. I've had it for about four years now, I've had no problems with it. There kinda heafty empty around 14 lbs. But I wouldn't use anything else when I hunt in the back country. Top shelf equipment for sure.
walking arsenal
Member
Maxpedition makes great gear. The condor is a nice pack with a lot of space and a compartment for CCW.
Thanks skyshot good to know. Arsenal, do you know the volume in liters of the condor? It doesn't look too much larger than the falcon 2. The problem is I have a Camelbak BFM 500 (no longer made) and its ok but I'd like something in the 45L to 55L capacity with tons of MOLLE and few exterior pockets as I want maximize interior space. I'd just use MOLLE pouches on the exterior or any additional storage. Guess I'll keep looking.
walking arsenal
Member
The condor II will hold a 3 liter camelbac if that's what you mean.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Backpacks-c12.htm
They also have the Typhoon which is a good one too.
I have a standard modern Assault ruck that I've come to like. It's got Molle webbing, a spot for a hydration bladder and its airdrop capable should you want to airdrop it? (shrugs)
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Backpacks-c12.htm
They also have the Typhoon which is a good one too.
I have a standard modern Assault ruck that I've come to like. It's got Molle webbing, a spot for a hydration bladder and its airdrop capable should you want to airdrop it? (shrugs)
i agree with skyshot. eberlestock is the best bag i've ever used, but they are a good bit heavier than a comparably sized ultra-light hiking pack, due to all the molle attachments and padding.
i have the lo-drag and the phantom. haven't tried the terminator.
i will offer this piece of advice for "bugging out":
unless you are going to hike regularly, buying a large pack will only tempt you to put too much junk in it and the result will be you walk perhaps as much as a mile and a half from where ever you "bugged out" from before you collapse and start trying to call your chiropractor.
do yourself a favor and get a modestly sized pack and learn to pack efficiently and use multi-purpose stuff.
if you are a regular hiker and know how much everything in your pack weighs and how far you can go, then obviously this doesn't apply to you.
i have the lo-drag and the phantom. haven't tried the terminator.
i will offer this piece of advice for "bugging out":
unless you are going to hike regularly, buying a large pack will only tempt you to put too much junk in it and the result will be you walk perhaps as much as a mile and a half from where ever you "bugged out" from before you collapse and start trying to call your chiropractor.
do yourself a favor and get a modestly sized pack and learn to pack efficiently and use multi-purpose stuff.
if you are a regular hiker and know how much everything in your pack weighs and how far you can go, then obviously this doesn't apply to you.
Oh I realize that. My camelbak is just too small and my bora 80 is too big and overpacking is a very real threat with that pack. It'll mainly be a vehicle bag/I.N.C.H. bag scenario. Drive to our cabin and live out of that. It'll be my necessities, wiggy's bag, sleeping pad, jet boil, extra gas, AR, 6 mags, 10 days of food, several knives, 3 pistol mags, comprehensive first aid kit and some clothes and other minor equipment. I would have about 65 lbs of gear including the terminator if I get it, I'd never go camping with that much weight but I could do about 2-3 miles without much issue with that weight in a reasonable amount of time. But I want something very hard use and reasonable in price and from what I gather the eberlestocks are quite
comfy which is important to me. Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.
comfy which is important to me. Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.
X-Rap
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I've been curious about the Eberlestocks as well, I don't know that I need the scabard but want some Molle loops to add pouches and such. I have a Badlands 2100 that works good for short overnights and packing meat as well as a Kelty Frieghter along with its additional pack.
14# for an empty pack seems a little much.
14# for an empty pack seems a little much.
the eberlestocks are VERY comfy. they have a ton of padding, especially in the lumbar area. and the belts really do keep the weight off your shoulders and on your hips for the most part.
keep in mind that although they are relatively stiff, you need a gun in the scabbard and then cinch down the compression straps. if the scabbard is empty and the pack full, the pack will tend to flop from side to side a bit, which can throw you off balance if you are climbing over uneven terrain and are a little tired.
note the gunslinger II and lo-drag have great compression straps. the phantom not so much.
keep in mind that although they are relatively stiff, you need a gun in the scabbard and then cinch down the compression straps. if the scabbard is empty and the pack full, the pack will tend to flop from side to side a bit, which can throw you off balance if you are climbing over uneven terrain and are a little tired.
note the gunslinger II and lo-drag have great compression straps. the phantom not so much.
X-Rap
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So the scabbard is permanently attached? I understand the reason for the scabbard from a military view when carrying a second gun for sniper applications but I wish they had a med to high capacity without that feature. I see little need for it in my life and would rather have less weight.
on some it is, and others it's not. it's sewn on to the lo-drag. it zips off the phantom. couldn't tell you about the terminator or others.
i hear you, though i feel the opposite. i would only carry an eberlestock backpack when i need to carry a rifle. otherwise, i'd go with a high-tech super-light weight pack from one of the boutique backpacking places. it'll be a couple pounds lighter
i hear you, though i feel the opposite. i would only carry an eberlestock backpack when i need to carry a rifle. otherwise, i'd go with a high-tech super-light weight pack from one of the boutique backpacking places. it'll be a couple pounds lighter
walking arsenal
Member
.....and about $200-300 cheaper. Holy smokes! And I thought Maxpedition gear was expensive!
If you think you need a pack with more capacity than 2800 cubic inches you really need to be going to the local backpacking shops and trying them on if you want something you can carry a load in for days.
My Doppleduffle holds 3200 cubic inches internally. I've added Camelback bottle carriers to the sides, and have often tied my sleeping bag underneath.
It's fairly comfortable for a few hundred meters. When I walk the 1/2 mile to the chopper pad at DDII, in body armor, it starts to hurt after a while.
Unfortunately, 3200+ sometimes *still* isn't enough. But part of that is because I'm carrying required gear, not my own choice of dress and equipment.
John
It's fairly comfortable for a few hundred meters. When I walk the 1/2 mile to the chopper pad at DDII, in body armor, it starts to hurt after a while.
Unfortunately, 3200+ sometimes *still* isn't enough. But part of that is because I'm carrying required gear, not my own choice of dress and equipment.
John
try www.stonemountaintacticalsupply.com maybe they have somthing you can use
jakk280rem
Member
I chose the F4 terminator. it doubles as a bit of a bug out bag, but i primarily use it for short hikes (under 5 miles) into the back country for multi day fishing and hunting trips.
I didn't need or want the cost, bulk, or weight of the scabard. it has the zippered sleave for it, so you can buy the scabbard later, or use the existing pocket for storage. a frying pan slips right in. i've only had it for 4 months and used it twice, 1 fruitless 3 day cougar hunt, and a 2 day fishing trip. on both trips i packed food, clothing, tent, hatchet, sleeping bag, binos, 2 gallons of water, first aid kit, a rifle and a pistol and ammo for both, none of wich was speciality lightweight hiking gear.
both trips i would guess i was nearing max weight, and had room left over. this thing swallows gear, especially with the use of outboard storage. it would be very possible to over pack it. that being said, i guarentee everyone loadout will be different and having that extra room to carry bulkier items is a plus.
pack was very comfy, even fully weighted over varied terain. eberlestock has a youtube channel and a video posted regarding the adjustment of the internal aluminum stays and adjustable harness. watch it. very important to get the most comfort and cargo capacity out of it.
I didn't need or want the cost, bulk, or weight of the scabard. it has the zippered sleave for it, so you can buy the scabbard later, or use the existing pocket for storage. a frying pan slips right in. i've only had it for 4 months and used it twice, 1 fruitless 3 day cougar hunt, and a 2 day fishing trip. on both trips i packed food, clothing, tent, hatchet, sleeping bag, binos, 2 gallons of water, first aid kit, a rifle and a pistol and ammo for both, none of wich was speciality lightweight hiking gear.
both trips i would guess i was nearing max weight, and had room left over. this thing swallows gear, especially with the use of outboard storage. it would be very possible to over pack it. that being said, i guarentee everyone loadout will be different and having that extra room to carry bulkier items is a plus.
pack was very comfy, even fully weighted over varied terain. eberlestock has a youtube channel and a video posted regarding the adjustment of the internal aluminum stays and adjustable harness. watch it. very important to get the most comfort and cargo capacity out of it.
ATS RAID II
Kifaru (they have haulers and packs)
Eagle Industries
Tactical Tailor
Nothing wrong with Maxpedition or Eberlestock, either.
Keep in mind that if something is backordered or in small quantities, it might be because our men in uniform are trying to get this equipment. Not trying to be "preachy", but order with that in mind.
Jason
Kifaru (they have haulers and packs)
Eagle Industries
Tactical Tailor
Nothing wrong with Maxpedition or Eberlestock, either.
Keep in mind that if something is backordered or in small quantities, it might be because our men in uniform are trying to get this equipment. Not trying to be "preachy", but order with that in mind.
Jason
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