TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted October 27, 2009 http://www.sitkagear.com/Product.aspx?cat=254 I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a sitka backpack? I tried this one out today at the store and was quite impressed!! It is much lighter than most packs and has many useful pockets to fit a tripod or 2, with all your other gear. I looked at the J107 but wasn't all that impressed. It was a little heavy and awkward and a few of the pockets didn't seem like they were of any use due to the size and pattern. The other pack I want to see is the eberlestock gunslinger. Anyone have an opinion on this pack? I posted this in the Miscellaneous section because I am not permitted to post in the Product review section. I get an error message every time I try posting something in that topic. thx, Mike Udall Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rio Report post Posted October 28, 2009 Mike, I liked the Sitka as well, but not for the price. I ended up going with the Eberlestock X2 and like it alot, plenty of room for a day pack, areas to store tripod and spotting scope, 2 pockets for camelback water systems, and if you want you can get the gun holder to add to it. It was about $100 less then the Sitka, and had similar adjustments on it as well. It's a little heavier then the Sitka, but was a better bargin in my mind. Karl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks Karl, I was looking for a little more room that what the X1 and X2 offer. They are just over 2000 ci. This pack is 3500 cu. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZP&Y Report post Posted October 28, 2009 Mike, I found this: http://schnees.commercev3.com/downloads/Flash32.html - thought it might be helpful. I too am in the market for a new pack... I'd be interested to see who has used the Sitka out in the field. The 3200 cubic (or 3500 as they list) seems just about right for a 2 day bivy hunt. AzP&Y Doug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted October 28, 2009 Good Vid... but that thing sure looks small compared to a BL 2800... My next pack is going to be the external frame from the Outdoorsman... They are really on to something... Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cramerhunts Report post Posted October 28, 2009 Good Vid... but that thing sure looks small compared to a BL 2800... My next pack is going to be the external frame from the Outdoorsman... They are really on to something... Jason I have the external frame pack from the Outdoorsman and really like it. It has the two side pockets for tripod/scope or what ever and doesn't have a bunch of wasted odd sized pockets. It has quite a bit more room then my X1 for the longer days. I also really like the main compartment with the internal pouch. Don't have any info on the Sitka Mike but you might want to look at the Outdoorsman pack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted October 28, 2009 I want to look into that outdoorsman pack. Thx, Jason and Phil!! Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted October 29, 2009 I have a gunslinger and absolutely love it. I have never wished it to be bigger either. Ive packed out at least 5 WT, 1 bear, and 2 elk in the last 2 years. The thing looks brand new, besides stains. Nothin has ripped torn or anything. Well i guess the waist buck broke so i called and got a free one sent to me. The scabard is quite a bit wider in the gunslinger than the other eberlestock packs. This is fine for me cuz i have a bipod. In archery season I always haul at least one tripod sometimes 2 and a spare grunt tube. The X1A1 has surprised me with how much you can carry. I'd still opt for the gunslinger tho. The top opens up very big to slip in quarters or capes or anything else that you would normally have to "stuff" in to make it fit. I would definately look at both the X1 and the gunslinger. The X1a1 did have a few more smaller pockets in it to organize The gunslinger has a pretty big pocket i keep all my junk (radio/gps, calls, ear plugs, rope, lighter, tape, twine, batteries, flashlights, ect) in. Kinda makes things hard to find. My gps i can usaully find easy and i keep my calls in the smallest pouch so i can finde em quick. Ive had a windicator break in a pack and ruin a camera so i am always lookin for a spot in a pack to put one. I cant find any faults besides the small pouch on the side. I strap my tripod to the side if i have a big load or I dont wanna keep getting it outa the bag. I suppose it could be a deeper pocket but my tripod has never fallen out. I guess there isnt anything wrong with it. If you wanna look at my gunslinger sometime shoot me a PM, Im in NE mesa. I work early and go to school nights, but sometimes i get break in the action. My buddy who lives next door has an X1A1 you could prolly look at too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted October 29, 2009 Young buck, Thank you for your detailed review. I definitely want to look at a gunslinger before I make my final choice. I also know you can buy little extra pockets that can go firmly on the outside of the packs which may help. I appreciate the offer to come by and take a look at yours. I may pm you for your number as i'd really like to do that. thx again, Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
