Trad Gang

lol....get em bro.

Whip,

What a great pack, just make sure it is riding a bit lower to accomodate any loads (based on your picture).  It looks like it is wrapped around your stomach and that pack will do so much better around your pelvis...best of luck.

EH

Whip does the X2 have a pocket for easy accessability for a water bottle? I know the bladders are all the rage, but every one I've evr owned ended up leaking. Right now I have the Badlans 2800, and although a good pack, there is no where to put a water bottle for easy access. That X2 might be next years pack. It's a little late for a new one this year. Good luck in WY!

Steadman, as you can see in picture 5 there are two mesh deep outside pockets that hold water bottles really nicely.

I thought so Snag, but I was wondering if they are easy access or do you have to take the pack off or do yoga to get to the water  :)

QuoteOriginally posted by steadman:
I thought so Snag, but I was wondering if they are easy access or do you have to take the pack off or do yoga to get to the water   :)  

Unfortunately, yoga is required to get to the bottles with the pack on.  :rolleyes:  
These packs arrived the day before I left for my trip.  I had my Blue Widow already packed, but ended up grabbing one of the new X2's before leaving and left the Widow behind.  But I also left my hydration bladder in the pack, so had to use water bottles last week.  

I am a huge fan of hydration bladders for hunting out west.  I don't like to take my pack off when I need a drink because I tend not to drink nearly enough when I have to do that.

The best solution I have found is the hydration bladders from Eberlestock.  They have a different type of valve than the standard bit valve, and I have never had a leak since I started using them.  You can check them out on my website here.   http://www.prairietrad.com/page35.html

Thanks Whip. Do the Eberlestock bladders fit the badlands? Thanks again. I'm gonna check on this.

I use a Camelback hydration bladder in mine and have no problems with leakage.
    I like the camelbacks because the lid is big enough to get your hand inside the bladder for cleaning.

Nice pack. I am going to get one this year also. Thanks for the review.

Whip, that setup looks similar to the Horn Hunter FullCurl series but ya can't go wrong with a Eberlestock,very nice ...

QuoteOriginally posted by steadman:
Thanks Whip. Do the Eberlestock bladders fit the badlands? Thanks again. I'm gonna check on this.

It depends which Badlands pack you have.  Some of them have a square shaped pocket for the bladder and on those it wouldn't fit as well.  The Eberlestock bladder measures 15x7.

I seam to be on a constant search (and many dollars) over the years looking for a decent pack I realy like the looks of this one .For how I hunt looks to be perfect.Gotta get one.

Thanks Whip, looks like a great pack and the X2 was one on my list to check out.

Hi Whip,
        Do you think a 'spike camp duffel', would work with one of these.??

Would make it even more versatile, maybe you could try it for us if you get the chance. :-)

Looks like a great pack

Nice packs Joe.  :readit:

Hey Whip, great looking pack.  Is there enough room in it to do a two or three nighter?  Does the Spike Duffel attach to it?  Thanks.

bump

Great looking pack....hope you score!

Whip - thanks for sharing - Eberlestock seems to have a really good grasp of what is needed in a backpack.
I have an old Alice pack frame; and Alice pack- but I also have a small waterproof pack that I use on day trips.
I am in favor of packs that can carry the first load of elk etc out !

Ordered mine today. Great service Whip.

The Super Spike Duffel is designed to zip into the Just One packs such as the Blue Widow and the J107.
But you guys got me to thinking.  Why does it have to be zipped in?  So I took my Super Spike and using the straps on the X2 pack strapped it in place.  Perfect fit, and straps solidly into place.  I think the X2 just stepped up another notch in my mind.  With the duffel attached this thing can really carry a load!

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Packs/EberlestockX28-16-20107-55-19AM.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Packs/EberlestockX28-16-20107-54-44AM.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Packs/EberlestockX28-16-20107-54-32AM.jpg)

cool

QuoteOriginally posted by StanM:
Hey Whip, great looking pack.  Is there enough room in it to do a two or three nighter?  Does the Spike Duffel attach to it?  Thanks.

Stan, I guess it depends on how much you need to carry for a 2-3 nighter.  Add the super spike duffel and I sure think you could take everything you need.

Thanks, Whip. I don't need much and with the Super Spike I'd think I could do at least three days in the backcountry. Really like the idea of getting the first load out with this pack. I'll be chatting with the finance department this evening...

That looks great Whip,
Overnighter and carry  some meat out..

Thanks for the pics.

Just got my X2 from Whip today (thanks for the fast shipping Joe).  I've only had time to try it on and get it fit to me.  Tomorrow I'll load it up with some weight and see how it performs.  So far I am impressed with how well this pack was thought out and designed.  Perfect for 3 days out.  Add the Super Spike and I think this pack will be a winner for at least a week out.  


Oh yeah, I can reach water bottles in the side pockets fairly easily.  Then again I also have water bladders that I'll use first.

Looks pretty good Joe.  A few questions for you and those that have the X2 - Is the material quiet enough to hunt in the bushes and branches without scratching and popping noises?  And will this pack fit a longer torso with the belt on your pelvis and shoulder straps not pulling down too much?  Last one - anyone tried it while carrying a stalker style quiver over your shoulder/back?

Any answers would be helpful.  I'll be looking into this pack a bit more.  Thanks!

The material is very quiet, although of course not as much as wool or fleece would be.  It does get a bit noisier in very cold weather.  But overall, it is a good choice for a hunting pack material with excellent toughness and is waterproof.

The picture of me with the pack on my back was done just to give an idea of the size of it.  It was nearly empty, and not adjusted to properly ride on my back.  But with a normal load and the straps properly adjusted, it does ride right down at my waist and puts weight on my hips.  I am 6'3", so have a fairly long torso.  The shoulder straps offer good adjustment so that it can fit most average body types well.

As to the stalker quiver, I use an Arrowmaster for all of my hunting.  I love wearing that quiver with  a pack because it rides right up tight against the pack and actually seems to lock in better with a pack than without.

Feel free to give me a call anytime with any questions.

Man I wished I had seen this pack earlier this year. I have the badlands 2800. It's ok, but I am really liking the versatility of the X2. Mabey after the hunts...

Have a Max-1 version coming this week!  Can't wait!!!

Josh

Whip,

What are the ci specs on the new X2 and the duffel?

I'm planning on 3 to 4 day trips from the truck this year and this might be a good one to try.

I love the looks of that pack!

Julian,
The X2 is listed at 2,300 c.i. and the Super Spike Duffel adds another 2,800 c.i. max. capacity.  Plenty of room for multiple days worth of gear.

Thanks for the answers Joe, just what I wanted to hear.  I assume the material is microfleece rather than nylon?

I like it.

Ordered my X2 today.  Looking forward to getting it and hunting it this elk season.

For those that haven't done any business with Joe, he's straight aces in my book.   :thumbsup:  

Thanks, Joe.

Stan

I have one coming, too. Should make elk hunting a bit more comfortable in a couple of weeks. Joe, thanks for the review.

QuoteOriginally posted by StanM:
Ordered my X2 today.  Looking forward to getting it and hunting it this elk season.

For those that haven't done any business with Joe, he's straight aces in my book.    :thumbsup:  

Thanks, Joe.

Stan

+1...got mine today just before I left of work.  Very nice pack...only got to play with it for about 15 minutes before I had to leave.

Can't wait to get home and open it up some and see what goes where.

Josh

Received mine today and it looks good.  I'm anxious to give it a test pack/hike this weekend.  

Thanks for the review Joe and thanks for your prompt, responsive service.

Thanks Whip!

I've been looking for the perfect 'every day' pack for a long time.  That one looks pretty good...
todd

I'll post some comparison picture with my Badlands 2200 when I get a chance this weekend.

Josh

Whip,
 How would you rate this compared to the 2800?

Got mine yesterday; it looks like a great pack. I put all my elk hunting stuff in it, and it feels great on my back. I think it is a winner. Thanks, Joe.

QuoteOriginally posted by Talondale:
Whip,
 How would you rate this compared to the 2800?

Chuck, The 2800 has more capacity for carrying items.  It has larger side compartments and the seperate lower compartment.  But I personally think that the X2 makes a better meat carrying pack because of the way the straps are set up to be able to lash a quarter to the outside of the pack.  

So it all depends on exactly how you want to use the pack.  For extended trips the 2800 will carry a larger load.  But for a daypack with the ability to haul meat as well the X2 seems about perfect.

Badlands also just came out with a new pack called the Sacrifice.  I just received my first shipment of those and took one out of the package this morning.  I will try to get some pictures together and post a review of that one as well.

Mine showed up in the mail today, and to say I'm impressed would be an understatement.  It can be cinched down to make a very nice sized day pack that would allow you to carry a substantial load out on your first trip, or expanded quite large.  I would have no trouble doing three days with this pack.  Thanks again, Joe.

I have an older X2 and really like it, in fact I carried it for a month in Australia this July-------but for this elk season I was going to strap it to a Dwight Schuh frame to take a little more weight off my shoulders, as the waist belt doesn't really do much.

The new design might have eliminated the need for me to do that, with the redesigned waist belt. Since they are made right here in Boise (A stones throw from Horseshoe Bend), I may have to check one of the new ones out!

Whip, like you, I didn't even think about using the duffel with the X2...sure works though!

Just got my X2 and duffel from Whip.  Can't wait to give it a work out.

ignore me

Hey Guys ,Let us know how this pack works out for you.Alot of us really interested.

Well, I bought a new one this weekend to see if it was actually better than the original style. It definitely is.

It's a good thing I bought it too, as one of my llamas injured his foot this weekend while we were packing in our elk camp. That meant that I had to carry my 12' x 12' Alaknak tent all the way up to camp, which took four hours. It would have been a real pain with the original style, but I lashed it to the top of the new one and it was a comfortable carry all the way. It was a steep climb, but comfortable. The frame really makes a difference, evenly distributing the weight so that it is not all on your shoulders.

This new design will pack antlers and elk quarters with ease. No worries.

I just spent the last three days hunting elk while wearing my newX2. It has a problem-----the straps that attach the frame to the pack started squeaking loudly when I am hiking and especially when I am drawing my bow.

I tried putting some vaseline on in straps where they wrap around the frame while I was in camp, but that didn't work. It squeeks far too loud to ever be able to draw a bow on a bull without him hearing it.

Will try to figure out a fix.

Rik,
After reading your post, I loaded mine up and discovered you are correct.  I think I might try to wrap some mole skin or something around the frame where the straps wrap/rub.  I love the pack.  There's a way around this.  Let me know if you come up with something.
Julian

Hmm, I hadn't experienced that on my trial run, but sure will be paying attention to it.  Are you talking about the straps that wrap around the frame in the middle or around the bottom?  Or the top pocket that the frame nests in?

I just loaded three gallon jugs of water in mine and couldn't get it to make any noise.  But I did wrap the lower part of the frame with some foam and electrical tape to add a little cushioning.  Maybe that's why mine isn't making noise?

Rik, Duckbutt, Whip,

I was just looking on the Eberlestock website and they have a fix for the x2 "squeak". It looks like you just have to change the way the straps are around the frame. It is in the x2 section above the video of the x2. click on the yellow bar on "how to rig the x2". Good luck.

Thanks Steve!  That is an easy fix.  I think I'll still wrap something around the frame where the strap contacts it just to be safe, but that should take care of it.
Here is the link to the Eberlestock fix:
http://www.eberlestock.com/X2%20Frame%20Wrap%20Fix.pdf

Thanks Gents!!!!

I will try the fix from the website above, but I don't think it will totally solve the problem.

I seem to be getting most of the noise from the pocket at the top where the frame is velcroed in, and at the bottom where the frame is held to the pack. Right now none of my side straps are even attached, and I am still getting the squeeking.

This morning I tried wrapping some polar fleece around the top and bottom of the frame, it helped but did not completely eliminate it. I will try Whip's idea this evening.

Running out of time though, I am loading up the llamas tomorrow night for another go at the elk.

I didn't find that the website fix is the answer.  I ended wrapping the frame in camp with shelf velcro material at all the contact points with the straps.  15 mins and $5 bucks....problem solved.  Otherwise, this pack was PERFECT for a go light extended backcountry hunt when coupled with the spike duffel.  I had a heavier hauler pack in the truck in case we got meat but otherwise, I'll need to look no further than this system.  Daypack to extended stay gear hauler....performed beautifully.  Thanks Whip!

Iagree with you - it needs more than just the fix on the website. I'm guessing that a powder coated paint on the frame would be a better solution for Eberlestock, but the wrapping does do the trick.

This pack has been on my back continuously for the past three weeks and I'm very happy with it.

I used the X2 pack (not the newer version) this year and was flat amazed at its performace.  I bought it with the idea I could pack the first load of meat out if I was successful.  Well I was, and loaded it with the backstraps, tenderloins, and a front shoulder on the first trip out.  All I can say is WOW!  It was rock solid and handled the weight just fine!
I can only imagine how the new frame would do.  Highly recommended!

I agree as well.  I just got in from 10 days of wearing this pack for at least 10 hours/day.  It did not creak or squeak all of the time and was never really loud and noisy.  But when you are calling and listening for a faint response it is a little distracting.  I tried the strap adjustment fix and it helped to a degree.  Load weight and distribution, as well as temperature and moisture, seemed to influence the creaking. In my case I have isolated the noise to the straps and bag connection around the bottom of the frame bar.  I'm going to wrap or pad it as soon as I get the pack emptied and I hope this fixes it.

Except for the little noise this pack was terrific.  I carried a lot of gear/water/food in it every day and often changed the main compartment load depending on conditions for the day hunt.  I was really counting on the vented back and was not disappointed.  When dressed very light I could feel the breeze across my back and when dressed heavy I did not perspire as I usually do.  It was very comfortable and I each time I lifted it to put it on I couldn't believe how much weight I was carrying, but I never noticed it on my back, honestly.  The ability to lash large loads was great and the "seat" flap actually kept my butt dry a few times.  And all the contents stayed dry during a 3 hour solid rain.

This may sound like a gushing endorsement but it is only because I am very happy with the pack.  Everyone in camp tried it on and checked it out thoroughly without prompting from me.  I think there will be two or three more purchased pretty soon, one by the outfitter/guide.

 (http://images.imagelinky.com/1285687686.jpg) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1285687686.jpg)

QuoteOriginally posted by Forester:
The ability to lash large loads was great and the "seat" flap actually kept my butt dry a few times.

I can confirm that function as well.   :biglaugh:

Guess I lucky I got one when they first came out and after two hunting seasons I have never heard mine make any noise.It has been a great pac.

I got one of the new models before archery season as well.  It is one awesome pack.  Well made and thought out.  It did squeak, but that will be fixable.  Really can not say enough about this pack for a first load type pack.  It is a bit stiff for me for shooting, but very do-able if you need to.  I did not have much trouble getting to the my water in the side pouch- good thing as I seem not to prefer hydration systems.

I've been packin' approximately 32 lbs the last 3 days - sun up 'til sun down - in my *new* RANGER-colored X2.

It has been deadly silent the entire time (I did adjust the frame straps as instructed on the Eberlestock site) and rock solid.

On top of that, I think that I should start getting commissions because at least 2 guys I know will be purchasing X2s after checking mine out.

It is a great tool!  I recommend it.

Shoot straight, Shinken

PROBLEM SOLVED.

I removed the metal frame and sprayed it with Rustoleum's bed liner spray (like Rhino lining,) The hard, rough texture seems to have eliminated the squeaking noises caused by the straps.

With luck, i will be using the X2 to pack out a mule deer in about two weeks when the archery season opens.

I haven't used the X2, but got my first taste of an Ebrlestock pack this year.  I used it on two hunts, and I can say based on almost 25 years of backcountry hunting experience, that bar none (and this includes packs from the backpacking industry--Gregory, Osprey etc.) that this pack has the most comfortable suspension system I've ever used.  My last trip with this pack, I carried out a bear and my camp in one trip for 5 miles, 117 pounds.  Jelly legs, but the pack handled the load without issue and I didn't even get any rub spots.  Any other pack and I'm sure it would have been two loads.

Eberlestock Packs rules! I use the G4 Phantom to conceal precision long rifles during field activities.  At 5000ci, the G4 is a premier gear/weapon transportation solution for operators.

I have read this thread,and just got the Eberlestock X2 pack.  I was wondering what all owners of the X2 pack have done and think is the best to make the pack as quiet as possible.

ttt

Now that I've put several miles on this pack I'll give my review.  I bought this from Whip and his service was great.  I also bought the buckle replacement kit (about 6 different buckles) so that I can make repairs in the field if a buckle fails or I smash it in the door or tailgate.  

My initial thoughts on first receiving the pack was that it was well constructed.  The material is soft and quiet, doesn't make the nylon "zipping" noise when you run your fingernails across it that even some brushed materials make.  Speaking of zippers, the zippers are nice waterproof (except zippered waist pockets) zippers that open and close smoothly and quietly.  The waistbelt zippers have large finger ring pulls to help open them since they can be difficult to get to when closed and behind you.  There are plenty of pockets and areas to store things.  I can reach back and get things out of the side mesh pockets (like trim shears).  There's also plenty of lash points everywhere, something my last pack was missing and my biggest complaint with that old pack.  The side pocket holds my Platypus Big Zip 2.0L with room to spare, or my Nalgene bottle (for sports drink mixes or filtration).  I have a 19" torso, as measured by the pack device at Gander, and this pack fits nicely length-wise.  The top sits below my shoulders, I know some don't like that for use of load adjusters but for a day pack with the lighter weights I'll usually be carrying I kind of prefer that for maneuverability.  It rides nice and stays out of my way for shooting.  I was able to stuff all my calls, decoys, extra clothes, and carry a 19# tom this past turkey season, no problem.  The mesh back and air space does help keep my back cooler on these summer hikes.  As far as cons: First off I have the creaking problem, bad.  The pack creaks every step.  It's not coming from the adjustable strap as described on Eberlestock website but from the bottom web sling that acts as a pocket for the frame.  If I hold the strap taut while walking it silences the issue.  I plan on getting some friction tape to wrap the frame in but haven't done that yet. Other than that I'd say the waist belt seems to be the biggest weakness.  It's well padded and has pockets but I seem to have a problem keeping it tight on my (hopefully shrinking 34") waist.  It's got lots (too much?) of strap on both sides but it seems I'm always trying to cinch it up tighter to keep the weight riding on my hips rather then my shoulders, don't know if that's because the back area where the sides of the belt hinge is too wide.  Just seems the first time I put it on I have to adjust the waist back down and again later as I'm hiking from time to time.  It also tends to push my pants down around my waist if I'm not wearing a belt, which seems to indicate it's riding a little high.  The other complaint I have is the pockets on the waist belt could stand to be gusseted a little more, perhaps only 1".  It's a tight fit to even put a pocket camera in and out of them, which would be where I'd want it, even getting my slim phone out can be somewhat difficult.  This will be where I store my flashlight, compass, and calls come elk season, it's too small for the topo map.

All-in-all it's a solid pack and I look forward to using it for years to come.  I've been weighing it down with weights but hope to give a report on how it packs elk out later this fall.

I finally modified the frame with friction tape and although it resolved the creak I wouldn't advise this route for fixing it.  The tacky nature of the friction tape made it difficult for the frame to slide into the frame straps as intended.  If I rework this sometime I may use athletic tape or something else with less grip.

I just got the X2 with a spike duffle (not the super spike)intended for a 3 day or so spike camping and could not be more pleased. Stand by for the full review in September.

It gives me 3700 cu. in. I believe (1800 cu. in as a day pack without the duffle AND can pack the first quarter out).  Plus about a million places to strap things outside the pack.  Just wish I would have found this post before I ordered from another supplier.

Just added a review of the X2 / Super Spike Duffel based on my elk hunt experience last month.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=31&t=001032

Greg

Nice Review.
  I may have to look into a Spike Duffel, here is a picture of my X2 loaded for a three day pack in hunt during Elk season 38lbs including my clothes.
 
   (http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/Bowhuntater/912011BkPk004.jpg)

Camp
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/Bowhuntater/912011BkPk005.jpg)

Pat

Very nice camp. Sil-tarp?

Joshua

Joshua,
   Not to stray from the topic, but yes it is a 8 X 10 sil-nylon tarp.

               Pat

Thanks for taking the time to do that Greg, and sure happy to hear that the pack set up worked out well for you.

I used the X2 with the spike duffle this year and I was pleased.  Looking forward to doing it again next year.

Whip

I appreciate you starting this thread informing us about the possibilites of using the X2 with the Spike Duffel.

Thanks also for your great customer service.

Greg