I have it narrowed down to these two packs. I have the Eberlestock X2 and I love it but I want something for a 5+ day adventure. I can get the Blacks Creek for about the same price as the Eberlestock with the butt bucket and the duffel. The Blacks Creek would actually be about $30 less but with the Dragonfly and duffel I get the extra load capacity. If you had to choose between these two packs what would you go with?
Dragonfly Vs. Barbarian Featherlight
- Thread starter T43
- Start date
I assume your asking me if I have tried them on? I have not but I find it hard to tell how a pack really feels until it's sweated up with a load in it. I know they are both adjustable for torso length so that's not a concern. I have no problem spending the day with my X2 at 40+ lbs so I figure if Eberlestock can make that pack so comfortable they should be able to make the bigger packs comfy as well. As for the barbarian it looks more like a conventional backpacking pack so I'm sure it would fit and ride similarly.
When I posted this morning I figured I would be shopping around for a week or two before getting a pack but my wife called this afternoon to tell me about a schedule change that will open up more time for me to do some overnight scouting trips sooner that I expected. With the new information I made a decision and ordered the Eberlestock. I figured I already liked their smaller pack and the Dragonfly just seemed more versatile than the Barbarian.
SDbowhunter
Active Member
The barbarian is a lot lighter at 6lbs 5oz compared to the dragonfly 8lb 8oz, but the dragonfly is more versitile with more options and can be made to go much bigger up to 8000+ cu in with the optional zip in bags the barbarian is stuck at 4400
dustyboots
Member
You may want to look at the Eberlestock Blue Widow as well about the same as the dragonfly but without the built in scabbard
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
If it isn't too late, the j34 does everything the Dragonfly does, but saves weight by cutting out the fanny pack. You can save a little dough too.
I already put in the order. I looked at the J34 and would have bought one but the place I ordered the dragonfly from didn't have any and I got the pack, duffel, and but bucket for about what just a J34 would have cost me anywhere else. I also looked at the BW but I kind of like the rifle scabbard. I have the one that attaches to my X2 and after a few miles with the gun in the pack I started to wonder why I didn't go that route sooner. I'm sure I can find something to put in it when it's folded up during bow season, even if it's just salt, pepper and tabasco. My actual plan is to use it for an extra hydration reservoir. I sweat a lot when I hike so I also drink a lot, I have a 2L and a 3L that I packed last year and I figure since it will be hotter during bow season I'll need more than what I ended up using. I went through the 2L and started on the 3L last year on my hardest days and was glad to have it so the weight of the extra water never crossed my mind. I have iodine water pills to do field refills and I'm looking at a filter system but I figure It would take more energy to hike to water sometimes that it takes to haul the extra 4.4 Lbs of a 2L water bladder. Plus I don't have to refill as often.