Eberlestock J34 vs Team Elk

[timesjudge]

Hey all. This is my first post here. I'm no stranger to backpacking, but I'm new to hunting. I'm looking for one do everything pack. I know there are a lot of great brands out there, but I've settled on Eberlestock mostly because of their gun scabbard design, quality reputation, and price point. Of their packs, two have caught my eye, and I'm not sure which one to go for.

Here are the criteria I'm looking for:

-Under $325 (would prefer the $250-300 range)
-Gun scabbard
-Able to make at least a first trip packing meat
-Able to be a daypack, or a multi-day pack (3-4 days) as needed
*I have a background in SAR as well as light/ultra-light backpacking, so don't need a ton of space
*Must be able to carry 50-75lbs fairly comfortably

I'm probably going on 3-4 trips a year max at this point, so I don't need anything too crazy. I had originally purchased an Eberlestock X2 for a crazy Black Friday steal, but it just doesn't fit my torso comfortably with more than 35lbs or so. To really get it to fit right, I need the waist belt up around my stomach.

I'm open to other pack suggestions as long as they meet all my criteria, but based on what I know now I am focused on those two.

Thanks,

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I was torn on the eberlestock stock pack this year myself. I did choose a Tenzing but my second choice was the team Elk.

 

[ElkTrout]

I bought the "Just one" pack this year before the season started. I love it. It fits me very well and is very comfortable. I packed out a good amount of game with it this year and other than being heavy, it fit very well and balanced. It is a little large for a day pack but definitely expands out to haul meat on your first load. You can also get a duffel that attaches to the pack for multiple day trips. On the high end of what you want to spend but I would recommend this pack. This is just my opinion. There are so many great companies out there with great product it is almost intimidating find the right pack! Good luck finding the one that works for you!


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[7mag]

I looked at the team elk pack today and im wondering how a hind quarter of a mature bull would fit in it... i had to get pretty creative to get a hind on a regular frame pack this year.

 

[matt1glenn]

I have a eberlestock blue widow I'm selling if you want , great all around pack , nicer lid then the J34 if you ask me . I have the scabbard and the super spike camp too if you want . in good shape. PM if interested

 

[matt1glenn]

Its like the same pack as the Just one and the J34 , but its lid can also be a fanny pack , and its scabbard can be taken out if want for say bow hunting.

 

[7mag]

Nevermind my last post. I didnt think about strapping a quarter to the outside of the pack. My cousin has an eberlestock pack that is big enough to throw a hind quarter into the main compartment and head out. Had a brain fart. I think ill get one the next chance i have.

 

[Wyoming Hart]

The Team Elk pack looks to be a good fit into what you are looking for. It is definitely not a pack for packing back in for a week with everything that is needed in the backcountry, but I feel that it is a great day pack. There are plenty of pockets to put stuff in and keep separated. It has plenty of space but is small enough not to be much of a hindrance when hiking. Wouldn't be the best of packs for packing out meat though, but is possible. I can't speak much for any other packs. Like with anything else, you have to find something that fits your niche.

 

[go_deep]

I just got the team elk pack about a month ago and I like it. I've took it on two hikes that ended with my 4 year old daughter riding on it for about a mile each time and I was comfortable the whole time. If you debone your meat I think you can put a fair amount of meat in it plus gear. The one thing that gets way over looked is if you use gear bags you can really double the size of the bag by lashing the lighter stuff on the molles on the outside of the bag, then the deboned meat can go inside.

 

[tim]

eberlestock just one with a boned out front shoulder, backstrap and rib meat from one side of the elk and it's head.

 

[oldskool67]

I have an X1 that works great as a day pack. The problem with Eberle packs is they are one size fits most. If you can't get the X2 to fit then the other ones wont either and you will be miserable with any real weight in it. The only packs of theirs made for people with longer torsos are the destroyer and battleship.

 

[oldskool67]

I'm not slamming their packs, they just don't have a lot of adjustment built in to fit everyone.

 

[Huntinguy0120]

Have to love that the J34 has a built in gun scabbard, while my team elk pack knowledge isn't personal, I know the J34 can expand pretty well but doesn't have all the load adjustment options that some of the Eberlestock packs offer. With a purchase of the team elk pack they (or used to) donate a portion of the proceeds to the RMEF. Either would be good, but a built in scabbard has so many capabilities.

 

[ssliger]

Have to love that the J34 has a built in gun scabbard, while my team elk pack knowledge isn't personal, I know the J34 can expand pretty well but doesn't have all the load adjustment options that some of the Eberlestock packs offer. With a purchase of the team elk pack they (or used to) donate a portion of the proceeds to the RMEF. Either would be good, but a built in scabbard has so many capabilities.

The team elk pack has the built in scabbard also.


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