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A Detour in My Pursuit of A Scouting Pack
If you’ve read my review of the Eberlestock H31 Bandit or my post The Anatomy of a Mobile Public Land Setup, you already know my goto pack for moving quick is the Eberlestock H31 Bandit.
You also know that I’m extremely high on the Eberlestock X2 for those hunting situations where you need to carry in a bit more gear, whether it be for an overnight trip or just a really long sit in the stand, especially in those winter months if you are packing in the layers.
What I’m Looking For
In this class of packs, I’m looking for the following three attributes:
- Capacity: Ability to pack in the gear without feeling like I’m overloaded
- Accessibility: Ability to get to packed gear relatively quickly
- Adaptability: Ability to compartmentalize gear, natively or via expansion pouches
- PAL webbing system
- Bow integration
Putting the X2 To the Test
The Eberlestock X2 checks in with the following specs:
- Volume: 1830 cubic inches
- Weight: 4lbs 12oz
- Dimensions: 22.5”H x 16”W x 6”D
The capacity (and weight) are roughly double my H31 Bandit. That is fine because as I said, my use case if for those trips where I need the extra room and don’t mind the extra weight.
DIY Building A Public Land Setup
Read about the Eberlestock X2 as part of my mobile setup Learn How
Capacity
This pack doesn’t lack for space. The main compartment cinches up with a set of batwings that wrap around it. You have ample pockets of various sizes located throughout the pack. Its hydration adaptable which I will delve into later.
The batwings are particularly useful given their size. They can accommodate a spotting scope, a water bladder, a larger saw…nearly anything you can throw at them…and there are two of them!
Additionally, the batwings can be cinched around other gear for even more carrying space. I’ve used them to cinch down my heavy coat as well as my bow when biking into a public land spot.
Accessibility
With the ample space available, I would imagine your next question would be, “Yeah, but can you get to your stuff when sitting in a tree”. Surprisingly, yes, even with all the pockets, flaps and buckles, nearly every storage compartment is easily accessible and can be accessed quietly.
I attribute most of the accessibility to the batwing design and the ability to splay the whole pack open. I love the accessibility on this pack..particularly in the tree.
Adaptability
I love the amount of PAL webbing on this pack. The whole exterior of the pack is covered in webbing so you can add pouches and attachments to your heart’s desire.
The main compartment enclosed by the batwings is also covered in webbing which I use to attach other tools I want to access quickly such as my Benchmade Steep Country, Leatherman Wave+ and my Hooyman Extendable Pole Saw.
DIY Making a Bow Boot for Your Eberlestock:
How I adapted a Badlands Bow Boot to my Eberlestock Learn How
Points to Consider
There are only two points that gave me pause about the Eberlestock X2:
Bladder Location Leaves You Looking for Balance
The bladder location for the Eberlestock X2 is located in either of the batwings. The issue I had was it left me looking to counter the weight of a full bladder on one side of the pack. It’s not a deal breaker but more of an annoyance. Would love to have the bladder centered so it rides a little easier.
Load Lifters Don’t Lift
This is an issue only if you are roughly 5″11 or taller. There wasn’t enough adjustability for me to both secure the belt around your hips while also using the load lifters to take the weight off your shoulders.
Given I’m not trekking huge loads, it isn’t a big issue for me, but it could be if you are doing a good bit of hiking with a heavy load.
Final Thoughts
I love the Eberlestock X2. Its a great mid-size pack for the whitetail woods and a great addition to a mobile setup. If I can’t travel light with the Eberlestock H1 Bandit…I’m bringing the X2.
