Eberlestock X2 Pack Review

I’ve recently been asked by a couple of people for my opinion of some different packs on the market, so I figured I’d post some info about one of them that I haven’t heard much about for all to see.  With the elk results out and the deer draw deadline coming soon, I’m sure some people out there will be in the market for a new pack.

I took these pictures when a buddy from work loaned me his Eberlestock X2 pack to check out.  I was in the market for a new pack (surprise, surprise) and was seriously considering the Eberlestock X1, but wanted to check out the ‘new’ Eberlestock X2 before committing to the X1.

Eberlestock states that the X2 is 1800 cu inches and weighs 4.5 lbs.  The X2 is a top loading pack with a fixed top lid.  It has a mesh ventilated back panel very similar to the Badlands Diablo and the Sitka Summit 20 packs.  The X2 also has two wings, very similar to the popular Badlands 2200 pack. I think it is these side wing panels, along with the bottom ‘FlexChassis’ really makes this pack flexible for loading unique loads (meat, head and cape, jackets, etc).  The Eberlestock ARCG Butt Bucket can be added to allow a compound bow to be carried.  Eberlestock also has optional scabbards that can be attached to the side of the pack.  Each wing pocket is designed so that it can hold a water bladder.  There are pockets on the insides of the wings that are perfect for sliding in a spotting scope or a tripod.  The bottom FlexChassis can flip forward to be used as a seat or support loads that are strapped to the pack. 

I took some pictures to compare the X2 to my similarly sized Badlands Diablo pack.  Both are similar in size and have ventilated back panels. 

Badlands Diablo is on the left, and the X2 is on the right.

The pack opened up wide…

Showing the ability to carry tripod(s) with the wing pockets…

Loaded pack…

I unfortunately never did have a chance to carry this pack in the field so I can’t give a full report on how comfortable it is, but in carrying it around the house I found it extremely comfortable.  I personally wish it had a beefier hip belt, but that is probably a personal preference as the hip belt seemed to support the load I carried while trying it out.  I was able to load much more into this pack vs my Badlands Diablo pack.  I do tend to pack a lot of stuff, but easily swallowed everything I would need for a day of glassing coues deer or javelina.  One other thing I think I would like better about the pack is if the top lid were a full floating top lid vs an attached top lid.  I think this would allow it to adjust better to taller loads and if it were removable could be removed for times it isn’t needed to save weight.  The load lifter straps are kind of useless, the same as on many packs as the angles aren't quite right.  The other thing would be better attachment points on the hipbelt for a holster or gps or camera cases.  Overall though, this pack looks to have a lot of functionality built into a small package.  The Eberlestock website shows it carrying elk quarters which I'm sure it would handle nicely for the first trip out of the field. 

Of the few people I know that own this pack, they are extremely happy with it and I would think it would make a great summer or early season pack, or a spring turkey hunting pack.

Here is a video review also...