Gun scabbard ?

mtngoat · #1 07-24-2011, 08:17 AM

Looking at buying a pack asap. I like the idea of a integrated gun scabbard like some of the eberlestock packs have, but the look like they might get in the way a little while hiking. Would it be a better idea to add a scabbard and carry it on the side of the pack? If anyone could shed some lite on their experiences that would be great.

Mxyzptik · #2 07-24-2011, 08:54 AM

I have the Eberlestock day pack with the scabbard. There are a couple of strategically placed pads that lifts the whole pack off of your back. One benefit is it doesn't get all sweaty, clammy and clingy. I have wrecked shoulders and not a great back and I can carry my rifle no problem it doesn't seem to get in the way at all and if you are reasonably dextrous you can reach over your shoulder and slide it up and out quite easily.

alpineguy · #3 07-24-2011, 06:48 PM

I have a Guslinger II and love it. If there is 1 knock on the Eberlestock is that they are heavier than some other packs so if ounces matter it's not the right pack. On the other hand the integrated scabbard is second to none IMO and can also be used for gear as well. Any pack scabbard will have it's issues. If you want to have the butt of the gun level with the bottom of the pack the barrell gets caught in overhead trees and if it hangs down it will bump on logs as you cross over.
I just had a right shoulder replacement and carrying a rifle has been an issue for years. The scabbard is the ticket for packing a rifle in a nonhunting situatuation. Having said that, it is fairly easy to access as well but not as quick (for an not so young guy) as a shoulder sling.

MountainTi · #4 07-24-2011, 06:52 PM

I wouldn't consider a pack that didn't have a built in scabbard like the Eberlestock

Rackmastr · #5 07-24-2011, 07:00 PM

MountainTi and I always have a different point of view on that, and thats cool. I'm not a big fan of the scabbards, only because they mean that I have to use a pack that I dont consider to be up to my needs.

I personally prefer the feel and design of the Kifaru and Mystery Ranch lineup, so I fore go the scabbard and just make things work with either a rifle strapped to the pack in various ways, or the Gunbearer system. Both work fine for my needs.

If you want a scabbard, Eberlestock has it down and its their 'niche' for sure.

fatboyz · #6 07-24-2011, 08:03 PM

Well I have a couple of real decent backacks, so didn't feel like shelling out the extra $ for a complete Eberlestock pack, so I just bought their scabbard and cover and strap it to the side of my existing pack. I offset the weight on the one side by adding my Thermarest, bivi bag, etc to the other side to balance it out.Works great.

MountainTi · #7 07-25-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

MountainTi and I always have a different point of view on that, and thats cool. I'm not a big fan of the scabbards, only because they mean that I have to use a pack that I dont consider to be up to my needs.

I personally prefer the feel and design of the Kifaru and Mystery Ranch lineup, so I fore go the scabbard and just make things work with either a rifle strapped to the pack in various ways, or the Gunbearer system. Both work fine for my needs.

If you want a scabbard, Eberlestock has it down and its their 'niche' for sure.

I'm actually hoping that Rack pesters Mystery Ranch enough that they will break down and build a pack with a built in scabbard, then I can try one