Eberlestock Just One J34
[rating: 4/5]
Would we recommend to Friend: YES
Pros:
Many pockets allow you to organize well
Best Bow and Rifle carry pack around
Expandability
Very adjustable, on pack fits all
Great Meat packer
Comfortable
Cool design, I love the strap over the top and bottom, similar to tactical packs
Cons:
Weight went out not up, made for tippy big loads
Would have preferred that the expansion area was not mesh.
Story:
This pack was used on several day hunt for Deer. We loaded up the pack a little heavier than normal for a day hunt. I packed in:
Extra food and water, a tree stand, and a salt block.
The pack handled this load well and was very comfortable. I have never used a pack that was easier to get off and on. It was remarkable how the straps almost jumped onto my shoulders. One thing that I really liked was the side mesh pouches. I was able to stuff my tripod in one, and on the other side I shoved in some granola bars. This gave me quick easy access to these items, and I was able to synch them in place with the draw string at the top
I was also impressed with the zipper quality, and the zipper draw. The draw is a nice piece of rope, with a rubber loop at the top. I was able to stick my finger in these loops and work the zippers even with large gloves on.
The pack also has two exterior pouches that remain very usable, even when the main compartment is stuffed full. Lots of other packs do not allow enough extra material in these pouches and when the pack is full they become unusable, not the Eberlestock Just One, it allowed this.
I kept the pack on all day only taking it off once to sit down for lunch. I found it very comfortable in the shoulders and the waist. The extra thick pad in the lumbar area is fantastic, and seemed to reduce sweating.
I strapped my bow to the Just One during one trip, and used the gun scabbard to haul in a shotgun for grouse on another trip. Both times I was very impressed with the ability to handle the weapon of choice. You can buy a Butt Pouch for the pack, allowing for easier bow hauling, but I found this unnecessary.
The pack can expand like crazy. It goes from 2300 cu inches all the way up to around 7000 cu inches, with the addition of a duffle bag that zips on.
If you want a 1-4 day pack, this is a good choice. If you want a 1-4 day pack for hauling in a rifle or bow, this is the best.
What could they do better:
Figure out a way to expand upwards not backwards.
I am not crazy about the mesh in the expand section, I would pay a little more for normal material.
Eberlestock Just One J34 Review
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Functionality
(5)
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Value
(4)
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Ergonomics
(5)
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Durability
(4)
I love this pack! I have taken it on several multi-day backpacking trips and day hikes. I take it almost everywhere because of it’s versatility and comfort. I really like the fact I can throw my rifle in the scabbard and be hands free. If you have never had a pack with this feature. I believe you’ll be converted after your first trip. Tip for bipod users: look at the Stoney Point Rapid pivot line up. These bipods quickly attach and detach which will make it much easier getting your gun in/out of the scabbard. Also note that you cannot sit down while your rifle is in the scabbard.
I used this pack last year on a 6 day high country mule deer hunt in Colorado. It preformed flawlessly hauling 60 pounds of gear 14 miles in. I used the “spike camp” duffle for my camp gear on the hike out, while filling the mesh area with an entire boned out deer and its cape. Even though the pack was over 110 pounds it was fairly comfortable.
The J34 is by far my favorite backpack. The fact you can unzip one zipper and load this bad boy up with pelts, sheds, or a huge load of meat is awesome. If you don’t get lucky, it rides nice and tight like a day pack. If you like multifunctional equipment as much as me. You’ll love this backpack.
Got this pack to elk hunt this fall. So far just hiking on trails, preping for the hunt this pack is awesome. The multifunction of having a day pack or full blown spike camp pack is very appealing to me. The pack is layed out very well with many pockets and organizes extremely well. If there is a drawback it is the weight but I think that it weighs so much because of the quality the pack is made with. I have been on several practice hikes, 2 – 7 miles and the pack feels great with 60 to 80 lbs it’s no problem. Can’t wait to get in the mountains with it I’ll re-post when I get back. So far I’m very impressed.
Pros:
Many options for adding like spike duffel, large and small pouches, rain fly, expandable to giant proportions, binocular pouch, cover for mesh expansion with reversable blaze (nice feature when packing out horns) The pack is very well organized with tons of pockets that are right sized for all kinds of gear.
Cons:
Little heavy but really not too noticeable due to comfort and padding.
So far I am extremely happy with the purchase.
Thanks for the great add to this review.
Great all-arounder. Perfect for bringing in a heavy load to camp and packing out a couple of quarters. A little bit heavy for short 1/2 day trips from camp. Rifle scabbard provides access to gun while hiking. Not super quick access, but well within functional. Would not replace for overnight trips, but I must confess that I did by the smaller GunRunner for shorter day trips.
Eberlestock packs with the accessible Gun Scabbard are a great investment in functionality and safety. I spend a lot of time hiking up the side of steep inclines with loose rocks and having all four points contacting the ground is essential. It is nice to not have to worry about dropping the gun for the safety of others and yourself (and the safety of the gun).
Highly recommended!