Yeah, they both suck. Worst of all worlds, zippers galore, cheap imported crap. No thank you.
Judging by the size of the packs you posted and the fact that you are asking for advice on a full Codura pack, my suggest would be to look really, really, hard at this one:
Unlike Kifaru, these appear to be in stock, ready for delivery. They are also US made, unlike the eberlecrap. Spend some time poking around the HPG website.
Yeah, they both suck. Worst of all worlds, zippers galore, cheap imported crap. No thank you.
Judging by the size of the packs you posted and the fact that you are asking for advice on a full Codura pack, my suggest would be to look really, really, hard at this one:
Unlike Kifaru, these appear to be in stock, ready for delivery. They are also US made, unlike the eberlecrap. Spend some time poking around the HPG website.
I've been lusting after that HPG ute and will probably pull the trigger soon. I think in a couple more years HPG will be on top of the game judging by what they have out already.
Depends on what you want to carry/pack. Looks like the Half Track is a half pound lighter and 10% greater volume. Personal preference... Do you prefer one big internal compartment and two external compartments on the back ? Or, a big internal compartment with an internal divider ? Looks like the two external compartments probably make up the majority of the weight difference.
I get really PO'ed when my sleeping bag gets a unplanned washing in the middle of a trip when I need it not to look like this guy:
To prevent "Hatchet Jack mode" from occurring to you, it helps to have a no-BS method of waterproofing your puffy gear. Mine go into roll-top silnylon drybags and these go into a trash compactor bag, the top/end is twisted and tucked down the side of the pack, this is uber-rainproof. "Candy-cane" the top by twisting it and putting rubber bands on it and your pack will float like a cork if you are packrafting or crossing a swollen river.
The stuff in the backpouch is stuff I need during the day, it really doesn't matter if most of this stuff gets wet.
The ULA Catalyst pack, with its mesh backpouch and drybag style roll-top, is probably the number one pack used by long-trail hikers who do it for weeks/months on end. This is no accident.
Very pleased with my X2 and J104. I would happily get another Eberlestock. Can't really recommend one over the other as it depends on what you intend to do and how you want to customize it to fit your needs. I'm taking my X2 for a 5-day backcountry elk hunt. I used the J104 last year but have continued to shrink my pack list to where it all fits in the X2.
I have been happy with my "Just one" pack so far, no zipper failures or stiches blowing out. Got mine used, with 2 padded pouches, reversible panel and the super spike duffle. Not sure how balenced the pack will be with it maxed out on weight for a week long backpack hunt, we will see...
Of the two posted, I would choose the Halftrack with the butt bucket option.
I have had the smaller Just -one since 2007. Seldom use it as I seldom wander more than a mile or so from the vehicle and can carry everything I need in my pockets/fanny pack. If I need to haul out a critter, I can drive fairly close and/or use a sled if it has snowed, or a game cart if it hasn't.
