Review for Eberlestock X3 LoDrag Pack w/Integrated Scabbard, Dry Earth X3ME

Author: Outrigger {!} from Philadelphia on Mar 24, 2012
Pros:  Weight distribution
Cons:  Compartment size
Would recommend:  yes

Outrigger wrote:

Fantastic bag. I bought this bag to use as an overnight camping pack and a travel day bag for vacations. For camping, I was able to stuff a tent, poles and bivy sack into the scabbard, which offers plenty of storage space. Those items won't fit if rolled or folded, but they fit and compress really well if just stuffed into the scabbard area. The lower compartment held my food, cooking equipment and camp necessities such as cord, knife, snare/fishing equip and emergency blanket and sleeping bag liner. Very happy with what the lower pouch was able to accomodate. The upper pouch has some nice sleeves for hydration, computer/files, but I used it to pack extra layers for the night. It won't hold a ton of clothes, but then again, any overnight winter trip would necessitate more gear and a larger bag. Criticisms: I'd prefer one main hydration bladder compartment instead of two- 2L compartments because they are a little snug. The exterior side pouches can hold a water bottle, but the pockets aren't very deep and they are set too far back to be accessible when wearing the pack. I probably won't use these for water bottles at all. The shoulder harness may run small for some. I'm 5'11", 170lbs and the waist belt just barely sits at the right spot just above my hips. I've heard the after-market shooter's harness would help with longer torsos. The weight distribution of the pack is great. I hiked about 5 miles over rocky ridge terrain and the bag felt awesome. Nice padding, didn't feel heavy, felt like it was designed to carry weight because the distribution sets the load higher up instead of dumping it on your lower back. Wish list: I wish the pack had an integrated CCW pouch at the "small of the back" area that would be accessible while the pack is on. Definitely happy with the bag, worth the price, and I would recommend it to anyone.