4.5/5 stars hopefully you can find useful info in this rambling review - Eberlestock Gunslinger II Pack

I ordered the gunslinger 2 over the gunslinger 1 because I ended up getting a really good deal on this pack. I like that this model has the front opening option, has 2 vertical compression straps instead of just one, and has a water bottle pouch on each side of the pack. That being said I prefer the lumbar pad on the older model over this one. I also wish the empty weight wasn't so heavy at 8.2lbs although it wasn't a deal breaker. I also find that the shoulder straps are a little too wide and if I don't have the sternum strap buckled they will definitely slide outward on me pretty far(I'm 6'2" 185lbs). I never seemed to notice the shoulder straps being too wide on the gunslinger 1, but I do notice with this pack. The waist belt is great on this pack, it does a good job of transferring the load to your hips when properly tightened. The way the waist belt straps tighten is a great design as well. I've found that when I have this pack loaded to 45lbs or less I can comfortably carry that load essentially all day through either flat or hilly terrain. Any more weight than that and I find myself constantly messing with the adjustments of the straps in an attempt to get comfortable. I find it to be a little on the small side but kind of the perfect size because I often find myself packing light and suffering through the elements anyway. If you were to use this in a military mission set you would probably have room to pack for a 48hr recon mission... maybe even 72hrs if you lose some or most of your comfort items. If you were to use this as a backpacking camping bag you could probably get 3 days worth of gear in it and maybe even 4 days, again if you go light on the comfort items. If you have to pack your water for the entire trip then those times will decrease. I'll probably buy a couple Eberlestock 2liter pouches for when I need to carry more gear. The aluminum frame is kind of whatever in my opinion. I never found myself thinking that the gunslinger 1 model needed a frame and it was still able to carry the same size loads no problem. That being said, keep the frame on your pack. It's pretty light weight so won't decrease the weight much and without the frame the pack becomes a bit sloppy.
My favorite things about this pack are that it is slim and fits right behind my body without sticking out on the sides. This makes it awesome for movements through thick brush. The rifle scabbard is clutch as well and if you aren't using it makes a great place to put more gear. The entire set up of the pack is great from the front opening/open top stuff style combo, all the pockets are very well thought out and useful, and the waist belt is one of the best that I've used. I can grab my water bottle take a drink and place it back in the side pouch while wearing the pack so that's nice. I'm sure everyone says this but this pack is very well built and looks great.

Overall I really like almost everything about this pack. The only reason I say that it only gets 4.5 stars is that it's just not as comfortable with heavy loads as I was expecting it to be.