Unconventional ! - Eberlestock J51 Warhammer Backpack

OK, I needed a large volume pack that had versatility. I scoured the net and was open to just about anything, but most important was quality, comfort, and versatility. I narrowed it down to 3 companies (Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, and Eberlestock). After watching the YouTube clip on the Mystery Ranch NICE frame, I was really interested. Sounds like they have the best frame! However, their packs could not hold a match to the Warhammer, in fact, about the only pack that can is Eberlestock's Skycrane II, in my opinion. So why the Warhammer? ALICE frame and I now believe they made the switch to an Intex II (I have the ALICE). OK, it's not the Mystery Ranch's NICE; however, there are pros and cons to both. The NICE frame has some give, which looks like it would wear more comfortable, but the flex on it may compromise the the transference of weight to the hip belt, and MAY displace the weight to the shoulders if the weight in the pack is more than the stays can support (hope that's not too confusing). ALICE pack has no give, and therefore the comfort MIGHT be compromised with all weight being loads, but little or no weight transference to the shoulders as the frame is ridged.
Additionally, air flow of the ALICE is unparalleled to just about anything out there with that respect. Versatility: Holy Cow! When I first saw the Warhammer in a picture, I though it was just straight up goofy! I guess one night I was board, or saw the pack featured in a YouTube video with another pack that I was interested in and I was just awestruck! This design is just genius. Watch the YouTube video (Bug Out Bag Review: Eberlestock Warhammer by OnTheMoveShow). You can do just about anything with the pack, the side pockets are huge, and if fully stuffed they stay close to the frame, and if the internal compartment is needed they flare out to the side with the weight adjacent to the frame, so the wearer is not hunched over in attempt to balance the weight. The pack can be loaded out to the sides and up and down, as opposed to just projecting backwards like most packs, keeping all the weight adjacent to the frame and minimizing fatigue for the long haul. Lastly, accessibility. Rucks are either take it all out to get to what you need then pack it back in, but the warhammer is like a modified weird ruck, chuck it all in and cinch it down, to access what you need, hit 4 quick release buckles and the thing vomits everything, grab what you need, cinch that bad boy back down and go! (No time wasted digging around!) Also, the huge balloon pockets have a zipper on the side, so that all items can be accessed when full. PALS webbing on the internal backing, and all over the inside has limitless possibilities for whatever need arises.
I am still stickin' with my original thoughts on the look GOOFY, but i have never been persuaded by flash, only function. I went with Dry Earth because if the pack is ever needed in a bug out situation, or if I ever go thru train stations, airports, leave it in my vehicle, I don't scream (HEY!!! I'm in the military!!!!!) Grey Man theory, blend, get the Unicam II rain fly for it, so that if you need to go stealth in the woods, you got that option handy, not to mention the intended use for the rain fly. I would recommend the reversible rain fly Unicam/Hunter Orange, so you don't get shot in some parts if hunters are present.

I chose the J51 over the Skycrane, because of the huge balloon pockets that have access to them from both the top and side zippers, and from what I can tell, they are much bigger than that of the Skycrane's side pockets. Additionally, I wanted the ALICE frame as opposed to what the Skycrane incorporates.

Pros:

Cons:

I have seen that the newer fame system has some bar that projects backwards from the pack now, it could be a pro or con depending on your needs. I personally like the one without the bar because your not restricted on more sizeable items that could be placed in the pack.