EberlestockSkycrane II Pack

For the last couple years, I have been using a Hazard 4 Patrol Pack for a camping/backpacking/bug out bag. As much as I like the pack, it was just too small for what I needed. I've never been an ultralight kind of guy, as I've always believed that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, so I opted for a larger more capable system. When I came across the Skycrane II, it was what I had been looking for. The idea of a system that was comprised of multiple packs was definitely something I could utilize. I also liked the fact that the two large packs have plenty of PALS webbing, both inside and out. Anyone familiar with this system knows how useful it can be. I read a lot of reviews and watched a few videos, and I decided to purchase the system.When it arrived, I was pleased to see that the Skycrane appeared to be very solidly built. The stitching is superb, and the pack felt comfortable despite it's size and weight. This was the first pack I've owned with the aluminum supports, but once I adjusted them to me, it allowed my entire back to support the weight of the system instead of just my shoulders and hips. As I began to fill the pack, I realized the little brother alone held quite a bit more than I expected, despite being nearly the same size as the patrol pack.I try to pack so that the items I need on a daily basis will be in the little brother (Mini Sawyer, knife, hydration bladder), while items that I can do without for a while (heavy jacket, extra cordage) are in the J79. I packed this way because the G1 little brother is the workhorse of this system. The single wide compartment gives you the space you need for larger items that would not fit in the J79 (or in my Patrol pack) such as cooking kits and compression bags. This allows me to carry the entire system to my site, then ditch the J79 and just use the little brother.There are things that I honestly love about the Skycrane. I love that this system is three packs in one. It allows the me to decide how much bag I need for a particular scenario. I love that the little brother comes with its own straps, so that you literally unzip it and go, and the waist belt can very easily be switched between the bags. I love the idea that you have multiple places where you can place a hydration bladder, because it allows even more customization (if you don't own a hydration bladder I highly recommend one, and I highly recommend the Camelbak Mil Spec Antidote).There are a few things I do not like about this system though. For example, despite having so many places to place a hydration bladder, I can't put one where I want without altering the pack (between the back and the main compartment of the little brother, where the rifle scabbard would go) because there is no hose access. I also am not a fan of the large tube style compartments on the J79. They are rather narrow, which limits what they can hold, and there is no bottom access, so you have to dig out anything that is buried. There are also several open areas that can allow rain water to enter the compartments, but that can easily be fixed by purchasing a rain cover or even a tarp. The system is also quite heavy, even before you begin to load it, but it rides so well once it's on, that this isn't much of an issue. Oh, and the cost of course, but you get what you pay for.In the end, the pros greatly outweigh the cons. I realize that by making this a modular system, they would have to sacrifice a little to make it work. I really do enjoy this system, and I think it will be my go to bag until it falls apart, which won't be any time soon. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close.

I purchased this pack when it was on sale for $399 and consider it one of the best buys I've had on Amazon. As you probably know this is really three separate, high-quality packs that enable you to mix and match to accommodate whatever mission you happen to be on. For example, the way I generally have my system set up I keep all of my main camping gear in the heart of the Skycrane. I can do this because it has a good amount of storage in and of itself, but I have also added an assortment of molle pouches to the back panel allowing me to carry my first aid kit, a trenching shovel, as well as a huge three-pocket pouch for a bunch of miscellaneous items. I also purchased the eberlestock Super Spike camp duffel which is the main bucket I use in this pack to carry my sleep system and some clothing. In the fanny pack I keep everything I need for day hikes: fire kit, flashlight, mini first aid, folding knife, emergency sewing kit, as well as a couple of sandwiches and snacks for the trail AND I throw my 2-liter hydration pack in there and I'm good to go.I generally use the Little Brother as my go-to backpack for camping and everyday use. 90% of the time I have it loaded up as my range bag with some sandbags, ammo, and protective gear. When I go camping I generally use it for clothes.Overall I really can't say enough about this product. The quality is absolutely top-notch and you can't go wrong with this kit. This system is a bit pricey but you get what you pay for!

I had researched packs for years before deciding on the J-79 Skycrane II. I wanted the best load-bearing system I could find that was adaptable to any environment I wanted to use it in. I wanted the best. What I got was even better than that, the ultimate load-bearing system on the planet!One really can not grasp the level of quality and thoughtfulness of this gear unless you open that banged up, nothing special, unmarked box, and pull out this masterpiece in tactical engineering. If you are looking for the only load-bearing/tremendous capacity pack system you will ever need for the rest of your life, this is the pack.Not being in a combat zone, I am unable to test that last statement in the harshest of environments. But what I do know is that I research carefully, and purchase gear for the most extreme conditions one might encounter tactically or out in the wilderness for a hunting expedition. The materials alone, and the attention to detail with every stitch, are impeccable! Not one thread or mistake can be found anywhere on my pack! And believe me, I examined it slowly and in great detail. The materials used are rugged. I love it. It is a part of me. You will understand that statement once yours arrives and you dial in all of the adjustments to fit your body perfectly.I actually giggled out loud when I took it out of the box to play with it. So much molle. Close your eyes and point at the gear! There will be molle there! Highly recommended!!!!

The capacity and weight don't match up quite well for me, as you can easily stack way more weight for what is comfortable to do. It kinda fits their external frame but it's really tight to use the Molly. But it's an excellent quality set of bags that'll probably last me a long time.

I have owned 4 or 5 packs for hunting, camping and bugging out. I bought this pack for a go bag. This is the most durable bag I have ever owned and the comfort is by far better than any I or my friends have ever seen. 80 lbs in this pack feels like 25 and the internal frame is as comfortable as a framed pack and less cumbersome. The capacity is bigger than advertised. If you need a larger capacity you may want to consider a trailer. I love this bag.