Ok, so I’ve been wanting to write this review for quite some time now, but its only now that I have access to a computer/internet after being out bush for waaay too long.

I’m a huge believer in reading reviews of anything before I purchase it, in particular EDC related gear, but one problem I have with most reviews is that they are done within a very short period of the reviewer receiving the item, and sometimes don’t address issues of durability over long periods or the experience of “living” with the item.

I’m doing this review after owning this bag for just over 3 years and having been underneath it from 2-12 hours per day for at least 75% of that time. Keep in mind that I use this bag purely for work and in remote/harsh environments and I certainly wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as an everyday EDC pack as it is probably a little large.

With all that in mind I’d like to present my review of the Eberlestock Halftrack pack.

First, an overview picture. Keep in mind that this is a pack that has been used almost every day for three years. It’s a testament to Eberlestock’s quality and attention to detail that it looks as good as it does.

The Halftrack itself has a few different features. The main pocket is panel loading and includes MOLLE webbing on both the inside and outside of the zipper panel. Inside the main compartment is a fold down shelf (made of flexible foam and covered with fabric) a few pockets and a mesh pocket in the top for a radio. The two side pockets feature a buckle closure, a passthrough (the outside pockets are only sewn to the main pack down the sides so the top and bottom are open, facilitating carrying of longer items) and a small drink bottle pocket on the lower part. These side pockets each have a compression strap halfway up. There is also a pocket on the top. There is a small zippered pouch on the bottom of the pack that carries the included rain cover.
 Harness is and adjustable yoke, with aluminum removable stays and a padded, removable waist belt plus sternum strap. It includes load lifters although no delta straps. A piece of tubing covered in webbing makes a great grab handle and a loop of webbing facilitates hanging of the pack from hooks etc.

Now, on to the interesting stuff.

Layout and Features

Versatility is the name of the game here, this pack really allows you to customize the layout of everything in it to suit your needs. MOLLE is pretty well everywhere it could conceivably be sewn.

There are passthroughs on the left and right side of the pack for hydration tubes, aerials etc. and these are covered with a Velcro flap when not in use.

The top pocket is a perfect size for a personal FAK and has a protective lip of fabric over it to prevent the ingress of dirt, water etc.

Side pockets fit a 3l hydration bladder (with insulation cover) perfectly. Although Eberlestock provides hangers inside the passthrough for bladders, I never felt entirely comfortable using them, I’m not sure why.

The drink bottle holders on the side pockets are almost entirely useless and I’m not entirely sure why they were included on the pack. Basically you can use either the pocket, passthrough or bottle holder because when one of these is full the others aren’t able to be used.

The main pocket is fantastic. I had reservations about the “shelf” in the middle but in practice it allows me to organize my kit much more efficiently and perfect weight distribution, especially important when wearing the pack for long periods. I like the buckles on the mesh pouch as they allow easy access to whatever is stored up there. The one complaint I have with the main pocket is that the small pouches on the left and right hand side are really too small and not elastic enough to be of any use. When storing small items in them the restrictive nature of the elastic collar around the top makes getting things back out very difficult. I also found these pockets are prone to tearing; one began to rip after a year of use. In my opinion a better idea would be to replace these pockets with elastic loops like you see on Maxpedition organizers.

The rain cover works well and is a nice inclusion although I haven’t used it that many times apart from the occasional snowstorm or tropical rainstorm because I find the pack is pretty water resistant on its own. One thing I really love is the strap keepers included on the load lifters and sternum strap, makes everything much neater.

This isn’t a huge pack by any means, but it works for days where you need to carry a lot of gear and I’ve lived out of it in the bush for a week at a stretch. Although I’d say it would be better suited in somewhere between a day and three day pack role.

Carry and Comfort

As mentioned above I have worn this pack for quite a long time and I’ve never had a pack as comfortable. The waist belt is excellent, comfortable and cinches down well to take most of the pack weight of your shoulders. It has a lumbar pad that is nicely padded and not too obtrusive. Shoulder straps are light and breathable. Everything is very adjustable and should you need to you can even bend the stays for a better fit (I didn’t need to). I’ve found once you get the thing set up its pretty much dialed (doesn’t take long, my settings haven’t really changed from about the third time I put it on) in and you can just put it on, clip up and go. This is a huge bonus for me having come from Kifaru packs where sometimes it can take a few minutes to get the pack fitted again after taking it off. Really you have to put this pack on to really feel how fantastic it is. I don’t have a Kifaru in comparable size, but comparing this and my ZXR with the same load I’d have to say the Eberlestock just beats it out in comfort. The longest I’ve spent under this pack in one stretch is 22 hours and it remained super comfortable throughout.

Durability

Being made of 1000D I didn’t have too many reservations about this pack being durable. None of the main fabric is really showing too much wear, although one of the drink bottle pockets is showing a little scuffing.

The inside elastic pockets are beginning to rip, as mentioned above, although I kind of expected that given that they are made from quite a light fabric. Fittings are all ITW Nexus so no issues there.

I managed to crack the waist belt buckle but it still seems to work fine. I should email Eberlestock for a replacement. Zippers are all large YKK so again, no problems. Only other issue I can find is that some of the thread around where the main zipper is sewn in is a little frayed, but I can’t see this being anything more than a cosmetic issue during the bags lifetime, same with the hydration tube loops on the shoulder straps. I can’t overstate the attention and craftsmanship that has gone into this bag. It’s not quite Kifaru hand made quality but it’s incredibly close and definitely without the price premium.

Conclusion

This really is a great pack and I’m not entirely sure why Eberlestock is not more widely known. I have had the opportunity to use many more widely known name brands and yet every time I keep coming back to the Halftrack. I really wish I could find more to criticize about this pack but the reality is I’ve lived with it for three years and I’m yet to find a deal breaking flaw.

Critique of this review is welcome, as it is my first proper attempt at review a piece of equipment, as are questions etc.