One of the facts of paintballing is that there is typically a tremendous amount of gear that needs to be brought to the field. Markers, pods, pellets, tools, air tanks, remotes, gloves, shemaghs, rags, and pretty much everything under the sun requires hauling. Of course, that's what gear bags from the likes of Dye, Planet Eclipse and other paintball manufacturers are for.
Still, there's the odd "Big Game" where one has to haul extra tanks and pellets into the game itself where none of these gear bags would be of any use. So what's needed is a decent easy to carry pack, big enough to hold all the gear one would reasonably need for a Scenario/Big Game, robust enough to handle all that weight, and comfortable enough to carry from the car lot to the field, and when times call for it, to carry enough for an extended period of time during a game.
For a couple of years, I have used a Blackhawk! 3 Day Assault Pack during Big/Scenario games and it has served me well. However, it is still limited in carrying capacity, as well as ease of access. Of course, PALS everywhere eases the storage limitations somewhat, but it remains limited especially in carrying a long marker, like the BT TM15, the Tippman A5 and X7. These are some of the limitations that eventually led me to the Eberlestock Gunslinger 2, also known as the GS2.
Before we get to the pack, who the heck is Eberlestock? Folks here in Malaysia know all sort sorts of outdoor, adventure and tactical gear manufactuers, but I've seen more blanked stares than a dining hall in an assylum whenever the name Eberlestock comes up. Eberlestock? Who the heck are they?
Well, just a brief intro, all pulled from their website. Eberlestock is a company started by Glen Eberle, an 8 year member of the US National Biathlon team, and a member of the 1984 US Olympic Team. Realising that there has to be a better rifle design than the heavy and fragilke ones that were being used in the sport at the time, Eberle started work on redesigning the rifles in his father's garage. His work ultimately resulted in a redesigned rifle stock, and the Eberle Stock company came to being. The Eberle Stock resulted in a lighter and stronger Biathlon rifle, allowing the athletes to ski faster without worry of breaking their rifles. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the Eberle Stock also enabled the athletes to shoot more accurately. This attention to performance, weight and ergonomics have remained a feature in all of Eberlestock's product, including their impressive lines of packs. This has made these packs standard gear for Spec Ops operators around the world, particularly Scout/Sniper teams operating in some of the most daunting and harsh terrains. If the packs can survive the abuse these guys put them through, it should survive paintball easy enough.
The Gunslinger II
The GS2 comes in a variety of colors and patterns. ACU, Multicam, OD, Coyote, are just some of the selection available. The pick for me is the Eberlestock Dry Earth, which works well as a base layer color, and at the same time looks 'civilian' enough to be used as an Every Day Carry (EDC). However, Dry Earth was such a popular color that they didnn't have one in stock for months and I eventually settled for Coyote Brown, as seen above. The GS2 is a development from the original Gunslinger, oddly designated GS05M. The Gunslingers sit in the middle of Eberlestock's range of tactical packs with integrated scabbards, which works really well for my use, small enough to carry as an EDC, large enough for my paintballing needs.
The GS 2 has a load capacity of 2900 cubic inches (about 47.5 litres). It features an integrated scabbard that allows the stowage of long rifles (and hence, markers), PALS webbing everywhere including internally, 3 carry handles, 2 integrated hydration pouches (3 litres each), an admin compartment, a clothed compartment for stowing sunglasses or mobile devices, 2 vertical and 2 horizontal compression straps, a removable waist belt, and a fully adjustable shoulder harness, allowing the operator to adjust for height and shoulder profile. A rifle butt cover is provided, allowing full concealment of a rifle, up to 60 inches long.
Another great feature of the GS2 is that it's both a front loader and a top loader, allowing ease of access to the main compartment, especially in an intense firefight (or any other high stress situation, like at the airport security checkpoint queue).
The Internal Load Bay
Picture courtesy of Eberlestock
The picture above shows the GS2 with its internal load bay opened. As can be seen, being a front loader allows the user better access to the internals. Also, note the internal PALS available on the front, and sides of the load bay, allowing modularity for internal organisation.
Internal PALS webbing on the front and sides.
The internal load bay - empty
The internal load bay is one big space. This facilitates packing bulky items into the pack. There is less organisation in the space however, 4 tuck pockets are located on the bottom of the pack, 2 on the back panel, and 1 on each side panel. The tuck pockets work really well on small light items, holding the items in place. However, if the items are bigger and extending beyond the elastic band, than its quite common to see the items loose from the pockets.
The internal load space is also finished in high visibility fabric. This helps tremendously in looking for items in the load space. This is one of the many examples of the care of design that was put into these packs. Attention to quality and finish is apparent in the stitching. Everything is finely stitched providing great strength and feel. The finish is hardy yet soft to the touch, and is immensely easy to clean.
Another great design element of the GS2 is that it is also a top loader. This allows the an increase in internal storage by expanding the top cover, allowing about 20% increase in storage space. The vertical compression straps handily loosen to allow for this expansion, and of course tighten, when there is no need.
Integrated 3l max hydration pouches
The GS2 was designed as a tactical pack for scout/sniper teams. Most of these teams operate for extended periods of times in adverse conditions and terrain. One of the essential survival requirements is the need to hydrate continuously, the GS2 comes complete with 2 hydration pockets, each big enough to hold a 3l water bladder. Integrated hooks on the top provid the means to ensure that the bladders don't crumple under their weight, allowing for free flowing H20 to the operator. 2 small slits at the top of the packs allowing the tubing to be routed through via the shoulder straps, ensuring that the tubes stay secure and not flop around.
High strength clips to secure hydration bladders
Of course, the hydration pockets can be used for other things as well. I've tucked spare pods there, small 12 Ci tanks, and laptop power supplies, and cheque books down those pockets in its life as my EDC.
Internal load bay filled. Note the need to organise
The front flap of the load bay is secured by YKK zippers on 3 sides. These zippers are self healing, and is extremely hardy. The great thing with these zippers is that if placed on the sides, it enables the operator quick access to the load space without opening the whole flap. This is extremely handy to quickly grab something regularly used provided its stored within easy reach of the opening. On those long Scenario Games, I typically store my med pouch there, in the case of an emergency, they're quickly retrievable.
The Top Compartment
The GS2 sports 2 compartments on the top of the pack, one large compartment with a fair amount of organisation, and another small lined compartment behind the Eberlestock insignia designed to hold sunglasses or mobile devices.
The large compartment is accessible to a zippered slit towards the rear of the pack. The zippers as always are fitted with the paracorded pull tabs making it easier to grab and pull. The lined compartment has a zippered slit to the front. The exterior of the compartment is all lined with MOLLE goodness.
The design of the GS2 is such that when the pack is full, the top panel where these compartments are, sit squarely on the pack. However, when the pack is lightly filled, the top panel drops to the front. I find this no hindrance whatsoever, the panel and the compartments remain perfectly usable in either configuration. However, a downside to having a rear entry for the main compartment however is that if the pack is full and placed on the ground on its back, there is a tendency for stuff to drop out of the compartment if not secured properly. In that sense, its lucky that there are loads of organisation to help keep things secure.
The main compartment has loads of space and organisation. It has 2 AR Magazine pockets, secured by stretchable bungee, 2 open pockets behind them, a zipperred pocket and another open pocket right behind that. There is also a lanyard with a clip to help secure keys and other loose items. To round it off, there's a pair of pen pockets as well.
I find the top compartment to be very handy, whether for paintball or for day to day use. The magazine pockets work really well for securing external hard drives, handphones, and other gadgets. the pockets behind them provides storage for cables for those devices, though these would also hold hard drives and phones too.
The zippered compartment holds my meds, and other essential items. The large unsecured pocket beneath that holds my microfibre cloth and wet wipes, essential to keep my mobile devices clean.
Just to show how roomy that compartment is, I occasionally carry my 8" Fujitsu P1610 Tablet in the top compartment. Being up there allows quick access which comes in handy at the airport security checkpoints!
Like the main load space, the interior is finished in soft, hardy high visibility fabric. Pull tabs are placed on the magazine pouch bungees, as well as the zips allowing for ease of use, even with gloves. Again, great practical design thinking!
The Integrated Scabbard
The main feature that sets the GS2 apart most other packs is the integrated scabbard. In fact, this is the one feature that made Eberlestock renowned, most other tactical pack manufacturers do not provide this feature. The scabbard is placed to the rear of the pack, this allows the weight of the gun/marker to sit closes to the users center of gravity, ensuring that the pack is comfortable when under loads and facilitates movement.
The major difference between the GS2 and its predecessor, the GS1, is that the GS2 scabbard is wider than that of the GS1. The wider scabbard allows a wider range of rifles with optics to be carried in the scabbard. The wider scabbard also facilitates storing paintball markers, though the use of risers for mounting optics (for mask clearance) may pose a problem. The thickness of the scabbard can also impede storing a marker with a Ripclip (BT TM Series), or a Cyclone loader.
I've carried my TM7, a full length TM15, the Shorty TM15, a RAP4 T68, a Milsig, and a Tiberius T9.1 with minimum issues. The TMs I carry with the Ripclips dismounted, the T9.1 was carried with in ready to shoot configuration, though it only fits in when slanted as I also use the Tiberius Arms Adjustable Picatinny Rail which adds quite a bit of height as shown below:-
The top of the scabbard sports 2 clips which secures the contents from being dropping out. In the case of the set of 4 pics above, its the Tiberius 9.1, but the content could pretty much be anything, like laptops. The clips also provide control and structure to the scabbard, ensuring that the pack doesn't flop around during movement. Lastly, the clips also keeps the buttcover secured onto the scabbard, preventing dirt and dust and rain from coming into the scabbard.
In addition to the top clips, the packs horizontal compression straps also allow has loops sewn into the scabbard so that straps can also be used to pull the scabbard in, again providing structural control to the pack.
The bottom of the scabbard is normally folded in into a space at the bottom of the pack, secured by a clip. The bottom can be pulled out. providing an extra 12 inches approximately for a longer rifle/marker. A zipper provides access to the internals of the scabbard and is extremely handy when cleaning the pack.
The scabbard provides a useful utility space which can be used for
storing a many different things, apart from markers and guns of course. In its
guise as my EDC, I store my laptop there, the space big enough to fit the
biggest 17 inch gaming rig. In fact, combined with its excellent harness, the
GS2 is about the most comfortable pack to carry a gaming rig or desktop
replacement. But more about the harness later.
In addition, the stabilising clips on top not only ensures that
the contents falls out, but can also be
used segregate long objects like tent
poles, fishing rods and similar items if stored there.
The External Features
Eberlestock Gunslinger 2 in Dry Earth showing the harness - Picture from Expeditionportal.com
The GS2 sports the Eberlestock developed "Shooters Harness". The "Shooters Harness" has several features which provides exceptional comfort to the user. The harness is adjustable in height, ensuring that it sits at the optimum height for the users body. The height adjustment is a simple loop and catch tab, which is however, very tight, so better get this right and not readjust it every so often.
The harness also have adjustable stays, which controls the profile of the shoulder straps, allowing the right profile and ensuring that the weight of the pack is spread evenly onto the users body. More about the adjustable stays can be found on the Eberlestock website.
As can be seen above, the harness straps is also quite thin, but is liberally laced with the same mesh type material found on the rear of the pack. The mesh provides both support and air circulation, doing away with the need for thick padding to make the straps comfortable, as well as keeping the users back and shoulders cool.The thin straps make it easier to wear the bag when using a molle vest, or if one is using a windbreaker or other outdoor jacket. The straps also contain loops to secure wires, and hydration tubes, as well as D rings to secure loads in the front. An Eberlestock accessory called the Multipurpose Pouch (MPP) utilises the D ring, providing the user with a pouch thats easy to get to situated across the users chest. Lastly, a sternum strap is also available, and is extremely comfortable thanks to available vertical adjustments and a extendable strap.
On the bottom of the back panel is a liberally meshed and padded lumbar support which, when the correct heigh adjustment is made, sits comfortably in the small of your back. This provides just the right support, and makes the pack extremely comfortable over long distances. Beneath the lumbar support is the waist belt, which can be removed when not needed. The belt has molle attachment points in case there's a need for extra pouches, and can be removed when not needed.
Eberlestock Gunslinger 2 in Dry Earth - Pictur from Expeditionportal.com
As mentioned before, the GS2 provides both vertical and horizontal compression straps. In addition, the GS2 has 2 side pouches with a compression cinch. In addition, the front panel also contains a long deep pocket. handy when something needs to be stowed away quickly.
Before concluding the article, let me bring your attention to one last feature of the Eberlestock Gunslinger 2 which makes it such a winner in my mind. No, its not some insanely clever way that the pack unfolds or expands, but its a simple thing which makes the pack incredibly easy to handle, and that is the carry handles. There are 3 carry handles on the GS2, like all standard Eberlestock pack, one on the top, and one on each side of the pack. The carry handles really helps in handling these packs, be it to get it off the back and to putting it on the ground, or to load into a car boot, or just to hold for that matter. A simple feature, but one which really provides a lot of good.
Conclusion
Before getting into paintball and tactical gear, I never really had an appreciation of pack design. That all change when I first purchased a Blackhawk! 3 day Assault Pack for Tananera D Day. It was expensive, it flopped a little bit, but it was tough and durable, had great organisation, and was comfortable, even carrying heavy loads.
The GS2 takes all those positives to a totally new level. The ergonomics on this pack is spot on for me, providing great support that allows me to carry heavier loads longer. The integrated scabbard is a boon not only for the carry of paintball markers, but also for my day to day items like a laptop. The quality and care to detail is apparent in every stitch, providing a high vis interior to help locate dropped items, but also a water slippery, durable external shell made of 1000D Cordura. The shooters harness, while deceptively thin, is probably one of the best harnesses I've ever had the pleasure to put over my shoulder, providing great comfort even when using vests or outerwear. And with the GS2, I truly realise the importance of compression straps and adjusting the harness to fits ones build.
As said before, the GS2 serves me not only in paintball, but also as my EDC. It has travelled all across Malaysia, Asia Pacific, the US and Europe. It has seen battle at Oklahoma D Day where it alone arrived on time for the game (the rest of my paintball gear got lost in transit by the Airline), and where I stored my pellets, water, gear etc. It has seen battle during the recent ISPG in Rompin, providing valuable storage space in the front lines for ammo, water , air and food. And you know what, it looks darned good doing what it does.
No other pack has made me appreciate how much engineering design and understanding of ergonomics go into pack design as the GS2, and to me thats one of the greatest things about Eberlestock, they put in new thoughts and ideas into a simple day to day utility we call a bag, and made it better. And they do it with heart too, and its embodied in a small patch thats sowed onto each and every Eberlestock product :-
Lots of Luck guys, and thanks for reading.
Note:-
Eberlestock website is www.eberlestock.com
My GS2 was bought at the fine folks at
http://www.deltaoutdoorsman.com
