I don't have an EW, but I do have an older Model 70.
The action will accommodate up to 375 H&H length cartridges, so there shouldn't be a problem with COAL. You might have to take out a spacer and get a new follower though, I'm not sure.
Wait until Mystery Ranch packs go on sale (they get marked down 20-25% a few times a year usually) and pick up a Pintler for day hunts or a Metcalf for overnights.
First Lite quality/durability has been really disappointing for me.
On the other hand, I bought my first Sitka Gear in about a decade. I was really impressed by it this fall. I think Sitka had a period where they were surviving on their elite status and quality went downhill. But now with...
This whole thread started because guys were trying to trim weight off of Kifaru packs, which tend to be the heaviest of the top-end hunting pack brands.
I agree that a pound or two isn't a big deal most of the time. But I also think that if you are concerned about weight enough to take a pair...
I have three spotters (50, 65 and 85mm). My 50mm gets the most use by far because it is so light. I carry it everywhere. I prefer one of the bigger ones for really sitting down behind a spotter, though. I use the 50 mostly to field judge animals I've already picked up with my binos, so I...
I’ve never owned one, but I am intrigued by their bag designs.
I can’t, for the life of me, figure out why they don’t have load lifters on their packs though. That alone has kept me from considering them.