Eastman's Pack "Review"

[HighHunter1232]

I'm impressed with Eastman's outfit. I am interested in upgrading my optics and thought their description on the Vortex Bino/scope in the last EBJ was helpful; they even say right on the bottom of the page that they "will not waste our time or yours talking about product that isn't worth using" and as such "you wont often see a bad review in this publication."

 

[justin davis]

Aside from Aron Snyders reviews and a handful of other guys out there, much of the hunting industry reviews and what is potrayed stem from money. It's all about money!

 

[realunlucky]

X2 all about the money

 

[Justin Crossley]

I'm impressed with Eastman's outfit. I am interested in upgrading my optics and thought their description on the Vortex Bino/scope in the last EBJ was helpful; they even say right on the bottom of the page that they "will not waste our time or yours talking about product that isn't worth using" and as such "you wont often see a bad review in this publication."

Don't forget that Vortex is paying them most likely.

 

[rodney482]

I knew Aron was for real when he turned down a free bow.

After that I knew who I was going to go to for gear advise.

Every piece of gear he has suggested exeeded my expectations.

Most of the gear I have purchased in the last 5 years I have really been happy with.

Gear is getting better and better all the time.

 

[focker34]

Although 'Meateater' isn't sponsored by Alaska Guide Creations bino harness, Steven Rinella has been known to tote his bino's in one of Jaret's packs for a few of his episodes. He is sponsored by Vortex, and although most TV show hosts that sport vortex optics are using the Vortex elastic carrying system, Rinella grabs what he knows works best for him.

 

[2ski]

I didn't even read the gear reviews in Field and Stream for their best of the best a month or so ago. Best pack was made by Cabelas?????? I don't remember what some of the other items were, but some I could see being the best, and some...it was just obvious it was a sponsorship thing.

 

[Scoot]

Agreed!

Aside from Aron Snyders reviews and a handful of other guys out there, much of the hunting industry reviews and what is potrayed stem from money. It's all about money!

A year ago or more I asked Aron about some product and he gave me a good answer. I asked him an honest question afterwards- was his opinion an honest opinion or was he sponsored by the company he was backing? I thought it was a fair question (still do). I'm pretty sure I caught him off guard or pushed a button and he fired back (honestly) that he had no investment or bias or financial involvement with the company. He explained to me how he didn't enter into agreements with companies like that so he'd become a walking, paid advertisement. In short, he set me straight about his reviews. When I've asked him comparison questions between Kifaru and other companies he's always said, "Keep in mind I work for Kifaru." The dude's a straight shooter and full of really helpful info when it comes to backcountry gear and hunting. I sure appreciate and respect his opinion and take.

 

[Jager]

Rule #1 is that none of us are objective. Once we get by that and live on the cynical edge like I do, life is easier. Seriously, it is difficult to be objective unless you have an opportunity to try the different options and know what to look for and what makes a difference. For instance, I know that I am going to get a different pack someday, but I am not automatically going to buy a Kifaru because of the perception on this forum. Based on my little KUIU/Kryptek warm weather gear test, it get damn expensive to play with the different options if you have to buy them yourself, and, that is a rather inexpensive test. I know what I like and what is important to me, but that may not be the same priorities for others. Easiest thing to assume is that the person or publication has a preference, but just need to get as much disclosure as possible. BTW, Aron works pretty hard to do a good job as he understands that his credibility is important. Selling someone a pipe dream will only work once, unless the person is an idiot, and they wil go elsewhere the next time. IMO.

Have to agree completely.

Unfortunately Eastmans have stuffed my subscription, again, and I havn't the latest issue, (so yeah, I have a gripe lol) but as was said above, all about money.

We see reviews in the media all the time, but a lot of them are done by people that really don't have a clue.

Kifaru gets a fair flogging on RS, difference is, imo, it is good gear, the hunters doing the reviews have spent enough time in the mountains to know their stuff, and yes, they are objective, doing the review out of a passion for the sport/lifestyle rather than money.

 

[brunse]

I would say the review was adequate. If you throw out the "appearance" rating, Kifaru won hands down.

It is a "trophy" hunters magazine. I'm going to let my sub run out and try another... Maybe extreme elk or whatever it's called.

 

[7mag.]

It is unfortunate that Eastman's is a quality magazine, because I think they have become a sellout. They used and talked Swarovski optics for years, then switched to Nikon? That was the first red flag for me. I read that pack review last night, and I can't understand how Eastman's and others, can keep putting packs like Eberlestock, Badlands, and Blackscreek in the same category as Kifaru, Stone Glacier, and Kuiu.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

You know I didn't read the review so I could be way off, but I see a lot of reviews with those other companies in the same category as the last three you mentioned and I can only surmise that they do not use the gear much.
In my mind quality backpacking gear shines in the comfort, dependability, and useful function department, and that is not something you can replicate without actually using them for an extended period of time.....well you can find the comfort area pretty quickly.

 

[jmez]

It is unfortunate that Eastman's is a quality magazine, because I think they have become a sellout. They used and talked Swarovski optics for years, then switched to Nikon? That was the first red flag for me. I read that pack review last night, and I can't understand how Eastman's and others, can keep putting packs like Eberlestock, Badlands, and Blackscreek in the same category as Kifaru, Stone Glacier, and Kuiu.

Depends on what they are packing. 50#'s and less there really isn't much, if any difference.

 

[7mag.]

Depends on what they are packing. 50#'s and less there really isn't much, if any difference.

I disagree. I've tried some of those one size fits all packs, and with my training load (45 lbs.), there was a noticeable difference, especially after a few miles and a couple thousand feet.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I could use a lot of packs with 50 pounds for one day. But on a multi-day bivy hunt that shit would get old on the shoulders! I will just stick with my Kifaru.... The appearance part is a joke!

 

[In God We Trust]

I asked Mike Eastman at a show if he thought the price tag was worth it on the Sworos, this was when they were sponsored by them. He told me the only reason he used glass that was so expensive was because it was free and they were sponsored by them. He said if it were his money he would use mid level Leupold or other mid level glass because you pay so much money for so little gain at the very top price bracket in glass. That my friends was an honest review! Mike even stated in his new book that mid level glass is adequate and the method you use to glass makes the difference when spotting animals. These guys make a living selling magazines and part of that is sponsors. There is no company that is hands down the best product but I see a lot of cheer leading on here for Kifaru and Kuiu. Remember an honest review is also what each individual sees as good results. I swear by Badlands packs and have been using them for years yet a lot of guys on here are not fond of them. We all like different shit. IMO Eastmans is one of the better outfits out there.