Eberlestock Dragonfly vs MR pop up 28

[Hucker]

I have the Dragonfly and PU18. If I could have just one, it would be the Dragonfly. I use the PU18 as a day pack, but the Dragonfly is a serious load carrier. IMHO, it'll carry more than you can comfortably carry. Love my PU, tho. Carried out my little coues this year, slung thru the meat shelf. It is a great design. I use my PU for day pack, but have the Dragonfly in the truck/UTV to switch out when I am in haul mode. I have packed out 4 elk with the Dragonfly. I guesstimate I have close to 50 miles with meat in it, now. All day comfort.

 

[Newtosavage]

I have the Dragonfly and PU18. If I could have just one, it would be the Dragonfly. I use the PU18 as a day pack, but the Dragonfly is a serious load carrier. IMHO, it'll carry more than you can comfortably carry. Love my PU, tho. Carried out my little coues this year, slung thru the meat shelf. It is a great design. I use my PU for day pack, but have the Dragonfly in the truck/UTV to switch out when I am in haul mode. I have packed out 4 elk with the Dragonfly. I guesstimate I have close to 50 miles with meat in it, now. All day comfort.

Thanks for that reply. I have to agree the Dragonfly is surprisingly comfortable. Many times I forgot I was wearing it, even with 25-30 lbs. carry weight. I didn't pack meat with mine though. Had the pack frame for that. I like what you're saying about the 18 for a day pack. I may very well keep the Dragonfly and add an 18 or 28 pop up.

Is the 18 hydration bladder ready?

 

[Hucker]

Yes it is, but only 2L I believe.

 

[Newtosavage]

Yes it is, but only 2L I believe.

That's all I ever use anyway. I've yet to drain a 2L bladder in a full day of elk hunting. I have a hunting partner that goes through 5L a day. Not sure why I drink so little, but it is what it is.

 

[pin_head]

I have both bags. I dread wearing the dragonfly, I won’t enter the bush without my popup28.

I have a shorter torso and the size of the popup makes all the difference in the world for me. I’ve had up to 50 lbs in it and felt good.

Brad

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Never worn the Dragonfly, but I have owned the Eberlestock Blue Widow in the past and now own a PU28 (along with a few others). I couldn't get rid of the Eberlestock fast enough. It was heavy, stiff and doesn't have functioning load lifters. It's no fun packing an elk out with all of the weight on your shoulders.

The PU28 is a nice little day back and carries a load reasonably well with the frame extended.

 

[Ghetto]

I’ve been looking into getting the pop up.

A couple of questions:

Why would MR quit manufacturing them for so long? Is there a problem with the pack or just an internal problem with the company?

I’ve only packed out one deer. Could you pack out a whole whitetail in the pop up 28? 2 trips? 3?

 

[coffeefirst]

I used the Pop up 18 last year for elk. I went in for 3 days. It is a great pack! I packed in my camp and then took the load lifters down and used it as a day pack. Very low profile and great in-between the trees. I hauled out elk quarters with it as well. The 28 is even bigger! The load shelf makes the difference for the amount you can carry and the load lifters are a great way to control where the weight sits. When it gets colder, I do take the Metcalf as it does handle more gear for extended stays and more clothing.

 

[Newtosavage]

I used the Pop up 18 last year for elk. I went in for 3 days. It is a great pack! I packed in my camp and then took the load lifters down and used it as a day pack. Very low profile and great in-between the trees. I hauled out elk quarters with it as well. The 28 is even bigger! The load shelf makes the difference for the amount you can carry and the load lifters are a great way to control where the weight sits. When it gets colder, I do take the Metcalf as it does handle more gear for extended stays and more clothing.

This is what I'm thinking - I bought the Eberlestock Spike Camp duffel, and have all my camping gear in it. I was thinking of loading it on the overload shelf and once I get in and set up camp, then I'll just have the day pack.