Eberlestock Mainframe now or wait for new frame?

chrisinsc

FNG
Joined
Apr 22, 2025
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Elberlestock is having a crazy good sale on everything right now. While I am not a big fan, I like the mainframe pack quite a bit. My buddy has one, and it's fantastic. That said, I was waiting for the new mainframe release coming in July, but I may have to pull the trigger today with this price. What are your thoughts?

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No way I'd personally invest the $563 you have listed into that system.
That was a super helpful comment. What would you buy for about $500 that can pack enough shit for 3-5 days out, haul meat, and be modular for day hunts when needed? I also like the idea of attaching a sled to the frame.
 
That was a super helpful comment. What would you buy for about $500 that can pack enough shit for 3-5 days out, haul meat, and be modular for day hunts when needed? I also like the idea of attaching a sled to the frame.
I started to write more then dialed back the comment.

In general some better quality pack systems off hand: EXO, stone glacier, kifaru and some others with strong followings but more cost and you'd likely need to look at use for that price point. Mystery Ranch (talking their framed packs like the guidelight not some of their other stuff) is also a decent system but if being honest I think comes in below those ones but I'd absolutely take over the mainframe you mentioned. The MR stuff also can routinely be had for less than $500 if you buy a sale/last years model run.

Everyone has their preferences/allegence, etc. but my personal opinion is that mainframe is a few tiers down the list. Yes it'll be better than a light duty back packing pack for sure, but there are better hunting packs.
 
I'm currently using most of that system.
#1 the belt and shoulder straps fit the way I like and is comfortable.

#2 reason is its simple and fairly versatile. If a system doesn't do EXACTLY what I want, I'd rather it suck and be simple than have 47 pockets, zippers and straps that are useless. The bag does leave some to be desired but works.

My wife runs the 2500, I run the 5000 which is good enough for up to 6 days and it rolls down for a day pack. I also have the big dry bag for packing. The dry bag keeps the mess in or out depending on what your doing.

I'm very interested in the S2H K4 on the horizon for early spring and late fall hunts.
 
I'm currently using most of that system.
#1 the belt and shoulder straps fit the way I like and is comfortable.

#2 reason is its simple and fairly versatile. If a system doesn't do EXACTLY what I want, I'd rather it suck and be simple than have 47 pockets, zippers and straps that are useless. The bag does leave some to be desired but works.

My wife runs the 2500, I run the 5000 which is good enough for up to 6 days and it rolls down for a day pack. I also have the big dry bag for packing. The dry bag keeps the mess in or out depending on what your doing.

I'm very interested in the S2H K4 on the horizon for early spring and late fall hunts.
I feel similar. I don't need a ton of pockets. Honestly, the vapor bag is a splurge for me. I am content with just a dry bag. I don't need it to be the lightest. I just want it to work hauling meat. It should also be modular enough that I can drop my main pack and just run around with the batwings. I'm all about efficiency when out and think this hits most of my marks. If I drop the vapor and lid and just run their dry bag, which is only $35 on sale, then I can have pretty much what I want at around $303, which is a very nice price point for the poors like myself.
 
then I can have pretty much what I want at around $303, which is a very nice price point for the poors like myself.
Its a different price than earlier but you can still get closeout mystery ranch stuff down in the $300s right now (cheaper at end of season) if that is the budget. I bought my kid one of their terraframe packs on closeout last year for $250, the terraframe is basically the guidelight frame with 3/4" straps instead. So its not like only $700+ packs are being discussed here.

Have you had exposure to anything besides the mainframe? A buddy had one and I wasn't particularly impressed with it esp. when there are closeout options in the same price realm.

But if you feel its a good match for you feel free we all got opinions, that is just mine.
 
HPG Decker beats the Painframe any day of the week, and I say that as a Mainframe owner. It's a very poorly designed pack.

HPG beats Kifaru too in my book. Haven't used EXO so no idea but everyone seems to love the K4.
 
I feel similar. I don't need a ton of pockets. Honestly, the vapor bag is a splurge for me. I am content with just a dry bag. I don't need it to be the lightest. I just want it to work hauling meat. It should also be modular enough that I can drop my main pack and just run around with the batwings. I'm all about efficiency when out and think this hits most of my marks. If I drop the vapor and lid and just run their dry bag, which is only $35 on sale, then I can have pretty much what I want at around $303, which is a very nice price point for the poors like myself.
compared to the dry bag, the Vapor has outside pockets for trek poles/tripod plus straps.
if you go with just the dry bag, get the gate keeper straps. it's nice to have extra straps for hauling meat or rifle or...
We tried the batwings...I'll sell you mine...
they are so small in every way, they're just a half day pack with room for layers and the ability to pack meat if you connect.
 
I would buy all the accessories and then wait for the new mainframe

Ditto. Get the the bags you want on sale, then, unless you're married to the load shelf thingy or just really like the discounted price on the F1, get the new frame or similar.

I've got the F1 mainframe currently and it works great for me without complaint - like any gear YMMV of course. I don't have a lot of use for the Vapor series bags not needing a bunch of compartments/etc. and just use the zip on dry bag for hauling camp paired with batwing(s) to use for hunting/day use. Last year, all hunting season, I just used one (single) of the new big batwings and that was it - plenty of room for everything for a day hunt including puffy jacket, puffy blanket, rain poncho, game bags/kill kit, food, hydration, plus usually a spotter lashed on and my rifle via a Slik Sling.

Sooo, I have the 4000c dry bag, two of the Gen1 batwings, and one of the new large batwings for larger items and swapping around as needs and various outings arise. Always attached to the frame/belt I have the small general purpose pouch on left hip, the "double threat pouch" on right hip (as a quik catch all for gloves, headlamps, garbage, etc), and the sustainment pouch molle'd to the frame containing hydration bladder, emergency kit, and half dozen gate-keeper straps.

A single large batwing is perfect size daybag for me - single large batwing containing day gear with mule deer hind/front/backstrap/tendy:
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It would be the rare pack that didn't take a little bit of "personalization" to fit/feel best and I have mod'd mine over the years to now I have the K4 belt that I have rigged to make the whole frame ride slightly higher on my back and the longer padded shoulder straps. I've been swapping between 45# and 60# sandbag rucks since about March and feels great.

My plan is to pick up the new frame when available, or similar, just because I don't like the load shelf thing - it really doesn't serve much purpose and kind of gets in the way. I'll keep the F1 set up for training/rucking and the new frame dedicated for hunting/backpack stuff.
 
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