Phantom or Halftrack?

[NMMX]

I have been going back and forth for a while and can't make up my mind between the Eberlestock Phantom or the Halftrack with the ARCG ButtBucket kit.

Primary uses I have in mind are a 2-3 day pack for hiking/hunting and or range bag. I would have probably decided on the Phantom by now but I have heard a few people say that having your rifle in the scabbard can be a PIA when trying to rest on hikes.

The detachable dragbag is nice but don't really care about it one way or the other.

Any thoughts from people who have used either would really be helpfull.

 

[sr15match]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

I have a Halftrack and use it for traveling downrange. For 2-3 hiking/hunting it would work fine. Everyone has their wants or requirements. Look and look hard, look at measurements considering how & what you want to pack. I pack typically for 4-7 days at a time.

My only want/complaint is that I wish the pack had a little depth (it's just a bit shallow). But that just allow me to pack more crap thus adding more weight......

I'm not sure anyplace online shows measurements of the pockets or bay. I'll lay mine out tonight and measure it up.

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

I prefer the half track. The phantom seems to move around too much when hiking. You can also strap rifles on the side of a phantom ( there is an open pocket on either side for the butt and a load strap up higher that works great for securing your rifle).

 

[Rowdyryno]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

NMMX I'm in the exact boat as you I can't make up my mind either buy leaning more towards the half track And now I'm liking the G4 operator a lot

 

[Genius.]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

I would look at the jackhammer. I just picked that one up and love the thing. The part I like about it is I got the rifle scabbard with it and it mounts in the pack, I can put it on and off without a problem.

I have heard that the phantom without the scabbard is uncomfortable.

I know I sound like a broken record, but give Ceylon a call from delta outdoorsman, he will find the pack for you and give you a hell of a deal.

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

I bought the "Halftrack" after buying a G4 and finding it a little larger than I expected. I wondered if I would have been happier with the G3 AKA "The Phantom", but now it would seem I made the right choice.

The G4 has a quite a few straps to cinch down, so that even a light load is very comfortable. It packs my rifle very comfortably, however, getting the rifle out is not as quick as I thought it would be. I am not any quicker at getting it out of the G4 than I am my issued Eagle drag bag, but the G4 carries the load much more comfortably.

The Halftrack makes a great "Assualt" pack. I bought a side scabbard for it, but have yet to use it. My Eberlestock packs are the most well made packs I have ever owned. I am very happy with both of them.

 

[sr15match]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

A quick measurement of the main bay in the Halftrack looks like an easy 22x12x6 + a little. There's a bit more than that when you start packing and pushing stuff around. The side pockets are an easy 18x6x4 + some. The very top pocket is about 10x6x2.

I use the sides for a full size pillow rolled up in one and a 45 degree Big Agnes sleeping bag in the other. This leaves space on top of both items on both sies for gloves and what ever else can be packed into a small space.

I have a 2 liter pouch attached to the front and it's handy for shower shoes and an extra rolled up boonie hat rolled up or what ever else I might see fit.

Tucked neatly in the very bottom of the pack is the rain cover.

The pics aren't the best but it gives you an idea.

 

[Doogie]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

They are essentially the same pack except for where the rifle sits. Indeed it does suck sometimes trying to find rocks to rest on without having a rifle hit you in the back of the head. But if you are running an AR-15 or something on the shorter side you can tuck the bottom of the scabbard in and that negates that problem. Love the phantom both with and without rifle scabbard and often take just the drag bag. Also nice if just doing a day hunt to be able to have just the rifle and no bag.

 

[NMMX]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

Thanks for the great input guys and thanks for the extra info sr15. After seeing the pictures and size it gives me a much better idea of how much room there is. What do you keep in the extra pack on the front?

Doggie, I'm glad to hear a positive review of the scabbard. I was kind of beginning to think it was more frill than useful. i just picked up a XLR folder for my 20 incher, so knowing that I can fold up the bottom of the scabbard is helpful.

I guess I should give Ceylon a call and have him narrow it down for me.

Anyone else keep the feedback coming if you got it.

 

[sr15match]

Re: Phantom or Halftrack?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NMMX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the great input guys and thanks for the extra info sr15. After seeing the pictures and size it gives me a much better idea of how much room there is. What do you keep in the extra pack on the front?</div></div>

The extra pocket on the front is an Eberlestock 2 liter pouch. It's a handy place to keep my shower shoes/flip-flops. Never go without them........

If anyone has any questions about sizing or what ever feel free to ask, I'll answer what I can. The pack is comfy and easy to travel with. There's plenty of adjustment even when wearing over my LBT plate carrier. There's other packs designed to work with vests / carriers but considering this wan't it still does alright.