Eberlestock Dragonfly review (56k Warning)

[Fire Ball]

This is my review of the Eberlestock Dragonfly J107M backpack. I have looked for reviews and pictures and could not really find much, handling it in person convinced me this pack would work for my needs. I wanted to post pictures and a brief review for all those interested. I've found in my research of this pack that it can fill many needs, from snipers in Afghanistan to big game hunters in North America. Enjoy the pictures and descriptions, feel free to ask questions, I'll try to get back to you. I'm not the greatest photographer but I think they get the point across.

The pack itself:


The dragonfly logo:

The top pouch attaches to the pack with 4 plastic clips and is very secure:

Lots O' Luck:

The top "fanny pack" detatched:

The microfiber lined shooting/sun/prescription glasses pouch. Very smart imho :

Main pouch with extra tie downs in it:

Side view, main pouch on top, hydration bladder pouch on bottom:

Pals webbing on bottom:

Transforming from 2900 cui to 5400 cui pack:






Looking into main pocket, 2 radio antenna portals can be seen at top:

Just two pockets on the back of the main pocket, sized for large radios:

Commpression strap loops that can compress/decompress the gun scabbard and water bladder pockets:

Side pocket, two zippers, a divider in the middle but it is one pocket, a small gap on the edge of the divider allow a skinny object to fit if put in carefully:


The scabbard:

Scabbard and antenna portals:

Bottom view of scabbard tucked in:

Scabbard cleanout zipper:

Scabbard extended below pack:

Side pockets:

Pals webbing and side access zipper:

Side pocket canteen holster, or whatever you want to use it for:

Inside view of side pocket, there is no internal pockets in these side ones:

Top and side zippers of side pockets:

Bendable aluminum frame stays:

Hip belt pals rows:

Hip belt "clasp":

Shoulder straps:

Reinforced brace accross main pocket:

Pals rows on bottom of main pocket(usually hidden in all photos):

Eberlestock HPG High Performance Gear:

Pals rows on top of removable fanny pack:

Measurements:
Scabbard total length extended is around 33", width is 8" by a 3 1/2" depth. Scabbard length when tucked into pack becomes around 21".
Side pockets are about 22" long by 6" wide by 5 1/2" deep.
Main pocket is 12" wide by 22" long by 6" deep.
Removable top pocket is 12" wide by 8" deep by around 3 1/2" thick (it can expand more)

Also there is a belt that folds out of the bottom of the fanny pack/messenger bag, I'll post pics this weekend.

Overall this packs quality is top notch, I definately recommend it. It looks like it will be able to with stand years of abuse. One note, the main pocket material is a bit thinner than the side pockets material so it can collapse easier but it still feels very strong. Stitching and corners are absolutely bomb proof. This is a very reconfigurable pack, useful from a day trip bag to a full blown inch bag imho. The micro fiber lined pocket on the removable top just shows the level of thought put into this pack.

Hope you all found something useful out of this review, maybe (hopefully) some field testing can be done on it soon.

Thanks for reading

http://www.eberlestock.com/J107M%20Dragonfly.htm

[AmirMortal]

Thanks for reading

http://www.eberlestock.com/J107M%20Dragonfly.htm

Thanks for posting! I'd been wondering about some of those details. Nice to see the mechanics of the system.

[Fire Ball]

Thanks for posting! I'd been wondering about some of those details. Nice to see the mechanics of the system.

No problem, it's kind of hard to picture until you can see it up close. The G4M Operator also piqued my interest when I seen it, but up close, it didn't have the room I wanted or the detachable top. Just more points to consider.

[Fried Gold]

http://www.eberlestock.com/J107M%20Dragonfly.htm

The codpiece is on the wrong side.

[Hydrogen1]

good review, ive been debating picking up their Terminator pack.

[FlungPup]

I've got the Barta Stalker and love it, plus many of the accessories.

[northernxposure]

I've been looking long and hard at these packs. The Dragonfly J107 is a huge pack, especially when you add on the expansion pack in addition to packing the open main compartment.

My positives

I love the idea behind opening the two sections (a big fan of the dual location zippers for access) to create a topload main compartment - I wish the M version had the hunting option of the mesh though, I can think of a bunch of times when I wasn't real wild about stuffing nasty wet tent/tarp back into my pack only to have a suprise later when I pulled it back out. A large breathable stash pocket is great. The light colored inner liner is amazing when you're looking for something in the dark also, I wish more manufacturers would use this on packs. Molle loops, even on the hunting lineup - nice addition. Lashing and secure straps are well thought out and hold the pack securely (just not the bailout top).

My negatives

The top of the pack just seems "floppy" to me though, especially with the added waistpack. I'd like it to be a bit more secure. The hydration section is a waste of space to me, and offsets the gun pouch more than I'd like. Speaking of the gun pouch, it's primary design is traditional scoped rifles or longguns. Scoped/optic equiped AR with 30rd mag need not apply. The Gunslinger pouch is much better for this style of rifle, but it's not an option with the J107.

The J104 (smaller version of the dragonfly with no top bail bag) would be perfect for me, but is not offered in 1000D nylon, only their hunting fabric.

My unknowns

The waist belt is secured by a large velcro patch on the "frame" sheet, not directly attached to by means of suspension, etc. It's a HUGE piece of velcro, but still. Also the shoulder straps don't integrate with the belt, they go straight to the bottom of the "frame". Personal thing, I'm just not sure about something that's meant to support the weight of the pack(waistbelt) with such little supporting it. Obviously it must work - they're selling.

I don't know if I'll ever find my perfect pack, but this one's really growing on me.

The price is a lot more palletable than my other dream-pack, the Mystery Ranch CrewCab... (and truth be told, I like this layout better with the fold-out panels and main compartment).

I'd love to see a review on the performance of this pack out in the field for a trip or two, to see how it functions under load.

NXP

[Woods Walker]

The waist belt is secured by a large velcro patch on the "frame" sheet....

This is not an issue and is done with lots of higher end packs so the belt can be removed and replaced fast. Nice looking pack.

[Fire Ball]

I've been looking long and hard at these packs. The Dragonfly J107 is a huge pack, especially when you add on the expansion pack in addition to packing the open main compartment.

My positives

I love the idea behind opening the two sections (a big fan of the dual location zippers for access) to create a topload main compartment - I wish the M version had the hunting option of the mesh though, I can think of a bunch of times when I wasn't real wild about stuffing nasty wet tent/tarp back into my pack only to have a suprise later when I pulled it back out. A large breathable stash pocket is great. The light colored inner liner is amazing when you're looking for something in the dark also, I wish more manufacturers would use this on packs. Molle loops, even on the hunting lineup - nice addition. Lashing and secure straps are well thought out and hold the pack securely (just not the bailout top).

My negatives

The top of the pack just seems "floppy" to me though, especially with the added waistpack. I'd like it to be a bit more secure. The hydration section is a waste of space to me, and offsets the gun pouch more than I'd like. Speaking of the gun pouch, it's primary design is traditional scoped rifles or longguns. Scoped/optic equiped AR with 30rd mag need not apply. The Gunslinger pouch is much better for this style of rifle, but it's not an option with the J107.

The J104 (smaller version of the dragonfly with no top bail bag) would be perfect for me, but is not offered in 1000D nylon, only their hunting fabric.

My unknowns

The waist belt is secured by a large velcro patch on the "frame" sheet, not directly attached to by means of suspension, etc. It's a HUGE piece of velcro, but still. Also the shoulder straps don't integrate with the belt, they go straight to the bottom of the "frame". Personal thing, I'm just not sure about something that's meant to support the weight of the pack(waistbelt) with such little supporting it. Obviously it must work - they're selling.

I don't know if I'll ever find my perfect pack, but this one's really growing on me.

The price is a lot more palletable than my other dream-pack, the Mystery Ranch CrewCab... (and truth be told, I like this layout better with the fold-out panels and main compartment).

I'd love to see a review on the performance of this pack out in the field for a trip or two, to see how it functions under load.

NXP

Very good points, I found that the top is pretty secure when the pack is stuffed. The waist pack is not as floppy as I thought it would be, but I bought two straps that I can loop into the pals webbing right at the top of the side pockets then through the pals webbing on the rear and sides of the top waist pack, this seems to secure it down a bit. Obviously straps could go around the top horizontal compression stap when the main pocket is out and the side pocket pals webbing are too far away to use.

As for a scoped ar with 30 round mag, the gunslinger, operator, terminator, or phantom would be a better choice. I did put a non scoped ar without the magazine in a 16" barrel configuration into the pack. I took some photos to show this:
This has a fixed handle (A2 style) so I would imagine a flat top ar would have a much lower profile with a buis and scope:

There's a good 2 and a half inches above the carry handle for scopes:

This is with the bottom of the scabbard tucked in, it's quite low profile still:


Some people might count out the dragonfly because it doesn't have as wide of scabbard, but without a mag ar's have quite a bit of room.

Just food for thought.

Also the color of this pack is great, very low key looking. It looks like old canvas sack material.

[Fire Ball]

The waist belt is secured by a large velcro patch on the "frame" sheet....

This is not an issue and is done with lots of higher end packs so the belt can be removed and replaced fast. Nice looking pack.

It feels very secure, as I'm sure this guy would attest to:

[northernxposure]

Awesome pic of the AR IN the scabbard. I know you said you have an A2 upper, but do you see a reasonable amount of room enough so that a flattop could fit with a 30rd mag in it work (minus optics, other than flip-up BUIS)? My AR Pistol would just vanish in that thing, not a bad option for hiking in gun-phobic areas of liberal WI...

[Fire Ball]

Awesome pic of the AR IN the scabbard. I know you said you have an A2 upper, but do you see a reasonable amount of room enough so that a flattop could fit with a 30rd mag in it work (minus optics, other than flip-up BUIS)? My AR Pistol would just vanish in that thing, not a bad option for hiking in gun-phobic areas of liberal WI...

I just checked for you, with a flip up buis it would be no problem to have a 30 rounder in there. Just a thought, You could almost have optics and a 10 round mag for emergencies, then switch to a 30 when you have time.

[northernxposure]

Awesome pic of the AR IN the scabbard. I know you said you have an A2 upper, but do you see a reasonable amount of room enough so that a flattop could fit with a 30rd mag in it work (minus optics, other than flip-up BUIS)? My AR Pistol would just vanish in that thing, not a bad option for hiking in gun-phobic areas of liberal WI...

I just checked for you, with a flip up buis it would be no problem to have a 30 rounder in there. Just a thought, You could almost have optics and a 10 round mag for emergencies, then switch to a 30 when you have time.

The thought crossed my mind - but can you believe that I don't have a 10rd mag? Heck I think it'd take me the better part of the evening to try and find a 20rd'er...

Thanks again for the review and outstanding pics. I hope you get a chance to get this out in the woods soon and post an AAR - I'm certainly impressed with it so far.

NXP

[Fire Ball]

Awesome pic of the AR IN the scabbard. I know you said you have an A2 upper, but do you see a reasonable amount of room enough so that a flattop could fit with a 30rd mag in it work (minus optics, other than flip-up BUIS)? My AR Pistol would just vanish in that thing, not a bad option for hiking in gun-phobic areas of liberal WI...

I just checked for you, with a flip up buis it would be no problem to have a 30 rounder in there. Just a thought, You could almost have optics and a 10 round mag for emergencies, then switch to a 30 when you have time.

The thought crossed my mind - but can you believe that I don't have a 10rd mag? Heck I think it'd take me the better part of the evening to try and find a 20rd'er...

Thanks again for the review and outstanding pics. I hope you get a chance to get this out in the woods soon and post an AAR - I'm certainly impressed with it so far.

NXP

No problem, it's frustrating if you can't get it on your hands to see how things fit, when I searched for information on it I couldn't come up with much more than eberlestocks website.

Work is keeping me busy for the next while, which I'm not whining about, but sometime this summer a trip will be in order. I probably will fill it full of weight and go explore the hills around my house to see how it carries a load. Anything else you want to know just ask

[quazi]

Thanks for the review. I've been looking at Eberlestock as a less-expensive alternative to Kifaru, but finding reviews has been harder.

[AmirMortal]

I have a question: How far down is the compartment that wide, would this work with a VFG attached for a rifle?

[Fire Ball]

I have a question: How far down is the compartment that wide, would this work with a VFG attached for a rifle?

All the way, until the extended scabbard rounds at the end. I just threw on a vertical foregrip to try and it worked well. It may even keep the rifle more secure as the barrel wouldn't have the option to shift left or right (very much). I'd recommend a folding front sight so as to keep the length top to bottom under or around 8".

[somberbear]

at the risk of starting another thread i necroed this one to add to it.

Here are the first pics and impressions of the Eberlestock Dragonfly. better pictures to come.

I picked this up in mossy oak brush , and man it seams to blend in with about any thing. i was kinda worried about using a fleece material , but i have to say i like it more and more, i have found 1050d nylon is a bit over kill for a pack. this stuff is quiet and fairly grippy and soft but doesnt seam to pick any thing up. the interior is a lighter color nylon which aids finding gear.


i believe this is the 2900 configuration , right outta the box
2 main gear tubes and a nice flat middle.with plenty of bottle storage.


Pop the top ....


and bingo.... waist pack


fully tapped zippers, and room for a 3l hydration


and now the suspention system. very nice well padded lotts vent. also 2 steel rails and a full length poly sheet support... she definatly can take the weight.


padded belt , lots of adjustments...


This slips in and out of the bottom of the pack... its the barrel protector for the sleeve ... and fits up to a shot gun for me. or a couple machetes or an ax...


and the top hatch access to the gun sleeve , sitting right beside the 3L hydration res


popping the hood on the main compartment.


popping the 3 compresion buckles and un zipppp!


and boom! tons of cargo room, well supported with the bottom cover and dual strips... and theres more!


for scale lol...


This is the spikes super duffle, it zips in to the same place the panel does over the mesh, i believe this set up totaly 7900cu in with should strap this duffle is quiet capable of being a 3 day business trip sized bag.


Orange zip in panel , 2 sided one orange one same camo. this reinforces the mesh pannel that folds out. and gives a little signal group too. easy to zip in and out and light.

Overall - spendy, but very very happy with it. it fills the pack i really need thats adjustable for my normal stuff. its rough and tumble . and i cant wait to get into the feild. payson outfitters worked with me well and i highly recomend the for any of there packs they carry.

[Sheepdog-Z]

at the risk of starting another thread i necroed this one to add to it.

I'll re-necro it to see if any of you have some long-term use input from the Dragonfly... I'm returning my low profile scabbard/drag-bag for one of these Dragonfly packs. At least that's my thought.

I really like the idea of throwing a 10-20 round mag in my AR for packing, then having a fastmag or something on the side of the pack for mag change if necessary... this thread convinced me that the Dragonfly is an option, instead of "settling" for the smaller size gunslinger 2.

Thanks!

[hutchb25]

Kinda glad you dug the thread up, as I looked at the Dragonfly some time ago and was having a heck of a time finding a review. I found one at Cabelas but it wasn't the good nylon version and so I kind of abandoned hope. How is the pack performing after some time with it?

I was concerned about the scabbard for the AR as well. But from the pictures here I would have no issue fitting my flat top in with a 10 round mag. Aside from being the legal limit for a hunting AR in Idaho, I think ten rounds would be enough to initiate defensive action against the shambling horde with some 30 round mags at hand. Or heck, if I wanted to really go heavy, I could stuff my scoped .30-06 in there and keep the AR on a shoulder sling. What's another 12 pounds?

[Sheepdog-Z]

Or heck, if I wanted to really go heavy, I could stuff my scoped .30-06 in there and keep the AR on a shoulder sling. What's another 12 pounds?

I had the same thought with carrying my unloaded M1a in the scabbard and either my AR slung or being carried by SO.

[Sheepdog-Z]

OK I bit the bullet and ordered up a J107 in their dry earth color... will be taking into the field for a few days in late March and will try to get some field test data up here.

[Sheepdog-Z]

Although I feel like I'm talking to myself -- I'll continue.

Received my dragonfly today. Loaded it up with gear and fitted it to my torso, only to find that I HATE that floppy top thing. Finally just took it off. I'll hold onto it as a stand alone document pouch / hydration pack and could possibly strap it to the large pack if I need to take it into the field as part of the whole system but dang... horrible attachment method leaves it very unsecure out of the box.

GREAT pack overall, love the suspension style, looking forward ot getting it onthe trail for some serious work.

Oh, and my AR fits great with aimpoint and NO magazine.

[bigben]

hey man,
No you aren't talking to yourself. It's hard to find reviews for the J107 Dragonfly.
Out of all the Eberlestocks I checked out, and I checked out a lot of them, this one is the one I think will fill the bill perfectly.
From EDC to full on BOB. I imagine filling up the two main sausage type bays with stuff I carry daily. And then, with a spike duffle bag I plan to get as extra if and/or when I get a Dragonfly, stuff that with the rest of my BO equipment. Then I'll just have to dump that spike duffle bag into the main bay or hook it up outside if I had other stuff in the main bay.

It would be nice if you could keep updating so you can help everyone who needs a little more info or feedback to ultimately decide.

About that floppy, removable fanny pack - how about trying to lock it in with the molle webs? The top of the main pack and the removable fanny pack do have molle's face to face, right?

Thanks.

ps. first post!