Pack upgrade and boot replacement – need advice

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Alexis 972

Alexis 972

Active Member
“Hi everyone, I’ve been using an Eberlestock Gunslinger for a while. Solid pack, but it gets heavy on long days. A friend mentioned the Transformer, which looks lighter and modular. Has anyone here used it and can share how it holds up? I’m also open to other pack suggestions.

I’m also looking to replace my boots. I’ve been using a pair from Decathlon for a while, they do the job but after a full day my feet are sore. I’d like something more comfortable and durable. Any recommendations? I’m still a beginner in this area, so advice is welcome.”
 
Alexis 972 said:
“Hi everyone, I’ve been using an Eberlestock Gunslinger for a while. Solid pack, but it gets heavy on long days. A friend mentioned the Transformer, which looks lighter and modular. Has anyone here used it and can share how it holds up? I’m also open to other pack suggestions.

I’m also looking to replace my boots. I’ve been using a pair from Decathlon for a while, they do the job but after a full day my feet are sore. I’d like something more comfortable and durable. Any recommendations? I’m still a beginner in this area, so advice is welcome.”
Click to expand...
Forgot to add the budget: looking at around £150–200 for the pack, and up to £200 for the boots. Cheers!
 
Not an expert but I match socks to my boots and get boots that fit me properly and suit the terrain I’m walking in - I use a mix of hardly used or in-issued military surplus and trail boots/shoes as well as wellies for very wet conditions. I worry less about brand and more about fit and save a few quid, as a result. For me, there isn’t one boot that does it all.
 
What is the planned use for the backpack?
Your budget on the pack maybe limiting you quite a lot if it is heavy loads, meat hauling etc.

The mainframe looks like a real oldschool design (think 1980's) with a aluminium external frame. But I have no experience with it.

The pack must fit your body (especially with heavy loads), just as your footwear, so either buy packs that can be adjusted or try it before buying.

What is intention for your boots? Allround? Trails? Off trails? Heavy loads? Mountaineering?

Best advice on boots I can give is to buy boots that fit your feet, and made from a company that solely does boots.
Lowa, meindl, hanwag, crispi, alfa and others.

If you want a durable boot in my experience it has to be leather.
 
What sort of ground are you stalking over. Scottish Mountain or flat lush English countryside/ farmland.

It makes a huge huge difference on what type of boot to recommend

I wrote this a few years ago

Heym SR20

Thread 'Some thoughts on Footwear and Boots'

We keep getting the “what’s the best boot for stalking” question and its really almost impossible to answer. I am just old enough to remember when the basic boot was a variation of the Army boot with a combat sole. Or a desert boot or as us Africans called them - fellys. And we had dunlop gumboots for when it was muddy.

Nowadays there is a huge choice and many different brands. So instead here are a few things to think about. Just one type won’t cover everything, and what you will need very much depends on what you are actually doing.

Barefoot - these have been used hundreds of...
  • Like
 
Kiwiroger said:
Have a look at Exo mountain packs out of the states and Lowa Tibet boots both high quality and will last for a long time. Zamberlan boots also very good, I have a pair of these very comfortable.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendations! I had already looked into Exo packs, but they’re a bit too expensive for me at the moment, maybe I’ll get lucky and find a good deal second-hand. I didn’t know about the boots, they look really tough. I’m actually thinking of switching from boots to high-cut shoes.
 
tarponhead said:
Not an expert but I match socks to my boots and get boots that fit me properly and suit the terrain I’m walking in - I use a mix of hardly used or in-issued military surplus and trail boots/shoes as well as wellies for very wet conditions. I worry less about brand and more about fit and save a few quid, as a result. For me, there isn’t one boot that does it all.
Click to expand...
You’re right, I don’t think there’s such a thing as a ‘universal boot’. I have to admit I tend to value some brands more than others, but surplus boots could be a good alternative if they’re good quality, thanks for the idea. And yes, I’ll definitely keep my rubber boots for wet terrain, they still have their use.
 
Tralle said:
What is the planned use for the backpack?
Your budget on the pack maybe limiting you quite a lot if it is heavy loads, meat hauling etc.

The mainframe looks like a real oldschool design (think 1980's) with a aluminium external frame. But I have no experience with it.

The pack must fit your body (especially with heavy loads), just as your footwear, so either buy packs that can be adjusted or try it before buying.

What is intention for your boots? Allround? Trails? Off trails? Heavy loads? Mountaineering?

Best advice on boots I can give is to buy boots that fit your feet, and made from a company that solely does boots.
Lowa, meindl, hanwag, crispi, alfa and others.

If you want a durable boot in my experience it has to be leather.
Click to expand...
I use my pack for both hunting and hiking. The load can get heavy, but it’s variable. My Gunslinger has already been packed full on multi-day hikes and hunting trips. I’m looking for something a bit more compact, even if I have to add extra pouches when needed.

My pack budget might need adjusting, I’m not sure yet. For boots, I’m after something versatile – able to handle a full day on trails and rough terrain. I’ll check out the brands you mentioned, and yes, leather seems more durable over time. Thanks for the advice !
 
Heym SR20 said:
What sort of ground are you stalking over. Scottish Mountain or flat lush English countryside/ farmland.

It makes a huge huge difference on what type of boot to recommend

I wrote this a few years ago

Heym SR20

Thread 'Some thoughts on Footwear and Boots'

We keep getting the “what’s the best boot for stalking” question and its really almost impossible to answer. I am just old enough to remember when the basic boot was a variation of the Army boot with a combat sole. Or a desert boot or as us Africans called them - fellys. And we had dunlop gumboots for when it was muddy.

Nowadays there is a huge choice and many different brands. So instead here are a few things to think about. Just one type won’t cover everything, and what you will need very much depends on what you are actually doing.

Barefoot - these have been used hundreds of...
  • Like
Click to expand...
Mostly flat countryside, and occasionally some mountains. That’s why my rubber boots work well, but as soon as there’s weight, fatigue sets in quickly, both in terms of comfort and foot support. I’ll read your article, thanks.
 
Thanks everyone! I’ve now got a clearer idea about boots, I’m going for high-cut ones that will take care of my feet for both hunting and hiking.

I’m still a bit undecided about the pack; my Gunslinger was my first real hunting pack, so I don’t want to make the wrong choice replacing it.
 
Alexis 972 said:
I use my pack for both hunting and hiking. The load can get heavy, but it’s variable. My Gunslinger has already been packed full on multi-day hikes and hunting trips. I’m looking for something a bit more compact, even if I have to add extra pouches when needed.

My pack budget might need adjusting, I’m not sure yet. For boots, I’m after something versatile – able to handle a full day on trails and rough terrain. I’ll check out the brands you mentioned, and yes, leather seems more durable over time. Thanks for the advice !
Click to expand...
If you want compact and multi-day trips and heavy loads, and still be comfortable I believe there will be some compromise.

Multi-day and heavy loads says larger frame, that doesnt really ryhme with compact.

There is options with an external frame that can be adapted to daypack and large hiking pack depending on the bag used, but you wont get around the large frame.

I believe mostly American companies makes this. Kifaru and Mystic ranch springs to mind, but 💸💸💸

I sold my kidney and bought a kifaru frame and pack a decade ago, some of the best kit I own.

This is the same frame, set up for hauling meat, stalking and hiking

1000004935.jpg
7f38e167-732c-4c61-80f1-03e5b1b2a6df-1_all_2635.jpg
1000004937.jpg
1000004936.jpg

The frame is a stiff frame and will "immobilize" your upper body and limit your movement somewhat.
It is an excellent shooting rest for sitting shooting though 🙂

The backpack will compress down a lot.
I just strap the rifle to the side of the pack or use a gun bearer that attaches to the belt and the shoulder strap.
Pouches can be attached, but i have not used them much to be honest, there is some attached in the last picture.


You write you use rubber boots at the moment. All I can say is that I will choose walking in wet good leather boots over rubber boots 8 days of the week!
 
Last edited:
Love these - cool at this time of year, properly waterproof. The wire "lacing" system is incredibly computable and effective.
 
Tralle said:
If you want compact and multi-day trips and heavy loads, and still be comfortable I believe there will be some compromise.

Multi-day and heavy loads says larger frame, that doesnt really ryhme with compact.

There is options with an external frame that can be adapted to daypack and large hiking pack depending on the bag used, but you wont get around the large frame.

I believe mostly American companies makes this. Kifaru and Mystic ranch springs to mind, but 💸💸💸

I sold my kidney and bought a kifaru frame and pack a decade ago, some of the best kit I own.

This is the same frame, set up for hauling meat, stalking and hiking

View attachment 434823
View attachment 434836
View attachment 434828
View attachment 434837

The frame is a stiff frame and will "immobilize" your upper body and limit your movement somewhat.
It is an excellent shooting rest for sitting shooting though 🙂

The backpack will compress down a lot.
I just strap the rifle to the side of the pack or use a gun bearer that attaches to the belt and the shoulder strap.
Pouches can be attached, but i have not used them much to be honest, there is some attached in the last picture.


You write you use rubber boots at the moment. All I can say is that I will choose walking in wet good leather boots over rubber boots 8 days of the week!
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for your reply, it was really insightful.
After doing some research on the forum, I can see that a frame combined with a pack is probably the closest match to my needs. Size will most likely be the compromise to make.
Kifaru actually reminds me of Hill People Gear, definitely high-end, but not for now… I still need both of my kidneys 😅
As for boots, my next pair will definitely be leather.
 
Kiwiroger said:
Have a look at Exo mountain packs out of the states and Lowa Tibet boots both high quality and will last for a long time. Zamberlan boots also very good, I have a pair of these very comfortable.
Click to expand...
2nd on the Zamberlan great boots
 
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