Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Storage Options

Quick demonstration of the Eberlestock F1 Mainframe attached to the Spike Camp Duffel with two zip in panels for additional storage and modular options.

[@wtfooptimax200]

This video unveils the Batwing pouch before the Batwing pouch even existed. Great job, Travis!

[@wildflyer897]

I've been researching like a madman lately trying to find my setup. Was desiring it to be simple, light weight, comfortable, and not expensive. This is just the ticket. Mainframe comes in the mail tomorrow, and I just placed my order for the zip in panels and camp duffle. Awesome! thank you very much for the knowledge!

[@travisrockwell6409]

Sounds great, Rob. I'd be interested to see your complete assembly after you get it all set up. Post a link in the comments if you can. I imagine there are lots of people that would be interested in seeing what you come up with.

[@wildflyer897]

I think I will follow your lead, but might add a zipper to the bottom of the zip in panels to create a sealed compartment. I'll try to update this when/if I do!

[@travisrockwell6409]

+Rob Drye I like it! Excited to see what you come up with.

[@wildflyer897]

got my mainframe, duffel and two zip in panels just like you have. AWESOME setup. I still haven't played with it in the woods, but so far it is perfect for what I need. now to make it what I want, I would like to add some shoulder straps to the duffel to make it a simple day pack, but this hunting season I think i'll use it as is before I start modifying it.

[@travisrockwell6409]

+Rob Drye Nice work! Can you post up a video or some pictures. I'm super interested to see what you came up with. Particularly with what you did on the panels to turn them into a compartment.

[@timpage3238]

Thanks for making this video. Looks like eberlestock made some batwing pouches. Cool.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Tim Page Remarkable similarity for sure. Hopefully Eberlestock is listening for more new ideas.

[@mattmcgee8505]

just finishing my F1 setup for coming rifle season. was not aware of these panels and will be getting some soon. thanks

[@mailegk]

Travis, I've come back to your vids several times. The F1/F2 has great potential, they seem to get it almost right. I'm getting ready to mod my F1 by cutting off the shelf and closing the frame to a big oval, if you will. Then I'm going to sew a webbing "net" that anchors to the frame to create a fabric shelf, tucked away when not in use. This will make the F1 more streamline but still capable of hauling an elk quarter. I've used a single zip panel on my F1 to make a very lean daypack, but love your 2 panel shown here!

[@travisrockwell6409]

mailegk Very ambitious! Please post some pictures and a link when you get it done. I'd be nervous to cut the frame, but I'm very curious to see your webbing shelf design. I've also heard rumors of a new pack that will attach to the F1 Mainframe. I think it has been showing up at some of the outdoor shows, but I haven't seen it on their website yet. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@mattmcgee8505]

have you looked at the f65 little big top bag yet? spike duffel zipper doesn't stay up for me. one side has a hook to attach the zipper pull but the otherside doesn't.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Matt McGee I've seen the Little Big Top in the store, but only checked it out for a minute or two. In person it's more impressive than on paper, but Frankly, it leaves me confused as to what it is supposed to accomplish. It seems like a step in the wrong direction to me. It weighs too much and I don't need that much volume. I'd like to see Eberlestock make a series of packs to go with the Mainframe. I think they are going this direction, but I'd like an option that weighs under two pounds and has roughly 2500ci of storage. This is the sweet spot for hunters that are doing 2-3 night trips in wilderness areas. I'd drop the shoulder harness and hip belt off these packs. They add unnecessary weight. I'm never going to take the pack without the frame. The whole point of having the Mainframe.....is that you have the Mainframe.

[@wildflyer897]

I noticed this as well. thought maybe I had a dud. but i'll add a little securing strap I think .

[@mattmcgee8505]

Travis Rockwell I haven't seen it in person yet but I know where your coming from. the duffel in my opinion would be Best served with the panels in your video. a light weight pack with optional lid for more storage would be nice. I've honestly been looking into kifaru and may end up settings a frame up from them.

[@mattmcgee8505]

Rob Drye I just threw a carabineer on the zipper tab, loop on top of the frame and around a loop on my hydro carrier that's mounted to the webbing. it still says a bit but wanted to be able to easily pull the duffel off if needed or to refill my bladder. also have a roll of flagging behind the duffel. a couple MIl sustainment pouches would prob fit the main frame too for a extremely minimalist pack.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Matt McGee I really like the idea you mention here for the minimalist pack. Attaching pouches to the MOLLE webbing makes good sense. You could make any arrangement of compartments you like and leave compartments behind when you don't need them. Or just put a rucksack on there and take it all.

[@grumpyoldwarhorsetodd8594]

you can use the super spike duffle zipped in, to use your molle webbing on the mainframe.

[@travisrockwell6409]

I really like this idea. Put your compartments right on the board. Add or remove compartments depending on what you need for the hunt.

[@OpIndependence]

I appreciate these detailed videos on this product. I am currently looking for a modular system for Colorado Elk hunting (currently have a Kifaru Reckoning....I love it and will continue to use it but I am looking for a lighter weight modular day/multiday pack. I was comparing the mainframe (with bat wings, etc) with the Blue Window pack . How comfortable is this pack with a heavy load? Are the load lifters actually usable with weight? My main feature for a pack is how comfortable it is while under load. Your personal experience/knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@travisrockwell6409]

OpIndependence Great to hear! Glad to share any info I got with anybody that can use it. Let me start off by saying that I have not packed with the Blue Widow, but I believe the harness system is the same for all Eberlestock packs. Different packs might have different frames, but the shoulder harness and waistbelt are the same. I love their harness/belt system. It fits me very well. The heaviest load I've carried with the Mainframe is about 130 lbs. It was a front shoulder and hind quarter of a bull elk with all my gear for three nights in the woods. Yes, we shot him on the way in. I normally wouldn't load that much, but we were less than two miles from the truck and it was a pretty straight shot out. Plus I wanted to see how the pack felt with a good load. The pack did great. Just to elaborate on my experience with other packs, I've trucked a dozen loads of elk out of the woods with different packs. Some of them were day packs, and some of them claimed to be frame packs, but none of them performed as well as the Mainframe. The only other pack I'd consider taking for a serious load is my trusty external frame pack board. That's probably why I like the Mainframe so much. It's basically a pack board that is tightened up a little and geared for hunting. A couple questions about load lifters have come up recently. I'm pretty sure you are talking about the straps that come off the top of the pack and usually attach at the top of the shoulder harness. If I'm wrong let me know. My opinion is that on any pack they don't really lift the load but help to secure it. They reduce the sway of a heavy load that wastes energy. And to that point, the load lifters on the Mainframe work great. I hope I answered your questions. If I missed anything don't hesitate to ask in greater detail. Good luck in Colorado. Travis

[@laodealmuqarrabun656]

@@travisrockwell6409 130 lbs load!? what are you? an Olympic weight lifter athlete? just kidding :D Wow that's one heck of a load, mate! May I know how much do you weigh? I'm wondering how much weight I could possibly carry with the mainframe. I'm a very small man (being an Asian) weighing about 120 lbs.

[@travisrockwell6409]

@@laodealmuqarrabun656 😂 you'd be surprised what kind of load you can carry when you're motivated. I've carried heavier loads when I was younger....and dumber. But it's really hard on your knees. Not just your muscles, but the actual joints. And you run a higher risk of catastrophic injury. I can't really say how much you'll be able to carry. Of course there are physical limitations, but mental limitations are usually the hardest to get over. If you're anticipating loads over 100 pounds, I would recommend the most rigid frame you can find. I don't like the frame to flex at all with a load that size. Any flex in the frame just creates more movement/energy that you have to control. It also helps to be with a buddy. Some of my best hunting memories involve some of my worst physical experiences, but if you got a buddy there to share it with it's a great motivation. Not sure if that answered your question, but hope it helps!

[@laodealmuqarrabun656]

@@travisrockwell6409 thanks for sharing...I honestly never use a pack with rigid frame like mainframe. I've had an eberlestock FAC track pack before,,,I loaded it with around 13 kg and I already felt the weight...I'm definitely getting either the mainframe or M1 carrier frame, and I'll see if the intex frame will give any difference...

[@apfroggy0408]

Looks like this may be a better option than the transformer?

[@travisrockwell6409]

apfroggy0408 It's lighter and less expensive than the Transformer, but it has some compromises. It takes some tinkering while the Transformer is ready to go. The transformer is a pretty good pack. Just feel it should weigh about 2 pounds.

[@apfroggy0408]

Travis Rockwell I'm struggling with my decision. maybe both options haha. for a minimalistic approach though I think the duffel is the best option.

[@travisrockwell6409]

apfroggy0408 Ha! I was in the same boat, but I don't regret having both now. The duffel is handy just by itself.

[@apfroggy0408]

Travis Rockwell is the duffel useful without the frame too?

[@travisrockwell6409]

apfroggy0408 Yes. I took it with me on a five day elk hunt this fall and got all of my clothing in it. I kept the Transformer on the Mainframe for the duration of the hunt. On a side note, we shot a 5 point bull on opening morning and got to really load the Mainframe up. I had a hind quarter and front shoulder squeezed on by the Transformer with enough gear for a couple nights in the woods. if guess the pack was over 130 pounds but didn't weigh it. The pack did great.

[@branonjohnson9337]

If those panels could have their own sintching straps... That could be bad ass

[@csantoyo51]

travis do you prefer this combo or the transformer set up? sold on the f1 frame but still unsure of whick pack(s) inwant to run with it

[@travisrockwell6409]

Hi Claudio, I usually run the Transformer, but it's one that I've modified to get it as light as possible. I really wish Eberlestock would make a pack just for attaching to the mainframe and keep it as light as possible. I'm sure you've seen the Batwings made by Eberlestock. They are similar in concept to what I show in this video, but they have a different zipper arrangement. I like them, just wish a little more thought had been out into the zippers. Hope this helps.

[@militarygearjunkie2522]

Does this frame work with ALICE large and medium? I think I could attach ALICE bag on top of the frame..can I?

[@travisrockwell6409]

Park James I'm sure you can attach any pack to this frame, it's just a matter of how you want to do it. The packs that are designed to go with the frame zip in along the sides and clip in where the straps are, but there is molle webbing on the frame.

[@haff202]

where does the rifle scabbard go??????????

[@mattmcgee8505]

Honestly though, if Eberlestock took note on what's wanted and being used by a lot of users the F1 would be a serious contender. Even a gen2 F1 would be a step in the right direction. The option for lids of different sizes or more pouches in general, specific pouches for spotting scopes or tripods etc etc.another thing I feel would make the F1 a better pack would be more female buckles for either moving the compression straps or adding additional buckle in packs. A gen2 version with a more skeletonized back with less webbing/material in general to reduce weight. Like you said Travis the possibilities could be endless.

[@laodealmuqarrabun656]

Hi Travis, what do you say about the quality and durability of Spike Camp Duffel?

[@travisrockwell6409]

The quality of the material and assembly of the duffel is good. No complaints there. The zipper attachment is a little frustrating. When you hook it to Mainframe there isn't anything to keep it pulled up. It has a tendency to undo itself unless you tie it up with some Paracord.

[@grumpyoldwarhorsetodd8594]

so you understand, im a eberlestock backpack nut. i love the mainframe and the zippers, and i have sewing background. i dont like the transformer, so i will be destroying it for its parts. so i can use the parts on the super spike duffle. and what about zippered sides like the war hammer. but i wont destroy my skycrane for that. lol

[@travisrockwell6409]

You're right on target. Eberlestock has a great idea started here with the Mainframe. Sure hope they come up with more packs that zip into it. I'm not a big fan of the Transformer either. I've whittled mine down to a glorified duffel bag to try and cut weight and the two packs they just released leave me scratching my head. Don't know how I missed your comment when you first made it, but glad I saw it. I know this reply is super late. :)

[@danielrhodes367]

thank you for posting this. I always wondered how the zipper system worked on the F1. Is it possible to zip the "little brother" in like the skycrane and warhammer packs?

[@travisrockwell6409]

Thanks, Daniel. As I understand it, the little brother can be zipped in, but it will be facing backwards and the shoulder harness would be on the outside. You might be able to get tricky with zip panels to orient the little brother with the harness concealed against the frame, but I don't have one to test out.

[@RobOlsenDrye]

I couldn't resist upgrading to the batwings. Fantastic. Great size. And they zip on the mainframe perfectly. Then either zip together, zip on to the super duffel, or can be left apart and serve a similar purpose as the panels for holding things in place. Great space inside too. Only complaint I have is they don't make it in the same camo I have my mainframe in.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Rob Drye Nice! Glad they working for you. I'd definitely like to get my hands on some Batwings, but just can't bring myself to spring the $80 to tinker with them.

[@RobOlsenDrye]

Travis Rockwell only way I did was for the storage, with the duffel, my gear floats your the bottom. Also, some mice chewed up the panels a bit. Check out my full review and pics on rokslide.com. thanks for the inspiration and video to start out this awesome pack!

[@travisrockwell6409]

Rob Drye Very cool! I'm always stoked to see ideas develop that grow the community. I found your review on rokslide, but couldn't see any photos without signing up. One question comes to mind, can you zip the Batwings together and make a double compartment duffel?

[@RobOlsenDrye]

Travis Rockwell not sure what you mean by double compartment duffel. But they can be zipped together in the middle. And connected to the mainframe by the other zippers. Allowing for a nice sized day pack. Hopefully that answers your question. Feel free to find me on Facebook. Got the photos there as well. Rob C Drye.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Rob Drye I was just wondering if you could zip the two Batwings together, back to back, without the Mainframe. I think the zippers are oriented right for this. Not sure when you'd even use it like this. Believe it or not, I don't have a Facebook account, but I'll try to check out those pictures. Thanks for the effort. Travis

[@Codidicus]

Does the mainframe have load lifters?

[@travisrockwell6409]

Codidicus Yes. If you're referring to the straps that come over your shoulder and allow you to tighten the pack up to the shoulder harness, yes the Mainframe has load lifters.

[@Codidicus]

Travis Rockwell ok so no they don't. Maybe next time tone down the douche.

[@travisrockwell6409]

Confused by your comment. You asked a question. I gave you an answer. Maybe you can clarify what you mean by "load lifters".