Jacknife

Just got this a couple of weeks ago. Haven't tested it out yet, but so far here's my thoughts:
-pack is bigger than I thought, which is good.
-zippers and denier material appear strong and durable.
-straps and back frame feel nice, firm, and comfortable.
So far I love it!

The Jacknife is everything that it says it is, great quality, price point and functions. With that said there are some things that I did not like about the pack that I think are important to point out.
1- The front flat zipper pocket is only good for maybe carrying some chest seals and band aids. If you put documents in it, they will get bent. If you put anything thicker than a folder in it, it will encroach on the interior volume.
2- To access anything inside of it you must plan your stacking order accordingly. If you need anything at the bottom you will need to unload the entire pack to get to it.
3- There is no molle webbing inside to attach a holster or gear, so everything just floats around with heavier items settling to the bottom.
4- The "Jacknife" feature on the back is well padded but there are no provisions for securing your weapons from sliding around. If you are using it for a carbine broken don, the pieces will constantly crash into each other. The felt material does not allow for any Velcro attachments.
5- It does not sit flat on the ground, so if you plan on using it for business, when you set it on the ground to retrieve your laptop or documents, it falls over. If order to keep it upright, you need to lean the front part against something which makes it difficult to access the bag.

Enough about the cons. The construction is first class and I believe this would back an ideal hiking/adventure pack. As with all Eberlestock packs the shoulder harness assembly is the best in class which makes a big difference in carrying gear over a long distance. It does have nice features and is everything the advertising says it is.

So, did I keep it? No, I returned it for Switchblade pack which I believe will fulfill my needs. The customer service is great and returning the Jacknife was super easy.

I would not have exchange the Jacknife for a Switchblade if I did not believe 100% in Eberlestock products. Do not interpret this feedback as negative, the pack was everything that was promised, it just wasn't as EDC friendly which is why I had initially purchased it for.

Absolutely awesome

Zipper an stiching along with material is top notch. Bag rides well with weight.

I picked up the Jacknife when the Switchblade was out of stock. I already owned the Bandit and needed something a little bigger for commuting. Unfortunately, the Jacknife wasn’t it (I ended up buying a Switchblade when restocked), but I’ll still give this pack 5 stars for what it is—a very well built but niche daypack, with both good and bad features that I feel are fixed in the Switchblade.
First, the bad. This backpack sits between the excellent Bandit and Switchblade size wise, and I find it just doesn’t have quite enough space for what I need most days—lunch, laptop, and gym clothes, plus EDC. The top opening design means it’s hard to access items at the bottom of the pack without taking other items out and rearranging them. The clamshell in back is nice for electronics, but takes space from the main compartment. The outside accessory pockets are also a bit on the small side for what I needed.
What this backpack is great for is for short SBR/takedown carbines, and as a carry on backpack for air travel. I can easily fit an MPX or similar in the clamshell compartment, and the excellent padded harness make it a comfortable carry. As a train/plane carry on, this is a great backpack. I often travel with up to 3 laptops and I’m able to separately secure all three plus accessories without them touching, with no trouble. The clamshell and top load are less of a liability for this use. It also fits reasonably well under the seat on a plane, and there the top access works well. The Jacknife has inside pockets that I wish my Bandit had. Plus, this is a typical Eberlestock pack—well made, great looking, and a thoughtful design. I give it 5 stars for what it is, but recommend considering the Switchblade as well as the extra space and design might be a bit more user friendly for daily use.

Great pack for my AR PDW and other emergency items.

It is a very quality and solidly made pack. I had to make some adjustments so that it would fit properly on me.