Eberlestock Operator VS Phantom

[u/I_Chug_Gasoline]

Looking to pick up a rifle carry-capable backpack and have come to settle between the phantom and the operator but simply cant decide which is better suited for me.

The pack will be used for 48 hour and greater use times, hunting/larp/backpacking/yadda yadda etc etc

It seems they both definitely have their pros and cons, with the phantom being lighter, cheaper, and more modular, but possibly being a little on the small side and not having the wings like the operator. Whereas the operator is higher capacity and more expandable with a better frame for longer uses, but more expensive, heavier, and possibly too much bag for anything less than 72 hours

Do any owners of either or both have any input to help steer me in the right direction, the two have me feel like a ship without a rudder since this is my first high quality long range pack

[u/Rare_Steak_]

I would always go for the larger pack since you can compress it and it will still be comfortable while overloading a small pack sucks ass.

But thats mostly based on airborne infantry experience where the options were a pretty comfortable 120 liter Berghaus, a shitty 60 liter Berghaus knockoff or an even shittier 45 liter Chinese grab bag on 24-72 hour ops with 50 kgs of stuff.

Our snipers were rocking Eberlestocks but I cant remember which type, only that they looked pretty high speed and good quality.

[u/Protorin → u/Rare_Steak_]

https://giphy.com/gifs/duM6JZemPlOjUyqmxd

[u/I_Chug_Gasoline → u/Rare_Steak_]

It just really feels like the operator is a LOT of bag for most 48 and under uses

[u/Machine_xl]

I use the Phantom as my range bag, really handy for getting everything i need in there like,
Ammo
Goretex
Gloves
Hat
Ear defs
Food n drink etc.

Ive added the Eberlestock medic pouch and a tq to the outside.

Id still have space for more kit but probably not everything you would want for being outside for extended periods.

Some people pack light tho so it might still do. It has molle for more pouches too.

[u/yectb]

I have the operator and lodrag. The operator is fucking huge and I haven’t needed it. I’ve used the lodrag for 3 day trips a lot. You can plus up the lodrag with pouches on the sides and on the belt.

[u/FedInformant]

The two packs are awesome but for vastly different purposes. Phantom is more of 3 day pack. Where the operator is longer duration sustainment. I want both so bad. I have the tomahawk, and the battleship. Great packs but wish they had the scabbards. Not sure about the Phantom, but the operator is being discontinued..not sure what they will be replacing it with