Eureka Black Widow

Review Date
January 4, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Tim Nicholson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Savannah, GA, USA

Price Paid:  $130.00 at Eureka Outlet

Summary:
I bought my Black Widow as a factory-second, but it is great, and I have had very few problems with this pack in two years. This pack will perform well, and I believe is comparable to many Gregory, Dana, etc. packs.

The biggest problem is access to gear. It claims to have great access, and there plenty of access points, but it takes to long to get to them. If Eureka could somehow install a side loading system that would solve this problem. Another problem is that the water bottle pockest don't fit a Nalgene (a problem that is easily solved with a carabiner.)

I would reccomend this pack nearly any new or aspiring backpacker.

A great value, and an overall impressive pack.(I don't think Eureka gets enough credit for their pack lines. For some reason many people think Eureka can only make tents, but this pack proves them wrong!)

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Hiker Boy(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Richmond,BC., Canada

Summary:
I have the III model which is the large version (90L). Cost on sale at $100 off was $199 Can.

Good side: It is a really comfortable pack with thickly padded straps etc. The detacheable lid/fanny pack is great with lots of room to carry stuff in it for dayhikes. All the compression straps on the bag means that you have a good solid load in no danger of shifting on you.

Bad side: It has two many buckles and snaps, it's heavy, and the sleeping bag compartment is a little too small. The pack design is thin which means that it loads tall in order to fill the 90L volume.

Similar Products Used:
Outbound McKinley Expedition Pack

Review Date
March 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Allen Campbell(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Mountain Home, AR. USA

Summary:
This is a good LARGE pack. I have used mine for winter trips when I carry alot of
bulky fleece and a large sleeping bag.
this pack has carried everything in comfort. It adjusts easily and quickly and the well-
designed hipbelt takes the load off my shoulders.
So far no stitches have unraveled and I don't forsee any problems either, the quality
seems as good as higher-priced packs I've used. I've carried up to 50 lbs. in this pack
and it handeled it just fine. The only downside I've found is that I tend to bring too
much stuff with a pack this big.
This is a good pack for anybody Who camps in Winter or has to be the family Sherpa.

Similar Products Used:
Mountainsmith Frostfire

Review Date
February 5, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Upstate NY

Summary:
Great pack. I have been very pleased with the Black Widow. It has more than enough room for winter camping. Extended capicity to 6120cu.in. The suspension system is very comfortable, and makes a heavy load bearable.The hipbelt really did carry the bulk of the load. Used it on several trips in the Adirondak High Peaks this winter Ranging from four nights stay, to overnights. The pack compressed real well for the overnights. Detachable lid that has enough room is always a plus for dayhikes after setting up camp. Could not beat the price $150 at the Eureka outlet store.

Customer Service:
Had to contact customer service about a problem with a tent. It was handled right away with no problem at all.

Similar Products Used:
Camp Trails, EMS

Review Date
July 16, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Philadelphia

Summary:
Fantastic pack!
Great storage capacity
Has everything needed for an extended journey...
Excellent compression system
Nicely weighted

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None