REVIEW: Eberlestock G1 Little Brother

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When the rifle needs to be stored in the backpack, there is actually only one manufacturer who has dealt intensively with this: Eberlestock USA LLC - available in Germany at HQG.de. There you will find a variety of models, some of which already have a rifle scabbard integrated or are retrofitable. The Skycrane and Warhammer models are modular backpacks that can be expanded with optional components. One way to do this is to use the Eberlestock Little Brother Pack, which we looked at in Part 1 of our Eberlestock report.

The makers have named the backpack a "Little Brother," which we will show you today. However, "little" is only justified compared to the other Eberlestock packs, as the Little Brother is a fully grown 3 Day Pack.

The carrying system of the Little Brother is relatively simple. It is assumed that little weight is carried with this backpack or a rifle scabbard/frame is used - or the little brother is used as a module in a larger backpack. For example, you won't find a hip belt, but there is a slot to attach the hip belt of an existing Eberlestock backpack or the separately available Replacement Hipbelt (HBSS).

In the shoulder area, there are two mesh material pads to allow air circulation. The shoulder straps themselves are quite thin but very wide, preformed, and very comfortable to wear - thanks to light mesh padding. The sternum strap/chest strap is also available, and there are also loops and D-rings to guide hydration tubes. In addition, the straps are fixed to the backpack with the Loadlifter Straps so that it can be pulled close to the back. If desired, the shoulder straps can also be completely removed and used from the main backpack to save weight.

If the backpack is to be carried with larger loads, there is an optional Frame Sheet (Gossamer G-Type Frame) for back stability and the so-called Endo Frame (G Type Insert Frame AGIF).

The equipment of the pack is anything but "little." Covered all over with MOLLE loops, you can securely attach all equipment outside and inside the backpack.

Here is a brief list:

Top: 4 loops x 3 rows

Outer sides: 3 loops x 6 rows (per side)

Inner sides: 4 loops x 4 rows

Bottom: 5 loops x 3 rows

Outer front: 4 loops x 6 rows

Inner front: 4 loops x 8 rows

Expansion compartment: 6 loops x 3 rows

The organization of the backpack is quite simple - there is a lid compartment without further division and the main compartment. This is accessible from the top and front and, in addition to the loops listed above, has 4 elastic pockets in the lower area and a mesh panel on the back that can be tightened with compression straps. Behind that are 2 flat and long elastic pockets that can hold hydration systems.

To lead the hose outside, there are 2 openings just below the lid compartment on the right and left. Alternatively, there are three additional openings on the top that can be closed with Velcro flaps. These are primarily intended for radio antennas.

On the outside, there are two pockets (one on each side), which can be closed with paracord and stoppers. Perfect for water bottles or similar sized items. Above them are MOLLE loops and 2 compression straps per side. The front side has the obligatory velcro field for patches and a flat slip pocket underneath for maps, for example.

On the front, there are zippers running along the left and right sides that seem to have no function. Indeed, they don't when the Little Brother is used solo. However, when used as a component of the Skycrane or Warhammer, they serve to secure the pack to the main backpack. When not in use, it's best to stuff the longer ends into the designated holes on the underside of the outer pockets and not think about it further.

Looking at the pictures, you have certainly noticed the circumferential zipper that, like the H1 MiniMe by Eberlestock or the Flatpack by Haley, enlarges the pack. However, here the volume is not increased, but a compartment for the rifle scabbard is created.

For this purpose, the A4SS Tactical Weapon Carrier is suitable, a large scabbard for large guns. This is then fixed inside the expansion compartment with loops and fastex closures.

We will introduce the rifle scabbard in Part 2 of the report.

The processing of the G1 Little Brother is top-notch. Unlike the large Eberlestocks, only 500d Cordura is used, the zippers have nice zipper pulls that are coated with heat shrink tubing. All closures are marked with the Eberlestock logo. The compression straps have Velcro at the end to neatly roll up excess strap. The volume of the backpack is 29 liters and it weighs 1.8 kg.

As optional accessories and to increase volume, you can also purchase the Packmountable Fanny Pack/Go-Bag, which is simply strapped onto the lid compartment. This can also be used as a hip bag if you conjure the waist belt from the inside.

The Fanny Pack has 2 rows of MOLLE with 6 loops on the top and 3 rows with 6 loops on the bottom. The circumferential compression straps serve to secure it to the main pack. It is divided into 2 compartments, both of which can be closed with waterproof zippers.

Used solo, the little brother gives a solid impression, however, the comfort when carrying without a frame sheet/endo frame and without a rifle scabbard is relatively poor - light loads are not a problem, but once you want to carry more, you should definitely consider one or the other solution.

When used with the rifle scabbard, the comfort is very good because the inserts of the scabbard act like a frame sheet and support the backpack straight on the back. The underside of the scabbard can be folded up if necessary to bring a short rifle further up. When carrying the pack with the scabbard without a lid, you can draw the rifle with the pack over your shoulder. This would actually work quite well if it weren't for the loadlifter straps. These naturally go over the opening of the scabbard and need to be pushed aside or released first. We have demonstrated this in the video for you, it definitely works, but quick drawing is different (alternatively, the narrower Side Scabbard Sniper A2LS or Side Scabbard Scoped Rifle A2SS could also be used here