TLDR/BLUF: Build Quality is top-notch, seriously none better. Zippers, stitching, pull tabs, straps... all very solid construction. I own a lot a bags, from a lot of companies, and this one is at the top now.

You are essentially getting 3 products in one, with multiple configurations. As a full setup, I was able to get 6 days worth of clothing/gear (no hydro) reasonably packed into a setup that was manageable to carry (photo). If you go the Warhammer/Little Brother route you might get more room and the Warhammer wings are a little more functional than the Skycrane saddlebags. I wish they didn't come to a full taper, but not a dealbreaker.

What I really appreciate about this bag are the small details, i.e. the hooks at the end of the pulls to attach to the J-79 so the LB doesn't unzip from the J-79.

Only reason for the star knockdown is the color of the main J-79 (main bag) and the little brother are eevvvver so slightly off; and the previously mentioned saddlebag taper.

Its comfortable and relatively easy to adjust the harness to the correct setting (J-79). Compression straps get the load to a decently compact setup. Pocket and MOLLE placement/design are solid, though I don't think I would use the MOLLE along the saddlebags as it would create a very wide setup.

Looking forward to testing more setups in an extended 4 day loadout, I think that is where this bag would really make its mark.

Bona fides for those that care about that sort of thing: 14 years Army, 2 years conservation LEO, 6 years hunter, 20 years hiker.

Swapped out my old frameless pack for an Eberlestock J79 Skycrane II. It is a modular bag system that has an outer bag with two side saddles (base “J79” pack) that wraps around a frameless inner bag (“G1 Little Brother”) which holds most your gear. There is a detachable brain (“LP1 MultiLid”) that converts to a fanny pack. The side saddles can each hold up to 5 liters of water, or longer items like tripods, tents etc.

*While the 3 bags previously mentioned come together, there is an additional add-on Super Spike Duffel that you can get to attach to the back, but loaded it brings the weight up considerably and is pretty ridiculously big. You also need to buy some strap extensions if you plan to fill the duffel all the way.

You can carry a weapon between the large framed outer bag and the inner bag compartment. They also offer a scabbard to carry the weapon in but I don’t mind having it stick unconcealed out of the top of the pack.

I picked up two HydraPak 4 Liter water bladders for the side saddles and attached my shooting mat to the bottom. Fits all of my standard range gear with weapon inside, and with weapon removed it fits standard gear PLUS truing & maintenance tools, LabRadar, 3 tripods; pretty much everything I own🤘

With the inner bag removed you can use the outer bag to strap up and carry large equipment (like steel targets up a mountain) or use it to evacuate a casualty.

This is going to be great to lug all my gear to NRL Hunter matches 🤙

I plan to do more proper outings with this pack, but i did a little trip only 3 days and 2 nights and this handled it like a champ. No issues other than figuring out where to put everything( there’s almost too much space). I like to just use a bivy and sleeping pad system to keep it light but if i had a tent and some larger gear it would be able to make it disappear into itself. Great pack and looking forward to using it more!

I've never purchased a bag before that I trusted before using it until this one. It literally feels like it was made to survive the apocalypse. The full pack can easily carry the equipment and food for a 7 day backpacking trip into the wilderness and the frame on the main pack is fantastic at weight distribution. The little brother is amazing for day hikes or short trips, but I think it may need a frame to reach it's full potential; it's not uncomfortable even fully loaded, but it feels like it could be legendary if it had a frame installed. The waterbottle holders on the main pack are pretty much useless if you have the wings fully loaded which is unfortunate but you can just add molle canteen pouches and be on your way. Overall, if you need one pack to do everything from day hikes to week long expeditions into the wilderness this is the pack!

I have always dreamed of owning an Eberlestock backpack for over 8 years and When I finally had money to go buy the bag I wanted which was the Destroyer it was already discontinued, but still determined to buy one I picked the skycrane which was also on clearance and I gotta say its best bag ever for the size. I mainly use the little brother but I have used it for field exercises and camping. I dont think ive had a more comfortable bag on my back. Its definitely better then what the army gives you lol.

I’ve been using it for about three weeks now, and it’s been great. The only downside is that it’s a bit heavy, but I guess that’s the trade-off for durability. The removable Little Brother adds a lot of versatility.

I had been interested in this bag for quite some time. I am a SWAT officer as well as infantry in the TXNG. This bag will be used daily as my SWAT ‘go bag’ as well as for shorter field exercises with the guard. The modularity provided by this bag provides all the options I need for both applications. I am not surprised by the high quality of this bag as I have come to know Eberlestock to produce quality products. I own several other Eberlestock bags and have been impressed with them all. The customer service is first class as well. I will continue to purchase products from Eberlestock and recommend them to my friends family and colleagues.

Amazing piece of engineering, this ruck > all rucks

Im using this pack for hunting and for military purposes. It's got plenty of room for whatever you need. This is the most versatile pack I've ever owned.

These bags have great space in a lot of compartments to put things in and the quality of the bag are great and zippers.

Definitely can say that it is the best backpack I have ever had. The modularity is simply fantastic. Unbelievably good to use.

High quality

I’ve used it on multiple patrols now, and the ruck holds up very well. The support in the shoulders and lower back padding are extremely comfortable with the amount of weight we’re pushing. 10/10 would recommend for recce

One of the best overall packs I've ever owned. It's new to me so I'm still experimenting with it, but I look forward to using it more often and breaking it in

This pack system is amazing! All kinds of space, pockets and straps. Lightweight pack that can haul a ton! Little Brother pack has been a great assault pack!

I loaded this up with 65# recently and it carried it very well. I also had some unusually shaped items in it which I wouldn't have been able to pack if not for the wide bay opening and large MOLLE field to strap it down. I swapped the little brother with a set of batwings which zipped in without issue. Being able to dump my tent/sleeping bag/misc heavy items and carry essentials further from camp without a half packed bag was extremely nice.

Love this bag as a medic! I can take the little brother off and attach my aid bag, or attach my aid bag ontop of the little brother.

Have not gotten to take this out on any long range trips yet, but has been stellar on all of the ruck runs I have done so far. The most comfortable pack I have used, easy to adjust and plenty of room. Can't wait to load it up and take it out for real!

The Skycrane ll is a great bag that is full of top notch craftmanship and well thought out. The top flap and bottom flaps need to be 4" wider on each side to more securely close the bag once it is full of gear. The side bags have a great cover and I suggest using that as the modal for the new top and bottom covers. The side bag covers are the right size and have a top with fabric making a turn down over the bag that covers the whole thing. If I put small stuff in the main bag it will definitely fall out due to the bottom flap being too small.
I just did an 11 mile ruck with 55 lbs in the bag and it was awesome, the belt is great and the shoulder straps are easy to adjust.
Keep up the good work!

This thing is a beast! the side tubes perfectly fit my litefighter tent, sleeping pad and woobie. the other tube has my cook system, MRE, and water for cooking. Having the ability to then dump that extra weight once camp is established and just running the inner little brother is a HUGE plus. So far I'm very impressed!

Everything about the Skycrane II is intuitive and overbuilt. Not sure what else you could do to this one. Seems like it was engineered by a Formula One team for the Special Forces.

I’ve been using this for rucking and for work. You can fit a ton of gear and clothes. This pack makes it a breeze to keep everything organized. Unmatched quality. Will never buy a pack from another brand again.

This will likely be the last line of packs I buy. I love the modularity of it. It does everything I need it to do when I need it.

I just broke my pack in climbing 3 miles to the top of a nearby mountain. This bag is exactly what I was looking for.

More expensive than my first car

Gets the job done!