Eberlestock Bandit Pack: The Small Pack That Earned Its Place Everywhere
By Tom Neal | Bigfoot Trails Basecamp
Published in Field Use Gear, Travel, Everyday Carry
I purchased my Eberlestock Bandit backpack about two years ago. I was excited about it—right up until I opened the box and saw just how small it really was. I knew going in that it was a smaller pack, but I wasn’t prepared for how small.
At the time, I was planning to take this pack—and this pack alone—on an upcoming Iceland trip that was only a couple days away. I committed to it anyway. I managed to fit about 90% of my required gear into the Bandit, and the remainder of my emergency gear went into a tactical waist pack that I attached to the bottom of the backpack.
It wasn’t the ideal setup… or so I thought.
Round One: Testing the Bandit Across Iceland & Greenland
In reality, it ended up being one of the best travel setups I’ve used. While flying from Seattle to New Jersey, I was able to separate my critical gear. I tossed the Bandit into the overhead bin and kept the waist pack with me under the seat—simple, efficient, and stress-free.
Once on the boat, I unloaded the main pack into the dresser drawers in our cabin, stuffed the waist pack into the bottom of the Bandit, and used the pack for all of our shore excursions, walks, and hikes throughout Greenland and Iceland.
That’s when it hit me:
“I like this pack.”
Transitioning to Everyday Get-Home Duty
When we returned home, I unpacked it and started thinking about my get-home bag. I wondered if the Bandit could realistically fill that role. I pulled out my Army 3-Day Assault Pack—which had been housing my get-home gear—laid everything out, assessed priorities, and started downsizing.
My assault pack still had room left in it, which told me this might work.
Guess what? It did.
The Bandit became my everyday get-home pack—and at this point, I was really liking it.
Round Two: Costa Rica, Nicaragua & The Argument Against Suitcases
Fast forward about a year and we were quickly approaching a trip to Costa Rica. The big question: Which pack am I going to take? I have way too many to choose from.
I tested roughly a dozen different packs.
Side note: I hate suitcases. Yes, they’re convenient in airports and on smooth concrete, but backpacks are infinitely more versatile. If something goes sideways, I already have my gear on me. I can run. My hands are free. A suitcase limits your ability to move, advance, retreat, or defend yourself—and if things escalate, you’re leaving your gear behind.
Backpacks win. Every time.
While debating my options, I glanced over next to my nightstand and saw the Bandit sitting there, ready to go in the Jeep the next morning.
Sorry, buddy—time to unpack the get-home bag for a bit.
Once again, I fit all my necessary travel gear into the Bandit, with emergency items living in the waist pack. Bonus feature: the exterior flap on the Bandit turned out to be perfect for carrying my alpaca wool poncho.
That poncho got used. A lot. Not so much for warmth—but as a pillow. I can’t stand most pillows, so I rolled the poncho up and instantly had a comfortable one. On the plane, it doubled as a blanket for my wife and me. Multi-use gear always wins.
Living Out of the Bandit in Central America
Our Costa Rica and Nicaragua trip involved constant movement—by car and on foot. We changed Airbnbs every other night, with the longest stay being three nights. That made it harder to simply dump contents and use the pack as a daypack.
Still, because I travel light, it worked.
The Eberlestock Bandit went everywhere I did: beaches, jungles, and back alleys. I carried a small self-defense item attached to the front strap for quick access. Thankfully, it only came off twice during a couple of sketchy situations—and was never actually needed.
After the trip, the Bandit returned to its role as my get-home pack. But we have another trip coming up: 12 islands in 12 days in the Caribbean.
Will this pack make another run?
Hell yes.
Despite all the use, it still looks nearly new. Zippers function flawlessly. The pack has proven to be absolutely solid. I’m honestly tempted to buy a second one just so I don’t have to swap contents back and forth.
The Bandit rides extremely well on my body. It’s short, narrow, and doesn’t snag on anything. It has two external pockets—one always holds my stainless steel water bottle, and the other usually carries a Pepsi. I have tested this pack while training in dense wooded and brushy areas, and I barely notice it’s there!
What I Like About the Bandit
Honestly? Just about everything.
Compact size and lightweight
Comfortable fit with adjustable shoulder straps
Excellent storage for a 14L pack
Low-profile color: Black colorway doesn’t scream “tactical,” which is huge for international travel (many countries don’t allow civilians to wear/carry camo or overtly tactical gear)
What I Don’t Like
Only two things:
No waist belt included: There is a slot to add one, which is a plus. That said, I currently use that slot to store my SAM splint, so I wouldn’t want to give it up anyway.
Side “MOLLE-style” straps: These aren’t true MOLLE, which is both good and bad:
Good: It keeps the pack from looking tactical and makes it appear more like a hiking or outdoor pack.
Bad: Attaching MOLLE gear isn’t as secure.
This isn’t a major issue for me. I don’t like hanging a ton of pouches off my main bag anyway. Currently attached:
A compressed rain jacket (would easily take the place of my Pepsi bottle pocket)
A pair of gloves (easy access without removing the pack)
A small Olight flashlight (Review coming soon—holy crap, I love this little light. Ended up buying 3 now!)
Eberlestock Bandit – Specs & Features
Specs
Volume: 835 cu in / 13.68L
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Dimensions: 18.25" H x 7" W x 6.5" D
Features
Laser-cut front MOLLE panel
Top organizational lid with mesh accessory pouch
Adjustable shoulder harness
Slot for optional hip belt
Full-length main compartment zipper
Interior clip for 2L or 3L Source® hydration bladder
Compatible with Eberlestock Small Reversible Rain Cover
Final Thoughts
What started as a pack I was unsure about has turned into one of the most trusted pieces of gear I own. From international travel to daily get-home duty, the Eberlestock Bandit has earned its place—and then some.
If you’re looking for a compact, durable, low-profile pack that punches far above its size, this one deserves a serious look.
👉 Check Price & Availability on the Eberlestock Bandit Pack Here
About the Author
Tom Neal is the founder of Bigfoot Trails Basecamp, an independent adventure media project built around real experiences. He’s spent most of his life around vehicles, motorcycles, racing, travel, and projects that tend to take longer and cost more than originally planned.
He doesn’t write about adventure from the outside—he goes out and experiences it, then tells you what happened.
Disclosure
Bigfoot Trails Basecamp is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, BTB earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page at no additional cost to you. I only feature gear that has earned a legitimate place in the field.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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I only include gear because I believe it has a legitimate place in the resource—not simply because an affiliate program is available.
