Eureka Black Widow Review

"The Black Widow has been one of the most trouble some backpacks that I have ever owned. The main problem with the backpack is the delrin hoop, on both the back and front sides. The ends of the hoop would break through the material holding them in place, making it very difficult to carry. This was not a thing that happened over time; the first one i had broke in three days on one hiking trip, the other in two. Even though Eureka worked with me quite well, I would not waste my time or money on it again."

"I bought one of these about two years ago when I decided to return to backpacking after a 23 year hiatus. I have taken this pack on two weeklong trips though some fairly rugged High Sierra country both trail and cross country carrying 60-65 pounds. It performed without any problems and has many adjustments to assist in fit, the belt is well padded. Coming from an external frame pack it is very difficult for me to adjust to the internal pack type lack of exterior pockets and gear organiztion. The only other drawback was that it is very black and at times was difficult to see what I was looking for. Other than that mine was very well constructed and is in excellent shape."

"I purchased a Black Widow several years ago (approx 1999-2000) in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I have used it extensively for backpacking throughout Northern Ontario and in the Canadian Rockies. Aside from having to avoid the temptation of filling it up, and therefore killing myself with the weight. I absolutley love this back, and have not experienced anything wrong with it. The hoop on the back as been perfect on mine (I read in another review that it poked throught the material that holds it in place, I have checked my since then and there is minimal wear at that point).
I would highly reccomend this pack to anyone that needs to carry a lot of gear.
My max load was just over 100 lbs with this pack for a 7 day trip, and I survived, although next time I will take high strength alcohol instead of wine!
My one quibble would be that Eureka should put a white liner in this pack to make things easier to find (who cares if it gets dirty looking, you are camping!)"