DIY: Badlands Bow Boot Mod for Eberlestock Pack

My preferred packs for archery hunting are the Eberlestock X2 and the Eberlestock Bandit. The issue I have is that I do not like the Eberlestock Butt Bucket for carrying my bow—it just doesn’t secure it the way I prefer, particularly if I’m riding on a bike.

Prior to switching, I used a Badlands pack and really liked the slim profile of the Badlands Bow Boot. Since both Eberlestock packs have PALS webbing at the bottom, I decided to modify the Bow Boot to be interchangeable between my packs using a custom paracord attachment.

Materials Needed

• Badlands Bow Boot

• 1″ Breakaway Buckles

• Paracord (at least 30 inches)

• Tools: Scissors and a lighter

Step 1: Prep the Buckles and Boot

1. Separate the Clips: Separate the male and female ends of your 1" breakaway buckles.

2. Remove Stock Hardware: Remove the original clips from the Badlands Bow Boot.

3. Attach New Clips: Thread the adjustable (female) end of the new buckles onto the straps of the Bow Boot.

Step 2: Create the Pack Attachments

To secure the other side of the buckle to your pack's PALS webbing, you'll use a paracord weave to ensure there is zero "slop" or movement.

1. Cut and Hitch: Cut two 15-inch lengths of paracord. Attach the first length to the PALS webbing at the bottom of your Eberlestock pack using a girth hitch.

2. Thread the Buckle: Thread the remaining buckle end onto the paracord.

3. Wrap for Stability: Wrap the paracord around the webbing and buckle a second time, terminating on the outside of the buckle.

Step 3: Secure with a Cobra Weave

1. The Weave: Start tying a Cobra Weave (standard Solomon bar) over the paracord leads between the buckle and the pack webbing.

2. Remove Slack: Continue the weave until you have removed all slack. This creates a rigid, silent mounting point that won't bounce while riding.

3. Finish: Tie off the two lines with a reef knot on the back side of the buckle.

4. Seal: Trim the tag ends and melt them together with a lighter to prevent fraying.

Step 4: Final Alignment

Repeat the process for the second buckle. Crucial Tip: Ensure both paracord attachments are exactly equal in length so your bow sits level on the pack.

Wrapping Up

You now have a slim-profile bow carrier that clicks directly into your Eberlestock pack. This setup is much more secure than the "Butt Bucket" for bike rides and deep treks, keeping your bow tight against the frame and out of the way.