Updated SMD Fusion Packs

Interesting fabric used, had never heard of it before. Sounds like good stuff!

http://pi.hyosung.com/pi_eng/fabricfiber/workwear/robic.do

You must be new to the interwebs.

ULA Equipment has been using Robic for several years.

Admittedly I don't know the fabrics used in every manufacturer's packs, never claimed to. I do however browse a lot of myog shops and have never come across it. I think most would agree that it's a fairly obscure product that is not readily available. I wonder why that is actually, it sounds pretty nice.

I could be wrong but I don't think the updated packs have been released yet.

According to SMD, they are looking at a fall release (I contacted them recently to ask)

Rich, I am being facetious.

; )

Thanks folks, I will check back with SMD in the autumn.

I just took the Robic plunge (I ordered a new pack on Tues). My last two packs have been Dyneema. The Dyneema has been pretty good stuff, so if the Robic is even marginally better, it will be good stuff. Supposedly it’s even tougher than Dyneema although my old GoLite Pinnacle’s Dyneema was (is) pretty tough stuff. The Dyneema that Gossamer Gear used on it’s packs is a lighter grade than what I’ve seen in GoLite and ULA packs.

HJ
Adventures In Stoving
Hikin’ Jim’s Blog

The GG Gorilla is robic. So far, it seems like really tough stuff. I've climbed and crawled through miles of downed trees and the pack looks new. I think it's a great pack material.

I'm going up to Mountain Crossings (Shop at Neels Gap on the AT) this weekend before an overnighter in the area so I can check out some larger capacity "winter" packs. They stock the SMD Fusion 50/65. I'll be able to check them out along with the ULA line up and some of the Granite Gear packs. I know they won't be the new Fusions, but I should be able to give some insight about features other than the fabric, if anyone cares. The larger Fusion and the Circuit are high on my list. It's nice to be able to try these packs on!

"The Dyneema that Gossamer Gear used on it's packs is a lighter grade than what I've seen in GoLite and ULA packs."

You are correct Jim, The previous model Gossamer Gear packs used a 140d Dyneema Grid and Golite and ULA (along with MLD and most everyone else using Dyneema Grid) uses 210d.

That's fine Dave, with me being all new to the Internet, it's hard to pick up the nuances of what's being said.
Peace, brother. :-)

I really hope they go to a lighter Robic GG uses. I have a Gorilla and it feels really tough to me. I also hope they get rid of the white.

I've had my eye on the Fusion 50 for a while and I really hope they make these changes for the next version.

You are correct Jim, The previous model Gossamer Gear packs used a 140d Dyneema Grid and Golite and ULA (along with MLD and most everyone else using Dyneema Grid) uses 210d.

Yeah, my old GoLite Pinnacle seems a lot beefier than my old GG Mariposa — but my GG Mariposa held up well for the 2 years I had it, and I do off trail stuff. I did sand a hole in one side pocket doing an XC descent, but I’m not sure any other pack would have done better. The hole was small. My pants didn’t fare as well.

I just picked up the new Robic version of the Mariposa. Not sure that I like the positioning of the straps that close the lid. Too high. Not good for when the pack isn’t carrying much. But I liked the idea of a more durable mesh and I had a coupon that was going to expire…

My old Mariposa went to a friend. My friend’s and relatives love my cast offs, lol. I keep trying new stuff. Guess I’m a gear geek. :)

HJ
Adventures In Stoving
Hikin’ Jim’s Blog

Looks like the new version will be out next month.