Custom Zimmerbuilt Day pack first impressions

That's a nice looking little pack, I like it. It's worth the extra cash to get something exactly the way you want it.

Chad, thanks. I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for so after seeing all the custom creations on the Zimmerbuilt website I knew he would be the best one to ask. I had thought about an MLD core and a few others but I really wanted the side and back pockets. I still can't believe its only 8.5 ounces. It has enough room in it for everything I need. Honestly I could probably use it with a summer quilt and a tarp for an SUL set up. I just can't believe how affordable the pack was (relative to other Cuben fiber packs and how quickly he made it.

Heath, I've been a long time REI Flash 18 user for my day hikes here in Arizona. I'm constantly frustrated by going inside my pack for water and have been thinking about getting a small pack like this with pockets on the outside. Here's my Q: I'd be curious to hear how it works with two water bottles in the side pockets and a mostly empty interior. Does it flop around? My typical load is two 1-liter Smartwater bottles, a snack and a FAK. There are times where I bring more (a small rain shell, water filter, extra water…) but it's rare. Would your pack work for me?

Matthew I live in Phoenix too. What you described is pretty much what I plan on packing in it on a regular basis. In the pictures above I packed it full of down jackets so that it would fill out all the way. I hate desert hiking except in the winter/spring and spend most of my summers in north eastern Arizona, Utah and soon to be Southwest Colorado for hiking. So I bring a bit more in case their is unexpected weather and my sawyer but I think it would work perfect for you. I had that REI pack as well it just felt very cheap to me and I sold it to a friend.

Thanks for answering my questions so quickly, Keith. Perhaps we will meet on the trail some day. I'll look for a guy wearing a Zimmerbuilt pack.

Matthew, no problem. I saw you hiked in the Sierras. I am hoping to get there to hike sometime next year. I wanted to do the High sierra trail if I can finding people who are willing.

Heath, are you happy with this pack? Have you gotten some miles carrying it yet? How does it carry mostly empty with water in the side pockets?

Since it has cooled off I haven't been out much other than rock climbing. I took it out for a day and it worked well. I have no complaints about the bag.