MLD Zip/Super Zip

Hello,
I placed my order for this pack last week. It seems to be a pretty solid all around design for my weekend warrior needs. I was sold once I saw the side and front bungee compression strap's, the side and front mesh pockets and the bottom Jam2-like compression system. Looks like I will be getting mine some time in March so I will write more when I get it in my hands.

I have the original Zip. I personally dont see any reason why I would choose the super Zip over the original. Wider straps are always a plus but I found the Zips to be perfectly comfortable for the weight I intend to carry in it ( 20-25 lbs. somtimes 30 lbs .). The extra volume would be a plus for those who regularly carry a canister I would imagine. The 2 oz. silnylon is pretty tough if you are reasonalbly carefull with your gear, or in other words you dont beat up on it. But I view this pack as a good on-trail pack. I think you could thru hike with the original without worry. Thats why I dont see the 140d fabric as a big advantage, Ive found the 2oz. to be adaquate and to me the amount of mesh makes it unsuitable for extended time off trail (unless its open terrain of coarse). I also wonder if the side compression strap is removeable? I wouldnt be suprised if it was.

According to the site the side compression strap is removable. Looks like a nice pack, if only for the price…

It appears there were some errors on the MLD website regarding the Super Zip. Unfortunately (for me) the Super Zip is not any larger than the original Zip pack – and now that the original Zip includes the hipbelt as a standard feature for 2008, the only differences are that Ron's using a tougher fabric on the Super Zip, the shoulder straps are 1/2" wider, and a strippable upper compression strap has been added.

Super Zip capacity is the same as the Zip, even though the website still says the Super Zip's internal dimensions are larger. Ron has corrected the other errors, and confirmed that except for the additions noted above, the Super Zip and the Zip are basically the same pack design.

My 2-cents on the matter is that the cottage pack makers really should spend more time making sure their websites contain accurate, up-to-date information. Since it's impossible for most of us to see/touch/examine their packs in a local retail store, we have to rely on posted information, a few photos, and the occasional review to make a purchase decision. It bugs me when I get all excited about a product and then find out it's either not available as described or not available at all.

I know they're all good folks and probably crazy-busy keeping up with orders, but a good website can be a great sales tool – and maybe it's the only sales tool – for most of the small UL manufacturers.