New SMD Traveler Pack

Just thinking out loud here — based on no experience whatsoever… I can easily see this as a great panel loader for wilderness hikes. I think I like it more than the Essence.

I've tried them both side by side. IMO, they are two entirely different packs, designed for different market niches.

The larger Traveler is based on the Starlight; designed for bigger loads, with optional removeable stays for added support when its needed, but with the same ability to go frameless when it's not.

The Essence is a smaller capacity pack (3100 vs. 3800 total cubic inches), lighter (with hipbelt, 17 oz vs. 26 oz) and frameless.

For me, bulk is more of a problem than weight, so the big difference in my mind is the capacity of the main packbag itself; 2000 cubic inches for the Essence; 3000 for the Traveler. I'm don't feel like compressing my sleeping bag enough to fit it into a side pocket.

Besides, I much prefer the panel loader design. It's past time to retire my old, reliable but too heavy, REI Evening Star.

Looks really nice, was thinking of picking up a starlite, but this might be the ticket. That panel opening looks a bit on the small size, but otherwise it looks sweet.

Hi Bob,
Have you had a chance to load the Traveler up and take it out for a spin? If yes, how do assess its weight carrying ability and comfort? Can you access your H2O bottles without removing the pack? Do you think a 2 liter bladder would fit in the top pocket? If yes, is the hydration port accessible from the top pocket? One last question: Is the panel opening large enough to permit easy access for bulky things like sleeping bags, bear canister, etc?

Tom:

Bear in mind all my comments relate to the prototype; I haven't seen the final production version yet, and I know there were some changes made. For example, the prototype didn't have the daisy chain atop the top pouch.

We couldn't take the prototype out for a spin. We just loaded all my wife's gear into it to see how it would fit her and how well it would carry. She loved it – a much better fit than with the Essence, given her short torso length and the Traveler's adjustable shoulder strap attachment system vs. the fixed straps of the Essence. We would have bought it right then and there if I hadn't known that Ron was taking it to the ADZPCTKO as part of his display.

We didn't check the lower right side mesh pocket for water bottle accessibility because we use a Platypus Hoser set-up instead. The hydration port goes through the top right-shoulder corner of the main packbag, not through the top pocket, so its designed to carry the bladder in the main compartment. We didn't try the pocket for a 2 liter bladder fit, but I suspect it would fit OK. You'd have to leave the zipper open just enough to run the hose out (if you're using a hoser system). I can tell you that a Tarp Tent Double Rainbow with poles fit nicely into the long left-side mesh pocket.

Yes, the panel opening is huge and unlike the Essence with its 2 straight, independent #3 YKK zippers and bottom velcro closure, the Traveler sports a single heftier #4.5 YKK inverted U-shaped zipper with double sliders. This is a much more secure closure. There is a storm flap over the zipper as well.

Carter:

Top loaders are far more popular than panel loaders, which is why you see very few manufacturers offering panel loaders. Brian at ULA had a trial balloon thread running here and on other forums, trying to decide whether to add one to his line. Like the SUL 4 oz packs, it is definitely a niche market.

I own both types, and all things being equal, much prefer the panel. You do have to pack them a bit differently than you do a top loader, just like you load an internal frame differently than you do an external frame pack. Each type has its own + and -'s. For example, with a panel loader, you want a small waterproof sheet on which to lay it if the ground is wet or muddy so you don't get your shoulder straps and hip belt dirty.

Oh man…it has hipbelt pockets too…and 62 liters. I just bought an arctic drypack…trying to resist…:)

Bob,
Thanks for the beta. Much appreciated. :)