Essence has arrived!!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a panel-loading pack that’s zipperless! A drawstring closure works by “scrunching shut” a pack’s opening, which works OK for top loaders — very curious how the drawstring works on a front/panel loader???

Oh yeah, forgot to ask: will the Essence accommodate a bear canister (vertical/horizontal/both)?

Thanks

Joe—joke, joke—perhaps tasteless. Apologies. Falling on sword.
OK moving on — nothing to see

That seems to be a really nice pack…
Ryan, like languages, it’s always good to learn another measuring system. Cheers.

Speaking of packs of this size/weight—whatever has become of the BMW Rapture?
The Essence will be interesting to contrast w/ the latest smallest flavor of the ULA packs, the “Relay”.
Heavier by 4 oz. but more rugged (I suspect).

yeah, where is the rapture pack?

it may be coming out with the next product wave probably this week according to RJ latest email.

“Expansion of the Nano product line to include several tarps, bivy sacks, packs,
and stuff sacks will kick off 2007 next week”

the 2007 must be a typo.

but in the BPL news archives there was a email sent out in november of 2003 about the pack, I dont know if it came and went like the Arc X bag, but if not it better be coming soon

>> Oh yeah, forgot to ask: will the Essence accommodate a bear canister (vertical/horizontal/both)? << I’ve placed them horizontally in the pack so they should fit vertically. It may not fit for the newer larger sized clear canisters. >> I don’t think I’ve ever seen a panel-loading pack that’s zipperless! A drawstring closure works by “scrunching shut” a pack’s opening, which works OK for top loaders — very curious how the drawstring works on a front/panel loader??? << That was a bit of a concern during the initial design; however it hasn’t proven to be a problem in use. The Weather flap connects to the body of the pack with 5 micro buckles. So the weather flap takes the pressure off the draw cord. The Weather Flap can also expand as needed by several inches to accommodate bulk material placed under it, such as stowing a fleece jacket quickly after warm-up. As to being a Revolution, most of the Triple Crowners who’ve seen it up close and personal seem to think so. A number have used Breezes and can’t wait to switch. Ron

Thanks again, Ron. Kudos to you for your continuous innovations!

Ron, Im curious, does your gatewood cape have any sort of provision for joining 2 shelters?

Its a great idea (I have some similar designs) but it would be even better if it could reduce redundancy for non-solo hikers as well.

Also, what is the center height of this shelter?

>>Ron, Im curious, does your gatewood cape have any sort of provision for joining 2 shelters? << Not really, for two people it’s probably better to have larger shaped tarp if you’re looking for full protection. You can fit two standard poncho/tarps together with a little work, but you’ve still got the exposed ends.
Also, what is the center height of this shelter?

Minimum center height is about 40″ when staked to the ground and 45″ or higher with the recommended gap around the edge for ventilation.

Ron

Hi Ron,

I wonder if you received my e-mail via your site contact address concerning using a credit card for a purchase from here in Japan? I’d appreciate a reply.

Thanks!

Miguel

Rick–

The SMD Starlite got me out of my 3+ pound packs pretty easily. At 28 oz including the two aluminum stays, it carries a decent lightweight load comfortably (I hesitate to say a ‘real world’ load, but there it is.) And it doesn’t sag, at all, and the load lifters work. With a full load of food and water and winter gear, it’s comfortable for me at over 30 pounds. It’s not superduperultramegalight, but then neither am I.

I like the look of the Essence, and I’m going to be as interested as anyone else here in seeing the first reviews. But it’s going to take a lot to get me out of my Starlite.

Ken

Ken,

I agree that it will take a lot to get me out of my Starlite. But at 13 oz. it would be great for day hiking, peak bagging and those short overnighters.

If the pricing is right then I will find room in the gear closet.

Normally $130, INTRODUCTORY PRICING ONLY

$90 + $7 USPS Priority Mail (to my zip code – not sure if that matters with USPS Prio. Mail, but if it does, i’m about as far away from SMD as one can get in the USA – IIRC, we’re on separate coasts).

Kevin,

i’ll be your “guinea pig” and participate in the “version one” experiment. i’m very “risk adverse” in investing, but in this case, given Mr. Moak and SMD’s sterling reputation, i don’t feel there is much risk.

look for another amateurish Reader Review after the pack arrives (it’s already been ordered).

Grazie, Sir Guinea Pig! Look forward to your report.
cheers
K.

We all stand shoulder to shoulder behind you, Paul! :)

Prego, Don Cappo de tutti Trekkers.

molti grazie,
pj

BT,

Xie, Xie.

PJ:

You are quite the linguist!