I am having a tough time nailing down my weekend summer pack. The vo24 seems like it would be the perfect pack. I like the outside pockets, hipbelt and front pocket with bungee. The small waterbottle pockets I feel wont be an issue for my uses. One would carry my caldera cone using the compression strap to help hold it in. The other would be unused most of the time(sure I would find a use for it) but would be perfect to hold my fishing pole with one slight modification of sewing on an upper strap to keep it secure(also hold trekking poles when not in use). My concerns are the fact that I dont know if the plastic caldera cone case will fit and stay in the water pocket. The pack is also a little thin at the top volume wise and with the 2l platy inside dont know if I would have enough room for gear. I am thinking that carrying my tarp in the front pocket with the platy on top using the bungees to hold it in could be an option. It is heavy compared to the ion but from reviews sounds like you gain more comfort and the mesh backing might be nice here in the humid south summers.
The ion is very simple and with some modifications could almost be my perfect pack. Reading threads lately about the modifications being done have added this pack to my list. If I added a front pocket and bungee system to match what the vo24 has it would definitely solve alot of storage issues. I also like the idea of a pocket under the lid for your valuables. I am ok with tackling these mods and would ultimately have more volume in the pack then the vo24.
The biggest problem is that neither of these packs are available locally so I can not try either on to see what I like. Price really isnt a big deal because last years vo24 can be picked up for less then $60. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Jeff
