I've been looking all year for a winter daypack for backcountry ski touring. It has to hold all my avy equipment (except my beacon) plus food, ESBIT stove & fuel & small pot, extra clothes, winter survival gear like a space blanket, etc. So I wanted something on the larger side. Finally found just the pack.
I bought a CamelBack "Commander" from Cabela's. Of course that means it's in a camo pattern but that's fine with me as I hunt also. I have to say I'm impressed with everything about this pack's quality and features. Better be good at $119.
FEATURES:
1. 2,700 cu. in. capacity. (Before I add another 500 cu. in with two REI side pockets – only if needed.)
2. "Shovel" flap in front for my avy shovel and quick storage/retrieval of fleece jacket, etc. (This flap also is a large zippered pocket itself.)
3. Neoprene insulated hydration hose inside zippered right shoulder strap for more hose insulation. I'll need to make a Velcroed neoprene bite valve cover as they usually freeze 1st.
4. New style CamelBack zippered hydation bladder storage compartmant just behind the mesh back pads, to keep water warmer with some body heat. Room for chemical heat pads as well.
5. Two compression straps on each side. (It's a large "day-and-a half" pack and needs them, plus they will support my skis &/or REI side pockets if needed.)
MODS: (soon)
1. Internal frame of 1" wide flat, pre-bent, aluminum stays in an inverted "U" shape. Top cross stay and no cross stay at bottom. Stainless steel bolts W. s.s. nylock nuts to hold stays to pack via melted holes thru main internal compartment to hydration bladder compartment. Lots of Gorilla Tape (duct tape) over pan head bolts & stay ends to prevent wear on pack, contents and hydration bladder. (I've done this stay mod to another pack years ago and it works very well.)
2. Lower side compression strap ladder buckle replaced W/ quick-release buckle for rapid attatchment of side pockets.
3. Four 1" wide, 3" long webbing strips (sewn W/ "X" stitching at each end) added to pack bottom for straps to carry extra equipment (ex. mattress) and to help compress pack when carrying smaller loads.
The next smaller size CamelBack pack in this series is the Ranger model, at around 1,800 cu. in. It has all the features of the Commander pack, for those interested in a daypack-only size.
Eric
P.S. Someone please put a pic up from Cabela's online catalog. I'm computer semi-literate. Thanks.
