I received my prototype TrailLite Designs Bandoleer the other day and thought I'd share some of the features and thoughts I had. Just in case you haven't heard, TrailLite Designs is owned by BPL's Thom Darrah
The mailer was tiny, really tiny. In one of those priority mailer tyvek envelopes. My first thought before opening it was "how am I going to fit 2 days worth of gear in anything this small?" so I opened the mailer and found a very neatly wrapped bandoleer pack that opened up quite a bit and I could see that I will be able to fit my gear just fine. Just to note, this is a small volume pack, think MLD burn. The sewing, construction, seams etc. are top notch quality as to be expected. You've seen Zimmer's work in the MYOG section of this site.
Here's a couple of pics-
Here's the pack loaded with a few odds and ends to show the general shape.
This is a pic of the top of the pack. It has a traditional cinch top closure system, but the cord is run differently. I starts doubled through the haul loop and then through a loop on the front of the back above the large outside pocket, then through the top of the pocket, and out criss-crossing down the pack to a center single pull cordlock. This system can of course be changed by the user, but seems like a good way to compress the whole pack with a single pull.
Here's another pic showing the cord through the pocket.
The cords on the sides are also similar in that they run through the top of the side pockets and zigzag up the sides with a cordlock in the middle to allow independent adjustment.
Now onto the most interesting part- The harness
Look at that sexy beast! Ok, really. here's the deal-
The single shoulder strap is wide and cushy, I would like to see some 3D spacer mesh on the inside of the strap, but maybe the mobility of choosing shoulders will negate that need. While one strap seems odd for a pack, the way the two straps come to meet the single shoulder strap gives it quite a bit of stability. It also has a webbing waist belt that is seen on the handsome model that is detachable. I was surprised by the way it didn't flop around. I think when I am on the trail I will wind up pulling on the straps a little here and there just to see what fits best, same as any new pack.
I get the idea that the low volume of this pack is necessary for the harness style, and with the more than adequate compression the pack will be stable, time will tell on that point.
I also would like to note that the compression system is really great. it will surely keep that pack nice and tight, which is something I value in a pack.
more to come after a trip this week, glad to get this pack in time for that.
If anyone has specific questions about this pack, feel free to shoot me a PM. I probably wont be on BPL much the next few days.
