I'm still processing how killer this pack came out, I haven't even received it yet but no have no doubts about it's quality upon arrival. Chris Zimmer is a fabric wizard.
A few months back I contacted Chris with my desire for him to build a "do-it-all" tank of a pack, one capable of carrying more gear than typical UL solo stuff, things such as: 2 quilts, larger shelter, pad(s), extra insulation, larger volume pot and stove kit, and camera gear for myself and my two kids. I figure if I'm going to be sherpa on kiddo oriented trips or toting bulkier camera gear I may as well do it comfortably. The main goals of this pack were long term durability and comfort, as well as flexibility in purpose and ease of access. I shifted my thinking some in the design and sketch phase and went with a panel loading concept roughly inspired by the Arcteryx Miura, which is a unique crag pack that has fillets open allowing uninhibited access to pack contents with an innovative drawbridge enclosure, it's a hybrid between a top loading roll top and a panel loader. Confusing? Pics below show the pack opened up fully. This is the most unique aspect of the pack I think.
Overall weight was far in the back of my head when choosing fabrics, durability resounded loudly. I went with a 500 Denier coated Corduraâ„¢ Nylon fabric with Dyneema Reinforcement for the high wear/stress areas (pack bottom, side pockets, backpanel, hipbelt) and XPAC for the main pack body and roll top closure (available from Rockywoods). These obviously aren't the lightest fabric options for a pack, but do provide bomber durability at a relatively low weight.
*Details:
– Removable hipbelt (better serve as a travel pack off trail in the future)
– Removable internal stays (load transfer and support)
– Significant compression (control pack load, bulk, and contents)
– Large easily accesible side pockets for additional storage, water tanking, holding tripod, larger shelter, etc.
– Wide contoured shoulder straps (comfort, I find wide cushioned straps are more than enough up to about 20lbs.)
– Overflow storage (rear kangaroo pocket w/ lid and external compression for storing windshell and wet gear)
– Hipbelts (snacks, necessities)
– Fully opening pack body w/ interior compression for ease of access to all contents
Chris took my sketches, quacky ideas, and specifications and created a monster, the guy is good. Enough talk, photos below.
