New black Zimmerbuilt pack is done!

what will you be using the rectangular side top pockets for? tarp and rain jacket?

The top pockets are only 5.5 wide x 2 inches deep, which I plan on storing my gloves, beanie, headlamp, knife, windshirt, and snacks in.

As always, Chris's craftsmanship is on point. He does have a way with fabric doesn't he?

I'm not gonna pussyfoot here, the upper top side pockets aren't my cup 'o tea aesthetically or functionally, but the rest of the pack looks real nice, simple, nice use of durable materials. You may find that those upper pockets become practically useless or flop around if you don't have the pack fully loaded up to the top of the pack body. Whatever small items would go in those pockets could just as easily go in the top of your pack, in a belt pocket, or a side pocket IMO.

But who cares? I'm splitting hairs here and you're the one wearing it.

Enjoy it.

The top pockets I admit, stand out in the pictures, but they are small! Especially if I have some small things in there like a beanie nothing will flop around. I'm not sure if you have shoulder strap pockets, but I have some Zimmerbuilt ones and they are 6 inches long, and a lot of people here love them. These pockets are only 5.5 inches long, and one quick zip and I can access things instead of going through the roll top. And hey, if I hate them I can always cut them off too…

Also the bottom side pockets are for water and shelter.

I think with the size of your pack the top pockets just "stick out" a bit. I have the same set-up on my Zimmerbuilt and they work out great.

I like them for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Also, I can have my hiking partner grab something for me, quickly, without taking the pack off at all.

Looks great…my only minor concern would be the black heat sink in the warmer months…but…I've never owned a black pack to know whether it is noticeable or not…???

Congrats…

-Mark in St. Louis

Looks good. I have a stripped down Zimmerbuilt with a mesh back but more pockets in a winter version for easy access to gloves, hats, gaiters, goggles, etc… could be interesting.

Looks awesome Michael. I especially like the shoulder straps which look comfy but not overdone (gossamer gear, are you paying attention?).

Can you tell us the weight, cost range, and delivery time?

Thanks guys, weight is 15oz, I sent payment just a few days ago and the pack is in the mail. Chris just took pictures of it last night. Probably some of the best customer service i've ever had!

It's going to be called ZB-2 "blackbird".

Probably because it looks like it has black wings :)

So as you can see its missing 2 things (found that Eugene was kinda right), and so far I really like it a lot, I still havent trimmed off the webbing but the pack weighs 15.1 ounces right now. So im expecting to trim it down to 14.50oz ish.

I am very satisfied with it, and it has plenty of volume for my current kit. The side pockets easily swallow 1 water bottle, and can even fit 2 in a pocket if needed. Havent taken it out yet, due to the cold and my kit not being warm enough.