SMD Essence and Nunatuk AT

Steven, while I don't have an '07 SMD Essence, I do have an '06 Essence. I has served me well for the past year. While there is a learning curve involved with the '06 hardware (it is touchy in needed tension), the attention to craftsmanship, detail and longevity with SMD's products is hard to beat.

I have maybe roughly 350 miles (Colorado Trail and Lost Creek Wilderness loops) on my Essence and it still looks and operates as new. While the '07 is a complete remodel, I'm sure it will last just a long if not longer due to the strengthening of the pack with zippers instead of a flap and mini buckles.

I would be concerned about one issue though: the '06 has a draw cord underneath the panel flap, this is double protection from items falling out of the pack. First the "sack" and then the flap with buckles. From the looks of the '07 pictures, there isn't a draw cord of any kind, just the flap with zippers running down the side. All pictures indicate that there is a gap in the bottom of the flap, but no draw cord/sack type mechanism to keep gear from potentially falling out of the bottom. Maybe someone could chime in here with more insight, pictures or experience?

As you probably know with any light weight and/or custom equipment, it needs great care from the user. You can't really go wrong with any of SMD's gear. Great products along with great customer service!

HTH, Aaron

Aaron,
Thanks fo the info. I'll keep my eye out for the gap below the flap. If it becomes a problem, maybe I can fit a small strap/button of somesort there.
Funny timing, I actually ordered the '07 Essence today at lunch, assuming that I was going to get no replies. I've never dealt with SMD, but I suspected they would have quality products. Good to have that thought re-enforced.
As a side note, I ordered the Arc AT (size long) yesterday. Those 2 products alone knock 34 oz off my summer pack weight, replacing my Hydrogen and Vapor Trail.
Thanks again for the info Aaron.

Any one have any real life pictures of the new Essence pack? Anyone willing to post some?

-SMD has excellent quality service!!! They are a great company.

I just got an SMD Essence pack and LOVE it. I like it more than a Golite Jam and GG Miniposa/Mariposa. The flap at the bottom has velcro so nothing can fall out. This pack is beautiful! My Bearikade fits vertically and provides rigidity to the GG Nighlite pad that I am using. The quality of construction and function of the pack was above what I expected. The picture on the website does not do this pack justice. Side pockets provide ample space for extras even when the pack is full. The top pocket volume seems to be uneffected by a stuffed main pack bag. The zippers are a nice touch and easy to use by velcroing the flap closed and then zipping it all up. Overall an excellent pack. I will review it in the reader review section after I take it out on some trips.

Great pack!!!

Check the name on the label…you sure my pack didn't get lazy and head for your place…Still waiting on mine.