I was in a consignment clothing store a few days ago and was accosted by an Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon backpack. It insisted on coming home with me and considering it was in new condition and 30% of the retail price, I adopted it on the spot.
Is anyone using one? I couldn't find any mention of it on BPL.
It is a 28 liter frameless pack with a removable hip belt, mesh side pockets and a zippered top lid. It has a number of other features that I think are interesting in pack design and a couple I have never seen before.
— The whole pack can be stowed in the top pocket. That's not unusual for a 18-22 liter pack, but this is the largest I have seen, particularly one with a full hip belt. Looks like a thumbs up for travelers who want to mix in some backpacking with hotels.
— The tool loops are plastic coated cable and are anchored through two grommets in the pack wall. They can be tucked away by simply reaching inside and giving them a tug. There are loops on both sides top and bottom, plus two shock cord retainers with toggles at the top. Classy detail I think.
— The back panel has textured/molded foam with a hydration sleeve inside.
— There are two mesh side pockets sized for water bottles.
— The hip belt has quite an array of webbing and one line runs all the way across the front through a tunnel in the bottom quarter of the pack. This servers as both anchor and compression strap. I've never seen anything like it.
— Two more webbing straps run up the inside front of the pack. They exit through the fabric in several places to create lash points and run all the way into the lid. I've never seen that done before either. All the webbing helps to reinforce the very light silnylon fabric and maintain the shape.
— There are four conventional side compression straps, allowing more volume adjustment and stability. The buckles are huge for the task and webbing used.
— The top lid has two zippered compartments, one become the self-stowing cover.
— There are sternum straps. load lifters and a haul loop with a rubber reinforcement.
— There is a typical hydration sleeve with a centered hose exit port as the seam below the top zipper
The design team lead should be take to the woodshed for the billboard graphics! I don't get the Bacon name either.
Back panel. Note the thin 15mm webbing. Reminds me of the Osprey Exos.
You can see the red webbing running into the base of the pack body. It runs all the way across and has ladder buckle adjusters. It forms a stabilizer and compression strap. It takes quite a zig-zag path until making a break for the other side.
One bottom tool loop in, one out. Access from inside.
The top tool loops and shock cords have a "garage":
With the pack turned inside-out, you can see the black webbing running top to bottom and the red webbing running across.The white patches are backing for the lash loops on the exterior. Note the tool loops at the bottom where they can be stowed inside or pushed out for use.
The vertical 15mm webbing runners exit the fabric to form lash loops and are bar-tacked in place.
Top pockets open to the front. That makes it hard for a companion to get something out of the pockets for you on the trail (my wife and I do this often). The big zipper is the stowage compartment.
All tucked into the stash pocket, which is very difficult to do with the waist belt in place. I would only do this without the belt. It is easy enough to roll or fold the empty pack for stowing in a suitcase or duffel bag. PLEASE NOTE: the weight shown on the scale is in error. I left the tag and silica gels packets in the pack. The actual scale weight is 648g (22.85oz), 2 grams less than the manufacturer's stated 650g.
Caveats? I don't care for the loud graphics. There isn't a lot of "overhead" for the load lifters, making me question their value. The pack comes in one size– looks like it's on the "mediumish" size. I'll wait for a fully loaded field test to ummm weigh in on that :)
My first impression is that it is like a GotLite Ion on steroids. I want to use this primarily for day hikes and I could see pulling off a SUL summer overnighter with it. Should be great for travel.
Manufacturer's description and specifications:
Live Your Adventure™
A pound and a half of pure bliss, this 28-liter technical summit pack pares down weight to the mandatory minimum for lightning-fast ascents or long solo missions. Interior web skeleton of 15mm nylon webbing extends from top lid, down the front, and ties into the side compression/load stabilizers. Gives pack structure, without tension, and when load stabilizers are tightened, skeleton acts on the entire pack, pulling the load closer.
Tough, Sil-Coated Fabric
210-denier triple ripstop nylon reinforced with diamond ripstop Cordura® nylon
Ultralight 650-gram Design
Shaves weight for extended single-day epics or fast summit pushes
Packable Construction
Packs into zippered pocket to cram easily into overnight pack
Removable Waist Belt
Sheds excess weight when shaving ounces is critical
Retractable Tool LoopsAttachment points for holster poles or axes
Ski-carry systemSecurely holsters skis when bootpacking in A-frame style
Interior web skeletonStabilizes and supports packed loads
Crampon panelLash on for easy access
Perforated Thermoformed EVA back panelBreathable cushioning prevents overheating
Load liftersQuickly balance loads
Hydration compatibleInternal sleeve and port (bladder not included)
210-denier triple ripstop nylon; diamond ripstop Cordura® nylon
Capacity: 28 liters
Weight: 1 lb., 7 oz.
Imported
Cordura® Fabric
Cordura® was developed in 1977 as a 1000-denier, air-jet textured nylon yarn designed to add durability to backpacks. During the next three decades, the highly resistant fabric evolved into an entire class of tough textiles utilized for everything from luggage, boots and apparel to military and tactical applications. Recognized for long-lasting durability, abrasion-resistance and scuff proofing, Cordura® has become an internationally respected brand synonymous with durability. The performance details of Cordura® fabric are based on the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of air-jet-textured yarns that resist abrasion, clean easily and repel stains with stylish durability. But the three-decade reputation of Cordura® is what has earned it the enduring respect of mountain professionals worldwide.
