MontBell Pocketable Daypack 20. Ion replacment?

Not really of any help here :) but maybe someone at GG will see this and bring back the Big Bag.
http://sectionhiker.com/gossamer-gear-bearister-food-hanging-system/

I was lucky enough to snag one of these a while back and not only is it < 3 oz. but without doubt the most comfortable shoulder straps I've ever encountered on a day pack. Basically a Sil bag with shoulder straps. The unique haul loop integrated into reinforcing seams is ingenious.

I rue the day that anything happens to this and I need to find a replacement.

The Riksak looks like the same thing minus the haul loop.

Looks like Angelo may be right, the shoulder straps look to be identical. I really like the reinforcement on the Big Bag though…after a great deal of use, mine looks like new. No seam stresses anywhere. Hopefully the Riksak is of similar quality.

The REI Flash series is probably a closer copy of the Ion. The 18 and 22 are interesting and pretty comfortable packs.

http://www.rei.com/product/827110/rei-flash-18-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/844631/rei-flash-22-pack

DM

The REI Flash 18 is a good example of the "rabid raccoon" riding on your back.

I had a Flash 22 and used it as my main day hiking bag for the early summer and returned it. The straps weren't very comfortable and it would dump the sternum strap sliding mounts too often. I found half the sternum strap sitting in my lap on breaks on several occasions. The back of the slide is slotted to make the strap removable and it works too well.

I've since moved up to a Stoke 29 for my day hiking rig and wanted a small light pack for urban and travel use.

On the trail, my pack is my office and like waist belt pockets and easy organization. I don't want be digging around for sunscreen or other small items and I like easy access to my map and a sit pad. I prefer water bottles to bladders, so side pockets are handy. But all those straps and contraptions are in the way on a bus or plane.

For urban/travel use, I want just enough for rain shell or fleece, camera, phone, map or guide book, light umbrelka and a small zipper bag with the smaller items. That outside pocket on the Montbell is big enough for a small water bottle or platypus.

I compared the Montbell to the Ion due to the simplicity and weight. The Ion was also a panel loader and only 9oz. I could never figure our why Golite dropped the design. I would add water bottle pockets of course :)

I wish that Cilogear would make a 25 liter Worksack. The 20 is just a little small.

Hi,
not sure if you seen this but it's ION with side pockets:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=767163

Yeah I know not available in US but friends from EU might help.

Cheers

Bad link, but I recall the euro version which puzzled me more!

Hi,
sorry Dale. here's the link: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=76716

As said sadly not available in US. But you guys have lots of other awesome cottage
pack makers. Why bother?

Regards,

"As said sadly not available in US. But you guys have lots of other awesome cottage
pack makers. Why bother?"

You always want what you can't have :)

I'm happy with the MontBell, which is much lest expensive than any of the other options and certainly under the radar for urban/travel use.

I just never understood why GoLite stopped making the Ion. Considering they have the patterns and materials list and the cult following, it seems it would be an easy thing to fire up production on another batch.

Hi

"You always want what you can't have :)" = that's why I have two Ions:)…
And for the price of single Eureka Moyo you get almost four Montbell packs above..interesting?

Cheers

"And for the price of single Eureka Moyo you get almost four Montbell packs above..interesting?"

Yup. Last trip to REI I saw the Flash 18 on sale for $24 or so and a new yet more complex and an ounce heavier version on the shelf for $34.50.

I've been through of these small packs over the years and none really floats my boat. Wider and flatter works better for me than the more cylindircal designs. The Ion is guilty there too. Something like a smaller Jam minus all the padding and hardware would be good.

If you want a small pack that hangs well, I think the old REI rucksack with a couple big pockets is the way to go.

It has a teardrop shape in use, leaving your shoulders free and airy. The bulk of it sits in the small of your back with a low center of gravity. One of our cottage makers should make a design like this in Cuben with mesh pockets. Perfect for basic day hiking essentials/water/camera/clothes. Just make sure the straps are something that an adult male can use comfortably.

The Moyo is getting out there on volume— 27 liters, not to mention €69.95. Not bad at 290g/10.2oz.

I have a Stoke 29 that is kind of the next step up at 1.5lbs, with a full waist belt with pockets, 29L capacity and lots of other bells and whistles. I prefer that for a day pack to get the volume and more comfortable suspension. I was at the REI Gear Garage when they threw a perfect one in the bin for $21 :) KA CHING!