I really liked the features the 610.2 pack, but I wanted to add just a few minor features to it. The past few packs I've made I didn't have any pockets, so it was a big change for me to add some. My biggest complaint is that I always get them caught up on something or other, which overtime tends to destroy them. I decided if I was going to add them, make them bomber and not worry about it, so 1000d Cordura was the material of choice. Speaking of material, the entire body was multi color of VX21 of what I had on hand, and the Cordura I picked up not long ago for really cheap. Material-wise I had just enough of everything, which worked out great.
The webbing was some 9/16" climbing webbing I had left from a recent trip that was some anchor off fall that wouldn't really be used for anything else. A bit overkill in the grand scheme but at least it added a fresh color palette.
The straps were from a $10 eBay sale which worked out perfectly since I didn't want to spend the time on straps, as those always seem to be the most time consuming anyways. The back pocket was also 1000d Cordura, and I still wanted to have the vertical daisy chains so I added them to the outside and sewed the straps for the front underneath them. The top closure I wanted a different closure from what I've used in the past, I'm not convinced that hook and loop is always the best, and zippers seem to always fail given enough time. Haven't used buttons in a whole,
So we'll give them a shot. That front pocket can also expand to ~5" deep which is perfect for harness and gear rack.
This is the first pack I've made without load lifters and I'm amazing how well the suspension can carry if sized properly. I was able to get out for a quick packraft trip this past weekend, and at 31lbs total it carried flawlessly.
Even with the overkill fabrics, super comfy padded should straps, 3/4" hardware, 9/16" overkill webbing, snap buttons and all, this only weight a hair under 37oz. Time will tell but very pleased on the amount of features for low weight penalty.
