SMD has started sales

Thanks for your post Monte. That is exactly where I am in my pack history. My first love was a Jansport D3 that I carried throughout the Southeast growing up. With a 50 pound load, the hip belt transferred the weight smoothly onto my hips. I've owned many packs since then (many of which are still in my garage) and as things have gotten lighter, I've been convinced that I need to try frameless packs. But with the water weight we have to carry camping in the desert, they are just uncomfortable. My Fusion 50 should be here today and I can't wait to give it a try next weekend on a trip I have planned in the Superstitions.

The Fusion packs do look quite nice. I was surprised how few I saw on the PCT when everyone was using older Frankle designs (ULA packs). The side pockets did seem a bit tight for carrying anything more than a small water bottle, but supposedly they stretch.

>I've gone full circle with UL packs…

I wonder how many out there find they are in the same place? Count me as one. I never really went so far as to try a frameless pack, but I quickly figured out what Monte said…the weight MUST be transferred efficiently to the hips if the pack is to be "all-day comfortable".

I hate pack weight on my shoulders…maybe others are different, but I find that terribly tiring and my shoulders/back are sore at the end of the day. I have settled on a Granite Gear VC 60 for loads <25 lbs and a GG Blaze 60 for >25 lbs (face it, there are times when you have to pack 5L of water).

I doubt I would buy/use a pack that weighs over 3lbs but I'm much less interested in the pack's weight than I am in it's function. Find a pack that makes you forget it's on your back and don't worry about it's weight.

I would love to try one of the new SMD packs, the design is very intriguing, but honestly the "old school" designs from Granite Gear just seem to work for me.

GF and I got our silnylon Haven Tarp this week. What a nifty little piece of gear. Such a weight improvement over the 3 person Alps mountaineering tent I bought last year that weighs 6 pounds. Looking forward to trying it out on a few trips this Spring/Summer.

She was kind of shocked at the cost of shipping, too. She thinks they must insure it.

Was doing some research into the Fusion 50 pack and came across this September blog post from Paul Mags. Just a basic breakdown/field review, but he included this part at the bottom

"As an aside, Ron Moak stated that 'the exterior pockets on all of the packs are undergoing a makeover, they will be deeper with a closure mechanism.' The bright white color is also going to replaced with a more neutral gray and there should be more variety in the color panels as well."

http://www.pmags.com/quick-look-six-moon-designs-fusion-50

Daryl and Daryl and Daryl

The answer is in the specs section :
Main Bag 2300
Extension Collar 450
Exterior Pockets 300
Cubic Inches 2300