The web is full of UL packs. Is there anything new here?
Another MYOG sack
The pattern was simple to draw and the pack came together easy.
1 Scrambling specific shape
2 Full wrap hip belt with foam ‘frame’ sheet
3 Improved access to most used items
4 Modular front panel configuration
5 High water volume carry ability
6 Super fast roll top operation
1 The pack sits wide on the back, but low profile and close to the body. It is tapered from less volume below transitioning to roomy up high, and has an upsloping narrow bottom profile. This ice cream cone shape encourages packing heavy dense items first with light fluffy stuff high. The resulting fit and balance works well for talus, steep scree, 4th class climbing, difficult downhill moves, bushwhacking, etc.
2 The full wrap contoured and padded belt transfers the load effectively to the hips while also providing a crucial flex joint between the pack and the user’s body. This allows the belt to be tightened properly without pressure on the lumbar region from any hard and unyielding loads. A design like this normally is used on full framed load carriers, where it is regarded as one of the best (Seek Outside, Panda). Adopting it for frameless is the main experiment on this pack, and require the densest part of the load to be packed low, ie food. The resulting low center of gravity is also advantageous when the going gets difficult.
3 The things I need the most on the go: Phone (camera, nav), water, snacks. While knocking about off-trail with trekking poles in hand these items need to come out effortlessly.
Water bottles are positioned between the pack and the hip belt in replaceable snug fitting carriers. The access is intuitive without pack removal and/or youthful joint flexibility. Bottles are notorious for abrading their holders; here the open bottom design transfers the wear to the bottle itself. They are removable and easily custom cut for both Nalgene and Smartwater; and are secure enough for scrambling and bushwhacking. The modular nature of this system also allow the replacement of one or both bottle holders with pouches for camera, binos or micro spikes.
The removable zippered quick access phone holder on the shoulder strap is safe yet convenient, and in the absolute best spot. The opposite side is fitted with a stretchy snack pocket.
4 With four hefty daisy chains rimming the large front panel I have multiple custom carry options. One can attach a removable front pocket for shovel, probe, tarp, and all the other light things usually ending up here. Or arrange straps for CCF pad, snowshoes, skis, ice tools, poles.
5 For long water carries the low profile side pockets are shaped for Platy style bladders. This is an optimal location for proper weight distribution without load shifting. This style pocket with an effective top cord seal also holds small items like spoon, stakes and sunscreen very securely.
6 The accordion style variation of the ordinary roll top access I use is tight, simple and fast, with one buckle on a tangle free non-Y strap. No additional snaps or Velcro aids are needed. Unfortunately I goofed and didn’t make the pack portion above the shoulder straps tall enough for a roll top. I winged it with a cinch closure on this one!
Weight 25.5 oz
Size: 45 liters
Materials
Bottom lily white section: woven Dyneema
The rest of the white: 210d GridStop
All the black: 330d Cordura
Mesh: black poly
Cinch top: 70d sil.
All that being said this pack is mostly just for fun, as my bear can pack concept ( https://imgur.com/gallery/vUD7BSR ) is far more versatile for everything but desert routes.
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