SIerra Designs Flex Capacitor Pack

I tried one out at home before sending it back. It didn’t carry weight any better than my old 60 liter pack so was redundant for me.

It’s well padded, has an air gap on your back for some air flow. Top access zipper is handy and better than a lid/brain.  Hip belt pockets are easy to use and spacious. Side bottle pockets are nice.

I didn’t like the compression straps, feels really messy and over complicated. I feel a basic compression system is enough for smaller loads.  I have smaller packs so I don’t need one pack to fill both roles, just handle the reduced volume as a trip progresses. When compressed to 45l it was a little too narrow for my preferences.

The haul loop touches my neck which was annoying.  One of the shoulder straps would slip when I took a really deep breath.

Thanks for the feedback Paul. Outside of the Skurka influence, the caution light came on when I couldnt find the pack via any of the major retailers…

I think it’s more Sierra Design’s small presence in the market that keeps it out of major retailers.  It also has a lot fewer mainstream “features” that might make it harder to sell (no brain, sleeping bag pocket, bottom straps for large/bulky pads, etc.).  That and the compression system is complicated and might be hard to sell.

This is true. I used to work for SD many years ago and they are still a relatively small company. Still, anything SKurka has a hand in is at leat worth a good look. For my particular needs I like an exterior pocket and easy access to water bottles. Making loads disappear is also a good thing…

Thanks again for your feedback!

Just bumping this thread. I impulsively bought a flex capacitator at $140 on ebags. It’s rare I need a load hauler, but I feel it when I do. Don’t wanna pony up for a seek outside though. Any people have experience with this one besides Skurka?