Superior Wilderness Designs Big Wild 70

[Ben Kilbourne]

I made a really brief video to discuss some of the packs I’ve used over the last eight years or so, and why I’ve made some of the choices I’ve made. I talk a little bit about some of the beliefs I’ve held and how new information has forced me to change some of my beliefs. You all might be interested because the Big Wild 70 and the Long Haul 50 Ultraweave make and appearance. I don’t go into the fine details on any of these packs; it’s much more about explaining the motives underneath a meandering journey.

[Thomas H]

Thanks Ben, appreciate the content. Would you mind a more detailed look at those two new SWD packs?

[Ben Kilbourne]

Yes I will do that after I use the Long Haul a while. Want to really drag that UltraWeave through the desert and find out what happens. Sorry about the hissy audio, I know how to solve that now and the next one will be better. I ain’t a youtuber haha

[Thomas H]

Thanks!

[David Chenault]

I’ve had a proto Big Wild 109 liter made from 400 and 800D Ultra for a few weeks now.   I think I’m going to have to resort to dragging it behind a car on gravel roads or the like to actually destroy it.  Waterproofing is good to.  It is also noticeably softer in the hand than the traditional laminates, while still be stiff enough (relative to PU fabrics) to give the pack nice structure.  Sure seems like the super fabric we’ve been waiting the last decade for.

[Chris L]

Slightly off-topic, but I made an UW 400 packbag for my Seek Outside frame – someone above asked to see a photo, so here it is. I finally wrote a post in the MYOG forum about it with more details.

[Ben Kilbourne]

Dave, I agree this fabric seems awesome. I’m trying it out on that Long Haul 50 now. Hoping to plan something in the Grand Canyon so i can drag it over slickrock or something.

Chris, what’s the total weight on that Divide?

Redid that video. Basically same content, just better quality. Hope it’s useful.

 

[Chris L]

Ben, it’s 3 pounds 3 oz as shown with hip belt and shoulder strap pockets.

[David Chenault]

I did resort to dragging the pack behind a car.  2 miles in various orientations did shockingly little damage.  Impressive stuff.

[Thomas H]

David, thanks for posting and testing the durability of that fabric. Impressive results.

Here is the link from his blog: https://bedrockandparadox.com/2021/07/24/challenge-ultraweave-abrasion-testing/

Also, SWD posted a few more product photos of the Big Wild in the x pac version showing how the hipbelt attaches. Interesting that it isn’t so much a hanging hipbelt like Seek Outside or McHale Critical Mass anymore as it seems to attached 3/4 of the way up the belt. To prevent the whole belt from collapsing there is 1” webbing running upwards to what I assume is a ladder lock or similar.

You can also see how it is height adjustable and uses what I think are ‘Wetool’ gated G hooks.

[Ben Kilbourne]

Oh my god, Dave, I’m so glad you actually did that test. Awesome.

[Chris L]

I’m trying to incorporate some ideas from the Big Wild into a MYOG design, specifically the hip belt attachment. Anyone know how far apart the hip belt attachment/stays are, say, center to center?

[David Chenault]

Around 10 inches.

[Chris L]

Thanks Dave!

[Mike Kilo]

A side zip option would seal the deal for me. Only reason I’m leaning somewhat towards SeekOutside.

I also wish all the “custom” makers’ designs featured detachable side pockets.

[bradmacmt]

A side zip option would seal the deal for me.

That would be a deal killer for me. Sei la vie…

[Herman]

After further use by folks, any issues with the small waist belt buckle? Seems small and not tough. Thanks

[baja bob]

I just received a Wendigo. yesterday. Same hipbelt as the Big Wild.  I haven’t used the pack yet, but I loaded it up with about 30 lbs and I didn’t find any issue with the belt.   I doubt SWD would put out a pack out that is supposed to carry 50+ lbs with a hip belt that would fail or if it did they probably would change the design. The pack is well designed/built and very comfortable.

[J-L]

I’ve had my Big Wild 70 for a year. The pack has done amazingly well, hauling things like 10L of water, snowshoes, and stuff for a luxury trip, although not all at the same time :) Lots of off-trail usage across 4 Western states, everything from desert to alpine. No damage at all. Very comfortable and very versatile.

[Tom M]

I’ve been putting a lot of good quality miles on Dave C’s original BW 70 he tested and was kind enough to give to me.

https://bedrockandparadox.com/2021/04/04/swd-big-wild-by-the-numbers/

Hauling heavy loads off trail up, down, over, and under in the cabinet wilderness searching for sheep has cemented my love for this pack. By far the most comfortable pack I’ve ever strapped to my back.

[Joe M]

I have a new(er) Long Haul 50 with the smaller buckles on a detachable hip belt just like the BigWild. At first I had a few questions about the belt design: 1 buckle and webbing that acts as both an upper and lower webbing for the belt. I was concerned it wouldn’t tighten down enough or conform as well as the 2-buckle designs, one for top webbing and one for bottom.

I found out that it’s much the opposite, my first couple of times putting it in I actually overtightened it. If you size the belt as they suggest, I think it’s something like 4” shorter than your waist, the hip belts wraps so smooth and comfortable around my waist that I never feel a Ned to really crank down on it. By far the most comfortable belt I’ve used. If I ever need another pack larger than the 50, it will most definitely be an SWD.

[Ben Kilbourne]

Really comprehensive review of the Big Wild: https://www.onland.us/journal/swd-big-wild-pack-review?fbclid=PAAabw2wKjszFrb0Ydpg6QEgmRxAdd3_wlUfLtYj2MedSZvR_nN-G8V5c8rUs

[Author]

Posts