ZPacks Dyneema X 26 Backpack Review

"Use side compression straps, rather than elastic cords, to better compress the pack"

What if, instead of 'straps', Joe used inelastic cordage, like his z-line or another cord typically used for guylines?

That way, it wouldn't stretch, but would still be sublimely light and take exactly the same amount of work in making the pack. Also, it's mod anybody could do at home.

I'm looking at this pack and thinking that the extra volume would be fine if it had the wrap-around compression options that modern Golite Jams have; what if the guyline cord was strung through the back mesh, though, so the pocket could be filled and accessed even while the main body of the pack was thoroughly compressed on three sides? I haven't many miles of experience with UL packs yet, but that designs seems like money to me.

I have a blast 26 with inelastic compression straps which worked really well until I decided to switch to the'cloud method' endorsed by Mike C. Joe did not charge me any extra for this, I just had to ask. Joe will do just about anything to keep his customers happy.

It looks like a great pack. Both of the cons seems like a non issue. With inelastic/elastic cordage on the sides you can be much more flexible backpack. I prefer using cordage that runs from the top to bottom and goes inside the lower pocket. That stabilizes the pack and pushes the center of gravity closer to your back. It will make the backpack feel much lighter.

Thanks for the review. These packs are pretty fully featured. I think a lot of people would be better off building up one of Joe's size Medium Zero packs instead (same basic pack) and adding the features they want. This way you don't get features you don't want, and you can opt for a dry bag style roll top to easily reduce volume.