Beartooth83
Member
This weekend I was able to take this pack for a walk in my favorite mountains. First off, I've been waiting a long time for a pack like this. I like the durability of MR packs, but they've never offered a dedicated daypack like this in the hunting/scouting line. I almost ordered one in their mountain line, but I'm glad I didn't. I really wanted the cordura material for it's durability factor.
I loaded it up with daily essentials and spin fishing gear. It carried very nicely, like the larger packs do. I adjusted the torso length slightly, which adjusts the same way as their other packs with the telescoping yokes. The hip belt is nice with built in zippered pockets. I was a little worried that the belt wings would be too stiff to fold in flat (for airline travel & shoving under the seat in front of you), but they do fold down nicely. However, they are plenty stout enough to carry a heavier load on your hips. There are two top organization pockets for small items that you want quick access to. There is another zippered pocket on the mid section inside the pack. There are also 2 long sleeves on each side of the pack interior and a hydro bladder sleeve. There is a stretch stash pouch on the outside of the pack, which I used for my light puffy. The main compartment can be completely opened up with the "fillet" design. I will note that these zippers do tend to hang up a bit if you don't pull the zipper line straight. This isn't a big deal, but something that could be improved on. The side stretch pockets are perfect size for a 32oz nalgene bottle. I think they would hold a spotting scope just fine too with the use of the compression straps. I probably wouldn't use this pack to haul much meat, as it just doesn't have the volume.
You'll note that I modified the compression straps a bit. As it's sold, there are (2) compression straps (no buckles) on each side that only compress the sides of the pack. I added tension lock buckles (male one side, female on the other) on these straps. This allows you to use the compression straps across the whole pack instead of just the sides. This will also aid in strapping extra gear to the outside of the pack. I also added open ended buckles to the tab loops so you can still compress the sides only if so desired. This was really easy to do and works well.
The other thing I'd add to this pack would be 2 bottom compression strap (with buckles) to allow you to carry a small shelter or sleep system on the bottom. I may have a couple tab loops sewed on to make this happen. If I do this, I'll post pics.
All in all, I'm very pleased with it so far. I hope these pictures help. Sometimes it's hard to tell how a pack looks/works in the real world with only "showroom" photos on the website. Feel free to ask me any questions.
I loaded it up with daily essentials and spin fishing gear. It carried very nicely, like the larger packs do. I adjusted the torso length slightly, which adjusts the same way as their other packs with the telescoping yokes. The hip belt is nice with built in zippered pockets. I was a little worried that the belt wings would be too stiff to fold in flat (for airline travel & shoving under the seat in front of you), but they do fold down nicely. However, they are plenty stout enough to carry a heavier load on your hips. There are two top organization pockets for small items that you want quick access to. There is another zippered pocket on the mid section inside the pack. There are also 2 long sleeves on each side of the pack interior and a hydro bladder sleeve. There is a stretch stash pouch on the outside of the pack, which I used for my light puffy. The main compartment can be completely opened up with the "fillet" design. I will note that these zippers do tend to hang up a bit if you don't pull the zipper line straight. This isn't a big deal, but something that could be improved on. The side stretch pockets are perfect size for a 32oz nalgene bottle. I think they would hold a spotting scope just fine too with the use of the compression straps. I probably wouldn't use this pack to haul much meat, as it just doesn't have the volume.
You'll note that I modified the compression straps a bit. As it's sold, there are (2) compression straps (no buckles) on each side that only compress the sides of the pack. I added tension lock buckles (male one side, female on the other) on these straps. This allows you to use the compression straps across the whole pack instead of just the sides. This will also aid in strapping extra gear to the outside of the pack. I also added open ended buckles to the tab loops so you can still compress the sides only if so desired. This was really easy to do and works well.
The other thing I'd add to this pack would be 2 bottom compression strap (with buckles) to allow you to carry a small shelter or sleep system on the bottom. I may have a couple tab loops sewed on to make this happen. If I do this, I'll post pics.
All in all, I'm very pleased with it so far. I hope these pictures help. Sometimes it's hard to tell how a pack looks/works in the real world with only "showroom" photos on the website. Feel free to ask me any questions.
