The first thing I noticed on unpacking was Gossamer Gear have dropped the magnet closure - well done! They now have a bungy draw string - see photos. However, the bungy does gets in the road when packing. I would suggest (and will do) sewing and extra two loops on either side of the centre one. This would help to keep at least one strand of the bungy out of the way when packing.
What I like:
- The shoulder straps are a huge improvement. So comfortable. No internal foam slippage.
- I love the Dyneema fabric. It seems a newie version - shinny and lighter compared to that on my MLD Burn and my previous ULA Circuit?
- The pockets are much better sewn into the hip belt and easier to open on the fly. I like the way you can tuck the hip belt ends behind the pockets and there is an elastic loop to hold them from flapping around.
- The side pockets seem more assessable with the pack on - I found it easy to tuck my gloves and beanie away whilst hiking along.
- The wider hip belt works really well.
- The chest strap positioning options added comfort and make sure the selected position stays.
- I don't use a cell foam sleep pad anymore, so only have a single sheet in the back. But I did find it much simpler to pop it in and out at rest stops to sit on.
What I don't like:
- The bungy closure gets in the road when packing, unpacking - see solution above.
- Why not a waterproof zip on lid? Are Gossamer Gear thinking the water will get in anyway so why bother - pack stuff in lid in zip lock bags?
This pack is an absolute "killer" - I love it. It was way too much volume for my three day trip, But had to try out the new "toy". I can really recommend this pack - light, tough and so comfortable!
Brian Green has a very extensive review at http://www.briangreen.net/2012/04/2012-gorilla-ul-backpack-updating.html
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| Lid drawstring closed and ready to fold lid over |
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| Lid ready to fold closed |
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| View of bungy cord set up inside top of pack |
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Hey, thanks for you contribution - I monitor my blog weekly. I will reply with comments, ideas and suggestions ASAP - In the meantime, remember, hiking is an outdoors experience to enjoy, not an army boot camp training exercise!!