New Zpacks Upgrade

I recently sent my Zpacks Arc Blast back to Joe for an upgrade. These are now standard in all current models.

As the photo shows, he now puts a bar across the top of the two stays to stop these "folding in" under load.

Also he has change the way the netting back-rest adheres to the frame. It was originally constructed as a material extension of the seam. This was rather hard to pull through the jam-locks.

As you can see from photo, these are now cord based. A vast improvement.

These improvements come from users comments and Joe's continuous field tests on long-distance hikes. This is what I like about the Zpacks brand - made by experienced lightweight hikers for both the new and seasoned lightweight aficionados.

   

Six Moons Packs

Recently Brian Frankle (ex ULA Packs) joined with Ron Monk at Six Moons Design to create the next "revolution" in lightweight packs. Although they have created a revolution in design the weight is not world shattering. But hey, the world is full of compromises.

I like their designs. Their packs a well worth consideration. I like the Fusion 30.

You can check out the pack range at http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs.html

2012 Gorrilla Pack First Outing

It was a three day w/e so I headed for the hills (Whirinaki Forest Park) with the Auckland Tramping Club to test the 2012 version of the Gorilla. I already had confidence in the pack as I had the 2010 version and used it on many hikes of the last two years including the JMT (with a bear barrel).

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

  

Lid drawstring closed and ready to fold lid over

Lid ready to fold closed

View of bungy cord set up inside top of pack

2012 Gossamer Gear Gorilla Pack

The Baby has arrived! I am off this long weekend into the Whirinaki to baptise it. Report and photos coming.

2012 Gorilla Pack

Up-date - I have now sold my 2010 Gorilla - It was a sad parting, but I am excited about the pending 2012 delivery! See previous post for a great photo comparison between the two packs.

2012 Gorilla Pack

I'm excited - been waiting for this upgrade for months and at last it's here, the new 2012 Gorilla Pack. Followers of this blog will know I have the original version. Brian's Blog at www.briangreen.net has a great review and old/new comparison. Here's a photo.


Now if I can sell my original, I will be placing an order for this one immediately. See http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=468870509 if you (or any hiking friends) are interested in a bargain!

MLD Burn Pack

I love my GG Gorilla but wanted something smaller for weekend (or 3 day trips). I had always had my eye on the MLD Burn and managed to pick a second-hand one off the Backpacking Light swap pages.

 I will be testing it out in 2 weeks on a w/e trip into the Kaimanawas. I have included a couple of photos, but the best info is on the MLD website.

This pack weighs 350 grams. The main pack is about 26 Lt - side pockets, 2.5 each and the front pocket, 8 Lt - about 40 all up. I have two hip pockets that I think are essential for "go to" items like camera, sunscreen, energy bars etc. I also like the long extension collar.

Fabric is Dyneema X - the best combination of toughness, water resistance and light weight.