treknclime Posted January 7, 2005 Posted January 7, 2005 So...is the Wild Things Icesac the way to go? Light enough for most alpine stuff...and OK for 2-3 day trips? Support? What would you change on it, if given the chance? I ask that since I was thinking to get one with a few modifications. Quote
foolscongress Posted January 7, 2005 Posted January 7, 2005 in its size, the icesack is better than most packs: light in weight, about the toughest pack you can find, and not too pricey. the carry will depend on fit entirely, since its frameless and has minimial cushy stuff. my experience with them is that when the fit is right (i'm a medium in about every dimension; easy to fit), they carry very stably. on arcteryx: they make great clothing, but i just can't figure out how they keep selling packs. in the smaller pack sizes, you don't need much (or any) framing, so it seems to me that weight and features come to the fore. their packs are heavier than they need to be, and have fewer climber specific features. i think their new waterproof fabrics are great, and the packs are well made, but they're still too heavy in the small sizes. and i really don't understand their larger packs: they're among the heaviest on the market now for their size, and the framing is ten years behind the times. arcteryx has always emphasized its foam molding tech (great for harnesses) in packs, as if how the foam is made or shaped is the primary factor in how a big pack feels. the fact is, for heavy loads the weight rides best if disributed around the hips. every major pack maker but arcteryx has well engineered frames that make this happen (dana, osprey, gregory, etc.). arcteryx, unless they've changed something in the last year, offers aluminum stays in the back and foam on the hips, and nothing that transfers weight from the back of the belt to the hips. the big boras are basically a tarted up version of lowe alpine's old contours. they must be doing something right, but i just don't get it--their frame engineering is fifteen years behind the times. thanks for witnessing my rant...didn't know i had all that trapped inside me.javascript:void(0) Quote
Kevin_Matlock Posted January 17, 2005 Posted January 17, 2005 What about TNF packs? You are paying a premium for the name, but they seem to have some OK offerings in regards to features. Any opinions/experience with their tech packs? Quote
foolscongress Posted January 19, 2005 Posted January 19, 2005 TNF used to make a pack called the snow leopard, in an age before side compression straps. my partner has one, and it's great. i think they've pretty much gone downhill since then, and aren't even near hitting bottom. they've had consistent quality control problems for ten years, their frame engineering changes every other year, and their packs aren't very durable. someday they might start making good packs again, but i say why risk it when there are so many other great companies out there (dana, osprey, wild things, almost anyone else). having said that, i would like to hear if anyone has a pack of theirs they like; maybe i'm just unlucky. Quote
Blake Posted January 20, 2005 Posted January 20, 2005 I picked up a ~3000 Cubic Inch Mountainsmith Phantom on closeout for about $60. It has ice axe loops, gear straps, removeable top and hip belt, hydration campatible pouch, and only weighs 2lb6oz. It's the past year's model. http://216.239.63.104/search?q=cache:4z-...blue"&hl=en Quote
TheOldHouseMan Posted January 20, 2005 Posted January 20, 2005 There will never be a pack like the McHale packs. Totally bomber. Quote
furnace Posted January 20, 2005 Posted January 20, 2005 I've been using a Cold Cold World Valdez, which is a great pack. (CCW lists as 2400in/40liter but that must be with the collar extended 'cos it's on the smaller side.) But the Chernobyl's bigger, mmhmmm unh! CCW = simple, light, elegant, finished well + good price. plus Randy's a sweetheart... Quote
Kevin_Matlock Posted January 20, 2005 Posted January 20, 2005 I've been using a Cold Cold World Valdez, which is a great pack. (CCW lists as 2400in/40liter but that must be with the collar extended 'cos it's on the smaller side.) But the Chernobyl's bigger, mmhmmm unh! CCW = simple, light, elegant, finished well + good price. plus Randy's a sweetheart... I've acutally been thinking of these guys. Did you buy retail, or did you get it through them direct (via their website)? Another post.... hmmmm, where is it..., oh here it is... ccw post ...really praises these guys. Sounds like they do customizations and are super easy to deal with and are very reasonably priced. Quote
furnace Posted January 20, 2005 Posted January 20, 2005 got it from cold world direct. call em up. but did see ccw packs (chernobyl/chaos) in recent mountain gear catalog too. Quote
NYC007 Posted January 21, 2005 Posted January 21, 2005 you can also get ccw here in WA from Mountain goat or Mtn Gear. Great packs, if you want mods though go to randy Quote
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