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Bengk
4
Oct 29, 2015
Does anyone have any experience with these? I have a bear canister that I usually have to carry around the parks that I visit and the idea of having it on the bottom/external to the pack sounds ideal.
Also, anyone considering the cuben fiber version?
lostagain
14
Oct 29, 2015
BengkNo personal experience, but I do know someone who bought one. He likes it overall, but has told me you'll need to put something on top (this is a front, half panel loading pack) to keep rain from pooling on it. The top is outright flat, so it becomes for all intents and purposes, a shelf. My buddy puts his tarp on it along with a bug net (we hammock camp), both in the same stuff sack. I've looked at this pack for a while now to supplement the other packs I have. One down side is the main pack is only about 35L (2135cI), so can be tight depending on what you're putting in it. My bud also puts his hammock, quilts and other minor items in a 20L dry sack at the bottom. He loves this pack AND he has it in CF. I've been considering the CF as well, since I also own a ZPacks Arc Blast.
scope
198
Oct 29, 2015
lostagainWho hikes in the rain without a pack cover? The flat top is typical for external packs.
rickr
0
Oct 29, 2015
scopeI don't, but I do use a compactor bag inside my pack. I think the concern pointed out was that the shelf makes a spot for water to pool, and a "traditional" external pack has a more curved surface at the top as opposed to a sewn edge that makes a bowl. Potential for water to collect even with a rain cover? I dunno.
RenegadePilgrim
105
Oct 30, 2015
scopeI live in Oregon and I never use a pack cover. I use a liner in my pack. I have a Gossamer Gear Mariposa, which I like because it has the outside pocket for my hammock and tarp. I have been eyeballing these packs for a while, just not sure I want to pull the trigger on it.
lostagain
14
Mar 11, 2018
scopemy friend's pack is cuben fiber and is seam taped, so it's waterproof. Thus he doesn't need a pack cover. and even with a pack cover, the top of this pack is a flat shelf for all intents and purposes. enough rain and you'll still have a pool of water on the pack cover.
MrxMrp
29
Mar 26, 2018
BengkThe bv500 fits perfect between the 2 rails in that spcae just below the pack. Almost as if it was done on purpose. I considerd the cf bag but didn't want to give uo on the pockets. The new Vargo packs are on an active drop now, check them out.