There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Features I'm looking for? Easily accessible side/water bottle pockets Hip belt pockets Sturdy, but light fabric Dual strapped hip belt!
Who makes the best? From my experience with the limited number of packs I've used over the years Six Moon Designs makes the Fusion 50 (and 65 which is basically the same, but larger) which is the best pack I've ever carried. I have no desire to try any more out, but I will say that I'm still intrigued by the ULA-Equipment Ohm 2.0 and Catalyst. I guess I'd still like to try them out. Osprey makes great packs, but in my experience they don't carry as nicely as the SMD Fusions. Honestly, Kelty still makes great packs, but I'm just not willing to carry a pack that weighs more than my tent, sleeping bag, pad and first aid kit combined. Same with Jansport. You can't go wrong with REI or Gregory packs as long as you do your testing before you buy and ensure you get one that fits you properly, but you're still going to get a heavier pack...not heavy, just heavier. I still carry my Gossamer Gear Mariposa at least once a year, but it's just so delicate that I'll only carry it when I know I'm going to be on trail full time. Had to repair it a couple of years ago when some DEET got on the fabric and rotted through. Even with the repairs, the pack only weighs a hair over a pound, but it's NOT very comfortable with more than 18 pounds in it. It's good for a two-nighter, but not much more.
Quick list of packs I've carried: Kelty (internal and external frame. Coyote, Redcloud, Scout. I still like carrying that external frame Scout pack once every couple of years...it's really pretty good. Surprisingly lightweight, but huge.) REI (three different models. Gemini, Alpine and something else in the 65L range about 10 years ago ) Rokk (offshoot of Kelty 15-20 years ago) Osprey ( two different models. Atmos 50? Exos 55?) Gregory (Baltoro sound right?) Gossamer Gear (older style Mariposa) Jansport (two different models...at least. One was the Klamath) Six Moon Designs (Fusion 50 and 65) FAVORITE PACK: SMD Fusion 50 (2014 model) PROS: Easiest of any pack to adjust to ensure the weight is carried on the hips, not the shoulders which makes it the most comfortable pack I've ever carried. Lightweight at 37oz Adjusts to larger of smaller loads easily and is large enough to carry EVERYTHING inside with the exception of my SlingLite chair which attaches to the back with the existing straps as if the two were designed to work together. Did I mention how comfortable it is? CONS: Takes up to a mile to get used to. Carries like no other pack I've ever worn. It's almost like carrying a lumbar pack with shoulder straps and takes about a mile to get used to having so little weight on the shoulders and having very little contact on your back, but once you get used to that, it's fantastic for loads up to 30lb. I've only carried 29 pounds (in the 65) in it once and it was fine, but I usually pack about 20-25 pounds, depending on length of time on the trail and which fishing gear I take, if any. My son carries the Fusion 65 and regularly packs it with 35-40 pounds and loves it.