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: HIP BELT POCKETS (looking at you Osprey, with those ultralight packs without hip pockets), side pockets made from a durable material that are easy to access while hiking, a front stuff pocket that is preferably mesh to speed up drying while hiking, one big compartment (big enough for most bear canisters) with a hydration sleeve, plenty of lashing options, a pocket on the shoulder strap, and load lifters (don't judge me.) Any more than that and it gets too complicated.
Brands: My first pack was the REI Flash 58, and while the pack is certainly durable, it was completely over-featured. The pack I use now, and have been using for a few years, is the Six Moon Designs Fusion 65 (not the model that is currently out, mine weighs 39 oz.) It is almost perfect, but it would be so much better if it had a women's specific fit - the shoulder straps need to come in just a notch, but I will say that once I figured out how to dial in the load lifting straps, it really improved the way it carries. It's big enough for winter backpacking, but has a roll-top lid and compression straps so can easily be compressed down for summer trips - it doesn't have a mesh front pocket, but the material is a very stretchy black that dries quickly. I've comfortably carried about 40 lbs. in it (why is dog food so heavy), and this thing can take a beating. I tend to prefer cottage manufacturers over big name brands for backpacks, but they don't really cater to women just yet (hoping that changes now that more women are making their love for the outdoors known.) For my next pack, I'm torn between going the super ultralight route with Zpacks or going with the GG Mariposa. But I'm not sold on either, and keep hoping that a company is going to release something I just cannot pass up. WILL MASSDROP BE THE ONE?! (Jk, but I do like a lot of the collaborations, so fingers crossed.)