Just a little FYI review for anyone interested in this pack.
I was able to pick this combo up for a very reasonable price, (got a deal under $100, they can be bought on line for around $120 )and took it out for a short test drive last weekend.
My kids and I did a short pack trip into an Idaho lake in the Salmon Mountains. As is the norm here it was steep as all get out dang near all the way in except the last couple hundred yards to the lake and a couple of benches along the way. About 2 to 2.25 miles in on the trail. Coming out, well, it was all down hill, again steep as all get out!
I loaded the pack with just under 70 lbs of gear.
The pack was very comfortable, good shoulder straps and waist belt, both easily adjustable. The pack is huge and could be loaded with a lot more gear than what I had. The material is a bit light and I am not sure how it will hold up over numerous trips without need of repair. The combo is well thought out. The rifle carrier was tested as I packed a scoped AR. The AR not being a traditional shaped rifle was easily held by the system and rode well. The waist belts pistol holster is designed for a belt clip style holster. I carried a 1911 in an old Safariland clip holster for the test run. It rode well however the pistol sits to far back (IMHO) and is not easily accessible. The pistol grip also makes contact with the rifle when trying to carry both. The pouches on the waist belt are well thought out and roomy. My Garmin Montana fit well in one.
The pouch on the front of the main bag is large enough to carry at least two days food. The main pack is very large and has a drawstring divider separating the top and bottom sections if one desires. The main bag can be accessed from the top and the bottom half from the front. The flap lid has a pocket also. The rifle carrying system has two swing away pouches, upper and lower and a butt stock boot that has a storage compartment that seals shut with magnets. The opposite side of the pack has a pocket designed for a spotting and is large enough to accommodate scopes that most would consider packing.
The frame is very well thought out, highly adjustable and well built. The frames pack shelf worked very well and was able to accommodate my large military sleep system.
I have not tried out the meat packing lashing system yet, but it appears to be very functional.
All in all IMHO this is a lot of pack for the money.
Norkal
"One can take my life but not my faith or my
confidence. I fear none and respect all."
