Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting The Paradox Pack Thread

A few updates are in order.

First, we have added a Base Talon Hydration to the mix. This is a Base Talon with a mesh hydration pouch and a hang loop. We also added a buckle for an over the top strap. This is available in Gray VX21 and Black VX42. Black VX42 is a very robust fabric, and in testing has better abrasion resistance than 500D Cordura, plus it is water proof. With these additions, (we added the top buckle on the standard base talon as well), i do not think there is a better compression system , bag hauler available. Think of it as the strength of an external , the comfort of an internal, with a purpose built compression system.

Base Talon - Hydration

Secondly, because we get so many customization requests, and these are admittedly difficult to keep track of and manage, we broke customizations out in to it's own category. This includes zipper and hydration port access. Now, you purchase the customizations as add ons.

Finally, we have been working with some lighter and more robust fabrics as well. As mentioned the VX42 is an extremely robust fabric for hard use. For lighter use, we have been doing some Cuben Fiber 2.92 oz. This in a complete configuration will save 6 to 8 ounces on most setups, bringing more minimalistic setups (for example Unaweep / no side zipper) to well under the 3 lb bench mark. It also gives you the ability (as an example) to have a summer time setup / and a hard use setup as well. Great flexibility form the same suspension.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Posted this on the workout thread, then realized it belongs here.

I got a Paradox a few weeks ago and have been loading it up with 40-50 lbs. and doing a 3-mile loop, off trail, to get in shape for the mtns. Yesterday, I took a 45# load and put it in a different lightweight pack, one I'd used last summer and fall, and liked. I thought the Paradox was more comfortable in how it handled the load, I like the pack so far. Haven't tried any heavy loads yet, but 45# is still more than I normally carry in the mtns. Except for after tags are punched.

We will have a booth at Trail Days in Damascus, VA Fri-Sun this week. My wife and I are driving up today and taking several packs with us. If anyone plans to attend then it'll be a good opportunity to check the gear out in person.

Hope to see you there.
Nathan

Last Thursday my wife and I were setting up our outdoor booth at Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, VA. It was raining sideways at the time. It was one of those miserable miserable days.

The AT ran about 10 feet in front of our space, and hikers would periodically trudge by in the slopping rain. One poor guy was wearing a pack that was about 50 liters in size, and he had a rain cover on it that must have been a 70-80 liter size.

It had rained so much that the bottom of his rain cover had actually filled up with water, and it was swinging back and forth. Probably two quarts of water was hitting his rear on each step.

Guys, THAT is why we use X-Pac for our pack bags. Kevin and I have both been there, done that, and it royally SUCKS.

It poured the next day as well, so I left my personal pack out to get drenched. The contents were dry as a bone afterward.

This thread just cost me money.
I have been looking for a lighter solution to the Crew Cab for a couple years now.
Come on Mr Postman!

It's cost several of us some moolah! No buyers remorse here! You want lightweight, you found it.

It's only money. A good pack is something worth trading your money for. Goats are even better.

2.92 oz/ sq Cuben Fiber Ranger Green Unaweep 3900 , well under 3 lbs with a Gray Cuben Base Talon

A bit of high mountain deprivation training (oxygen / food and sleep)

Ha! This^^. I intend to test this theory over the next few years!

Lead times are currently running 2 weeks for standard items and fabrics. Custom belts or frame dimensions makes this longer.

I got my shipping notice yesterday. A pleasant surprise after two weeks when I was expecting six! Can't wait to check it out.

-Doug

Mine shipped yesterday, should see it Monday.
Can't hardly wait.

...am loving this pack

What is the current lead time on an Evolution 4800 and a black hydration Talon? I've had an unexpected trip come together for later this month.

You might want to call or email SO as Kevin isn't around until around the 4th so this might not get a quick reply here.

Back a little early as I made big miles , probably 2 -3 weeks lead time

Got my Evo 4800 today, ordered it July 12. It had to cross the Pacific Ocean.
Looks good so far. Just got to make some minor adjustments for a perfect fit and learn about the whole system.
It's a very light pack!
Gonna have to test it soon.

A couple small updates.

We have added a dual long pocket talon. Photos will be up soon, but it's essentially the same, with dual long pockets.

They will be available at a retail store in Helena MT within the next few days, so if you want to try one on, see it in person , purchase on the spot, that is an excellent option.

Bump for a big thanks for the Seek Outside folks for getting my pack to me in time for my trip Across Admiralty. It came about rather quickly and moved up a week putting me in a time crunch. They came through in fine fashion!!! And the pack worked great. It rained some almost every day and I never saw a drop of water inside. This has the 4800 bag and hydration Talon. It was plenty big for all my gear one day of food for four and two packrafts. Many thanks to all of you at Seek Outside.

This pic is on day five so all the food is gone and there is a lot of extra room.

Glad you are liking the pack.

BTW we have VX21 in Coyote available now, for those that desire a waterproof coyote fabric