Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Paradox Pack Unaweep 4800 Review

This review of the Paradox Packs Unaweep 4800 was put together after putting 18 miles and climbing 5000 total foot gain over a 2 day backpacking trip. My load was 31lbs initially with 3 liters of water and 2.5 days of food. Add in more water to get from point to point and the load weight increased more. This pack being lighter made that overall load always 4lbs lighter than my older pack would have been. That doesn't seem like a lot of weight until you've gone some distance, your body starts to fatigue and it's raining on you. That's when this pack started to shine for me.



First I want to start out by saying that the Paradox Unaweep 4800 pack doesn't have tons of perks or flashy doodads to catch your attention. This pack tosses out many of the things we don't need and improves upon the features we are all after. Some of the features that Paradox Packs has chosen to improve upon are great usability. simplicity, meaningful functionality and comfort. The first noticeable difference from this pack and all others is the material. It uses an Xpac material that is forever waterproof, light and tough. This means no more pack covers or wet packs that adds to heavier packs when water soaks in. Not to mention your contents become damp from rain or even wet ground from most materials soaking up through the bottom if the pack is placed on damp ground enough times.




The frame is the second noticeable unique feature. It is an external/internal hybrid. This overall cuts weight from lack of internal construction materials and brings the frame closer to your body than any pack I have ever had on that has a weight bearing frame system. The frame never touches your body and I am thrilled at the weight being closer to my center of gravity than ever before. This pack rides closer than any other pack I have carried that can handle substantial weight (Not A Daypack).

Volume is such that loading items is a no brainier. Stuff lighter items in and since the compression straps as your load height rises to customize the volume depending on your load needs. You can easily custom taylor the volume width and height more easily with this pack bag design than packs that have dedicated pockets and compartments. This pack is built with one main priority. It's made to haul your load as close to your body and hold your load in a stable position. And it does just that with such comfort and stability it's shocking.





The riding comfort is due to the floating full wrap belt and floating shoulder harness and compressing the load against 2 main frame tubes. You can really lock in the load in between the frame. It keeps it from shifting and sagging. The floating belt and harness means your body can move more naturally and has more movement range than traditional internal frames or rigid external frames. My previous packs I could not bend down to pick up a dropped trekking pole or something similar with pack on with out great effort or different unnatural body movement. This pack has 90% the same articulation as a standard non waste belt day pack! I could go over or under fallen trees with way more maneuverability than I have ever had with a pack that could haul more than I could carry. Again secret to the comfort is the external/internal frame hybrid. This construction allows more articulation between the pack and your body movements. Something I was always searching for but couldn't figure out why it was never there. Well, this construction method is a true eye opener for me. All I can say is until you put this pack on you really won't understand.





The pack can carry a tall load when full or a smaller load when compressed and if needed a top lid can be purchased and added easily. It is a roll top closure design and this is super simple and perfect for varying the load height. A drawstring opening isn't as efficient at gathering unused areas as the roll top design is. This also means water isn't getting inside...period!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/alb...-9DEA-A8BAE31DF8FC_zpsjxbhofk9.jpg[/img]

Two features I really missed on another pack I was using was 3 compression straps with buckled up each side and a side zip to get inside the center area if you need to. Now I have both of those back! I didn't get a picture of the main body side zip but it is inline with the Talon pocket size sip.



I was not thrilled about the side water bottle pockets being the height that they are. I am used to seeing taller pockets. I didn't think that they would be as usable as they could be to carry smaller items for fear of the items falling out. Boy was I wrong. The height is perfect to really cinch down over smaller items and keep them stable and you can still get to them easily because the pockets aren't too tall and force you to have to dive in and dig in after them. Great for holding alcohol fuel bottles next to my larger water bottles and remain secure (make sure your fuel bottles are way different than your drinking containers). I also used these side pockets to carry my folding saw and tent stakes. They were worry free from falling out. The pockets just simply worked!



The floating Talon is the "MVP" of the weekend trip. No more is wondering what pocket you put something in and the amount it can hold is perfect! Either the items are visually in the side pockets, in the main bag or in the Talon. Searching is NOW OVER for the item you thought were in a different spot. A big plus for me is that the water bladder fits in this area and means refilling is a piece of cake! It is also on the outside of the pack so if it leaks it isn't a trip horror wetting your pack contents. The fact that the Talon floats on the main bag it can also be used as a compression panel to stuff other items your wanting to carry if needed.



Overall this pack is the only pack I have ever carried this type of distance that didn't irritate some area on me. If I ached from the trip it was my body saying it was tiring and overworked and not caused by my body having a pack strapped to it. I can honestly say I have never been able to make that statement...EVER!

If you are looking for a lighter weight pack that has the comfort to carry more weight than you can this is it! 3.8lbs as you see it. The minimal design approach may appear to be lacking but the main features we need are in this pack and boy do they stand above the rest.

I just took mine out for its first test hike. Just a quick 6.5 mile loop in the Shenendoah NP with 30lbs of weights plus some water, jacket, etc. Probably 40 lbs total. Absolutely no complaints. I will continue to hike and train with it and I intend to load it up with all my elk hunting gear to see how everything fits. Very pleased so far.

When the pack is fully loaded, any issues with carrying your water away from your body in the talon?

I thought that would have been an issue. It was not noticable in the least!!

The way you have the top of the pack cinched in close, it didn't look like it would be an issue. Just wondering about when it's fully-loaded.

Not really sure. I know that the benefit of being able to fill it with out unpacking is worth the small issue it may cause with weight distribution. The way I drink water due to the amount of sweating I do normally means it's empty in 3-4 hrs anyways.

I have the evo 4800 (I think it is) and that hydration bladder will also fit between the frame and the main bag. Never thought of putting it between the talon and bag but that works too apparently.
Good review. I have zero complaints with mine from day pack mode to fully loaded. Not cheap but some of the best money I've spent after a couple years trying to find a pack I like that is versatile as I want.

How's that work Snubbie, just slide it in the space there? Does it move around or stay put pretty well?

It has a mesh sleeve on the underside of the Talon. It is locked in. Sized for a 3 L bladder.

Thanks bl, but I was actually wondering about snubbie's set-up, with the bladder between the frame and the bag.

Ahhhhh. Post up pics snubby!!!

I made a few changes to my unaweep. I sewed the talon right to the packbag leaving the top open. I always use the talon so weight wasn't an issue, and now I have another pocket to shove stuff, as well as cutting down the fiddle factor with the talon. I also ran two 1" webbing straps from the metal buckles behind the back pad down to the bolts that hang the hip belt. I just used two metal buckles identical to the ones back there, and threaded the webbing through both. Then just pull the other end down tight and mark it for the hole. This transfers the weight to the node on the frame instead of pulling the middle of the backpad. Only really an issue when I pick it up by the straps and put it on.

The bladder between the bag and frame work fine for me. The hydro bag (3 ltr) rests against the load shelf at the bottom & doesn't shift around. However, blgoode mentions a mesh bag attached to the talon compression panel. Mine is an earlier generation and doesn't have that dedicated bag. I also sometimes use mine without the talon compression panel so underneath the main bag is the only option.

Great review blgoode.
I love my Unaweep 4800. Mine was I believe was the last Cuben bag they did.

That is a nice pack bad Ed.

Thanks for sharing, great info.

My point of reference is the Large ALICE, and an ILBE. Been seriously eyeing the Unaweep 4800.

You need to make the change. You will kick your self for not changing earlier.

I don't need another pack, I don't need another pack.....;)

Nice review Brian.

ML

Makes me want to load mine up and go for a hike!!

Thanks for the report.

Brian, great review!

How would that pack work as a carry-on? I'm leaning towards the 3900 pack. I'd need to use it for traveling as well.

@mntngoat - I like your quote. I'll have to get in touch with your wife. Especially for all that big black box stuff in your garage. :-)

Would work fine when 2" extensions removed. You can put them back on after flight. Just move the rubber extension covers to the tubing so the raw metal doesn't abraded the sleeve.

Some of your stuff is in the big black box too

@blgoode

You mentioned how the pack seemed to have more agility than other packs you've had. How would it be for quicker motion down the trail? I've had to run with a pack before and need it to be able to handle that and possible climbing. (Got caught in a flash flood in Havasupai one summer and had to quickly evacuate camp)

Also, where does the base of the pack end up on the lower part of your back? similar to the MR Sweetpea? or lower?

I would say it would be great at that. Both packs are adjustable so when using the belt with the sweet pea they should ride similar. This pack is way more comfortable than sweet pea with 30lbs.

Thanks for taking the time to put together this review.

Great photos. (actually much better than the Paradox website).
Why don't you review all their packs?!!!

I would if Kevin gave me the chance!!!

I keep thinking I want to try that Divide. Cutting weight already from my other pack system going to the Unaweep and increasing comfort at the same time!! I'm spoiled now.

That's the one I am looking at! I already have a great backpack hunting pack but for general backpacking the divide sure seems like a nice pack, especially for packrafting.

Hell - I love the 4800 but want to try that divide myself. Just hard not to appreciate the weight and comfort factors.

I wish more companies used a roll-top bag opening.

I'm thrilled at how the roll top functions. Much better than just a draw cord and lid.

How much weight could you comfortably carry in this pack? Could you pack out a boned out whole deer, or an elk quarter?

Oh yeah. It is deigned to carry weight. The website says 100lb I know. I want to say it references 110lbs.

It is perfect for carrying out boned meat because material is waterproof. Hose it all out and Angela from Paradox reported no smell at all.

Gotcha. I had a suspicion about that, but wanted to ask the question and confirm.

I really like the pluses of this lack that the others I have had just don't have. When you add them all up this pack system outshines my other packs considerably.

Does it come with two legs for 100# loads?

Legs not included:)

Yeah. I couldn't haul it.

Well......have you carried a big load in yours?

I don't have a Unaweep, mine's an Evo. I like it for moderate loads but have other packs that I'd use first for big loads. Much of that's just me and how the pack fits. The hip belt is fairly spare IMHO for a pack that's designed for big loads. The way it fits me, it puts all the load on the glutes and they do get tired. And I work the glutes hard at the gym, it's been a focus for me.

Again, it's just the way it fits but I prefer a pack with a lumbar pad.

As always, YMMV.

I have carried about 60lbs in it but most loads have topped out at 40 during backpacking when water was needed to store up on. I'm just referring to the weights some have put on it and website shows it is raited at much heavier loads than I'll be carrying. I don't have experience with any load weight other than a load for backpacking. The belt for me is more comfortable than my Kifaru duplex as a reference. I don't prefer a lumbar pad if the belt huggs you and stays in place like this system does. But I can appreciate the use of a lumbar system as that is what I am most familiar with. Only being familiar with the lumbar system is what caused me to be pleasantly suprised at how much more comfort this wrap system was over the long period of pushing say 13 miles in a day.

Yep, when you get right down to it, we're lucky to have all the great packs and gear to choose from these days, it's not so much that one is better than the other, but some just fit an individual better than others.

Oh yeah - the options and what you need for a specific purpose almost have too many choices