Thank you very much for the feedback. A couple things are very simple , for instance Blaze Base Talons are available and IN STOCK even , just choose your color. Somewhere along the line that option disappeared, but it is resolved.
http://store.seekoutside.com/talon-base-hydro/ http://store.seekoutside.com/talon-base-hydro/ I wear many hats, and I try to be as open and as helpful as can be and in turn try to keep a very open line of communication regarding products and designs. It is a bit of a balancing act. Sometimes , I am a ( manufacturer / designer), sometimes a (user) , and sometimes I hesitate to say (marketeer) . We strive for our products to have good balance , sometimes what I want as a user , isn't what I want as a manufacturer etc. In the end, we try to meet the greatest amounts of desires for many (not just myself.) With that out of the way, let me ask a few other questions, and have a few other observations.
(Speaking as a manufacturer / Designer)
A larger Talon / or smallish pack in the 2k - 3k range with long fabric side pockets. IT IS IN THE WORKS. What I need from you, is some feedback , and likely not everyone's desires will be met, but we hope to achieve a very good balance and you can help. What is most important to you ? Usability and Access, or Protection from the elements ?
Larger Day Pack
Would you prefer a solid roll top design / top loader , or more access like a full length side zipper with cleaner lines ? A roll top / top loader in a smaller / mid size form factor will not look as clean, where a full length side zipper (for instance ) can look very clean. The Roll top gives better weather protection , where the side zip can give good but not submersion weather protection.
Side pockets to fit a tripod and spotter ? Anything else ? Small lid or stash pocket ?
Now speaking mostly as a user.
I love the new Day Talon. I think the usability and access in a smaller / cleaner form factor is really / really good. That usability and access (Quick Zip) also hinders weather protection. The stretch mesh side pockets are very usable, and clean, but not as durable as full fabric. It's a trade off there. I know we use a very good USA made stretch mesh , it's just a limitation of the type of fabric. It is used there to keep it cleaner looking overall. I think the Talon works great as a day pack, as a summit pack, or for times when snow isn't on the ground. Late season / winter / skiing etc, more volume is desired. No disagreement there from me, however, I think as far as well balanced it works very well.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback and dialogue ,, keep it coming. Open dialogue makes better products.
As far as some upcoming changes for 2016, Coyote will be discontinued and a lot of Coyote products will be in a close out section soon on our site. We feel MultiCam and Olive are better fabrics at similar weights. We plan to offer the following
- Alpine Gray (The gray used since inception for us, it will be a little lighter in weight but the same durability)
- MultiCam Rugged
- Expedition Olive (Really nice fabric IMO , that blends and picks up other colors really well )
- Slate Gray Guide (Super / Super durable for the really hard on gear type)
Edited to Add and Blaze Talons of course
Thanks for your time
Kevin
