I'll answer the specific questions here, and then if any more need to be answered lets do it on a Paradox thread to avoid thread drift.
16Bore - That photo is of the discontinued dual zipper day talon which was offered in two sizes (1000 / 1800). The day talon differs from the other talons in that it has a stand alone harness system. It has been replaced by a simpler day talon that is a roll top with a small lid and some compression bungie. The photos on our site show a red pack, and I should have photos of more neutral colors soon. The newer talon is less expensive, and IMO just as functional if not more functional for all around use. The reason being is the larger roll top opening makes it more flexible for carrying all sorts of items, where the zippers confined things. The small lid basically replaces the shallow long pocket. The newer day talon is also less expensive, so over all I think it is a win win. It can hold more, compress better and is less expensive.
Regarding inflatable lumbar pads, I had contemplated that early on. Inflatable does carry some risk however as we tested the hipbelt, we felt that a lumbar pad simply was not needed and in fact was a detriment. Most users seem to agree, although some like a lumbar pad. The key really is that different designs function better with different execution. A static non articulating belt should have a lumbar pad IMO, but an articulating belt does not need one and it is in fact a detriment IMO. You can still get extra lumbar pressure if needed by putting some foam or pulling in compression real tight from the rear, but to my knowledge few have felt that necessary. Our belt does have tailoring in the lumbar area, which allows it to sit in the lumbar area vs a strait cut full wrap (which is most common).
In the end, IMO, certain designs lend themselves to certain things. A lumbar pad on a standard non articulating 3 piece belt is a good thing. On an articulating belt it generally creates more problems than it solves.
