Is anybody else wary about zippers on hard-use packs?

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rmnnet

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Aug 10, 2019
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I noticed that most of high end packs like Kifaru and Mystery Ranch all have zippers in their main compartments.

Does anybody else wish they didn't?

I had two pretty crappy experiences with zippers breaking when I was in the Army. One was even the MOLLE II pack with huge YKK zippers.
 
I've been using the Kifaru EMR II for about 5 years now, never had any issues with the zipper. Packed out elk and bear in it, and plenty of weight from hunting and camera gear, and its been solid the whole time.
 
No, because most guys don't treat their gear like crap like all of the issued packs.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
sneaky said:
No, because most guys don't treat their gear like crap like all of the issued packs.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That wasn't my issue.

One pack was a brand new MOLLE II. It had maybe 20 miles of ruck marches on it. The zipper at the sleeping bag compartment blew out as the result of packing too much crap in it.

The second pack's zipper also failed as a result of being right at the cusp of it's capacity. It was a Camelbak Assault Pack (BFM, I think).
 
rmnnet said:
That wasn't my issue.

One pack was a brand new MOLLE II. It had maybe 20 miles of ruck marches on it. The zipper at the sleeping bag compartment blew out as the result of packing too much crap in it.

The second pack's zipper also failed as a result of being right at the cusp of it's capacity. It was a Camelbak Assault Pack (BFM, I think).
Click to expand...
Like I said, most guys don't overstuff the shit out of their hunting packs like we did in the military. You also have to remember that the lowest bidder was building those packs also. Big difference in a company offering a lifetime warranty on their gear, and the lowest bidder pumping out a quota of packs to fill a contract. I've yet to see a working party slinging hunting packs into the back of a truck, helo, quad con, or plane either.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
Those zippers on the issued stuff suck. I’ve beat the crap out of a few high end assault picks and never had zipper issues.

Kifaru (Marauder, Shape Charge), TAD Gear fast pack, Eagle RAID, and a few others. None of those had zipper issues


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I am always afraid of a zipper failing, which is the reason why I don't use packs with a zipper on it for hunting. Odds are it won't happen, but if it does, it'll be at the worst time in the worst spot.
 
I had an aversion to zipper packs for years for the same reason. A couple of bad zipper blowouts on some ancient .mil gear. I few years of hauling around an MR 3 DAP and a pintler made me a believer. I think the zips on the high end hunting packs are pretty legit. I also take comfort from the fact that MR is using similar designs and hardware on their SOCOM inspired military line.

I just bought a beartooth and a sawtooth. Definitely a less robust but also lighter construction than my old Alice pack or MR military packs. I wouldn’t haul mortar rounds in them but I think they will hold up to anything I carry for hunting over the next few years.
 
If I remember right, the MOLLE II uses molded tooth zippers, at least on the large ruck, which may be part of the problem. MR, K, SG, etc. use coil zipper which seem more robust. Of all the problems I have had with zippers on clothing, most seem to have been with the toothed style.
 
I would always have a healthy level of concern for that and pack accordingly. #10 coil zippers are strong, but they will blow out and it'll happen at the 'worst' time.
 
rmnnet said:
That wasn't my issue.

One pack was a brand new MOLLE II. It had maybe 20 miles of ruck marches on it. The zipper at the sleeping bag compartment blew out as the result of packing too much crap in it.

The second pack's zipper also failed as a result of being right at the cusp of it's capacity. It was a Camelbak Assault Pack (BFM, I think).
Click to expand...

Both of those packs are garbage. The CB less so, but neither is built very well.



sneaky said:
No, because most guys don't treat their gear like crap like all of the issued packs.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Zippers in MR, SG, Kifaru, etc. are a non issue. A couple years ago we tested every viable pack made. This included dropping overloaded packs from a hovering helicopter, off of cliffs, and run over, etc. You will blow stitching out before the zippers.


We selected and issue Stone Glacier and Kifaru.
 
We use #10 YKK on our main packbags and haven't seen issues with them, but we also offer zipperless packs for this reason. Everyone has their preference.
 
The 2-way zipper on my Seek Goshawk is the best feature of the bag and very robust. Dry bag style top opening with a zipper down the side. Eliminates the need to open from the top and use a flashlight to find what you need. Simply un-zip from top or bottom and viola, honey stingers and whiskey.
 
I decided to go with the zipperless Seek Outside Revolution Fortress 6,300. I was not concerned as much about the failure of the zipper, which, while unlikely, can happen with any bag. The most important issue for me was having an environment that removed the opportunity for water infiltration.

I don't missing for a second not having three thousand compartments. Everything that must stay dry goes in the main bag (which is huge buts rolls down into nothing). Then, I have a top lid, an exterior back compartment (Talon), and two belt pouches in which to carry things that need to be accessible. They can carry a lot of items and keep the contents in the main bag absolutely secure from water.
 
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