One Pack to Rule Them All... Nomad or EMR II?

[ozyclint]

wish they made the AMR in a few different sizes like the timberlines. i modded my T2 to be like an AMR by cutting the side sleeves off and it's my perfect pack now. i can use side pockets IF i want them.
the AMR is just too big for what i need but it's the right configuration.

 

[MtnManZ]

I've owned both and packed out animals with both. On the Nomad/Camp Bag setup, you cannot connect the delta strap from the waist belt to the load for a functional load stabilizer (side to side), which is what the delta straps are for. For this reason, I sold my Nomad/Camp Bag setup and bought the EMR II. It has a place on the main bag to attach the delta straps, so heavy loads don't "sway" as much and are easier to handle.

 

[luke moffat]

I've owned both and packed out animals with both. On the Nomad/Camp Bag setup, you cannot connect the delta strap from the waist belt to the load for a functional load stabilizer (side to side), which is what the delta straps are for. For this reason, I sold my Nomad/Camp Bag setup and bought the EMR II. It has a place on the main bag to attach the delta straps, so heavy loads don't "sway" as much and are easier to handle.

Yet another reason the Nomad is silly

 

[orionsbrother]

All that matters is that the pack fits you properly and fulfills your needs. Guys can give you some good general direction and play devil's advocate pointing out advantages and disadvantages, but to actually find your preference, you gotta just load 'em up and strap them on and cover some ground...and unload them and reload them and strap them on again and cover some more ground. That's where you'll find if the quirks bug you or not or if the strengths outweigh the quirks. In the end, it's only your opinion that matters.

Having said that, I have to admit to smiling when my buddy asked to try my pack on a recent trip and he ended up swearing at his REI pack when he took mine off.

 

[welpro222]

I never thought of that delta strap problem? I guess as long as you strap stuff down good to the frame and use the delta straps on the frame, it should be just fine. I'll find out myself next month I guess.

 

[Shraggs]

I love my nomad/camp bag set up. Initially the straps were a pain, but I focus putting items I use or need frequently in belt pouches, in the xlt lid and medium side zip long pocket under the wings. The other thing that reduced undoing the straps, was adding the newer style large side pocket (the half circle profile) to the back panel. Bladder goes in that along with anything heavier. When the wings close around it they are spread enough that even with the lid down I can get to the two side chambers and zips without undoing the lid or straps. I keep my puffy and rain gear in those and adjust the straps just so it's snug which allows me to put those items back in while straps are still attached. For beginner like me, the wings and grab it makes loading meat appropriately easier.

 

[fatrascal]

Also with the Nomad, you can use the camp bag, or you can use a smaller bag or you can use a bag larger than the camp bag therefore giving you the choice and versatility to set your self up as you desire. You are not tied down to one side.
Are the delta straps the ones that go from the hip belt to the frame? Fatrascal.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I had bought and sold an Emr 2 because I had to push back some hunting plans to next year. I am going to use a combo of an mr crewcab and SATL for this year.

I like the convertible idea. A monster hauler for moving your camp in and out and around. Then it converts to a small to mid size day pack but still retains enough of hauling capability to carry meat.

What do people think of the versions with more of a day pack design with a shelf between the pack and the frame? Like the elusive Kifaru rambler or the mr overload?

For the short time I had the Emr 2 and using my crewcab, I am a bit less of a fan of wing pockets. It seems to me having a 40 or 50 liter pack grafted to a cargo shelf is a better set up than than wings. More stable and less straps origami to make it work.