Panel Loader Drawbacks?

[deepnsteep]

Anyone got love or hate for panel load packs? I remember my dad stuffing his Kifaru Siwash years back and thinking that was just the ticket. However there aren't many options out there like it. The closest thing I've been able to find that I like with that similarity is the Stone Glacier R3 and 5900 Sky or R3. Are there any big drawbacks you've found with front loading? Or do you even use it? How about other brands that have panel load options?


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[WV Mountaineer]

Lots more options then what you have quoted. And, no there are no drawbacks as far as I am concerned.

 

[btg108]

I like Panel loaders. Big fan of the Hill People Aston House Backcountry, Kifaru Marauder. I’m working hard at justifying a Kifaru Tarryall. I think the hybrid panel/top loader is awesome: great access and a top pocket.


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[Desk Jockey]

I have been backpacking for a long, long time. I think panel loaders were always viewed with a bit of derision because the designs were heavier and 1970-80-90s vintage zippers presented some legitimate failure and durability risk. I think more contemporary designs and modern construction and materials has narrowed if not eliminated those concerns. I would offer as exhibit #1 the growing prominence of access zippers on various packs.

Panel loaders are awesome for access and organization. I have some tactical packs that are panel loaders that I love as range bags or for carry things that I want to pull in and out without unloading everything in the pack.

I am a big fan of designs like the mystery ranch pintler or kifaru woodsman or reckons that are basically hybrids of top loaders with big, big acces zippers that let you flay the pack open and get access to nearly the entire interior.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have been backpacking for a long, long time. I think panel loaders were always viewed with a bit of derision because the designs were heavier and 1970-80-90s vintage zippers presented some legitimate failure and durability risk. I think more contemporary designs and modern construction and materials has narrowed if not eliminated those concerns. I would offer as exhibit #1 the growing prominence of access zippers on various packs.

Panel loaders are awesome for access and organization. I have some tactical packs that are panel loaders that I love as range bags or for carry things that I want to pull in and out without unloading everything in the pack.

I am a big fan of designs like the mystery ranch pintler or kifaru woodsman or reckons that are basically hybrids of top loaders with big, big acces zippers that let you flay the pack open and get access to nearly the entire interior.

The zipper failure thing has always been my main concern even though I have no reason to have such a concern. That being said I am convinced that I’ll lose the magazine out of a hunting rifle and not be able to hunt when in fact I’ve never had a mag randomly fall out of any pistol or AR15 I’ve had.

 

[ErikM]

Following. Been looking hard at the Mountain Warrior

 

[tttoadman]

I have the MT Warrior, and love the panel zipper for loading meat. I am a big fan of panel loaders, especially the ones that have top and panel access.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

Panel loading packs are my most preferred and definite favorite. Drives me crazy that exo only offers their little bag that way!

 

[doverpack12]

I really prefer panel loading packs. I can’t stand side zip access from one side only and moved away from EXO because of that.