Paradox 4800 & Seek Outside

[sneek-ee]

No idea on the new kifaru frames. I can't say because I've never used them. The last frame I had was a bikini and my original duplex dt1 setup.

So my personal thoughts and experience are based on that.
Better than a bikini easily. And that's all that I'll say on the bikini. They are Not a better option then their duplex frames in my opinion from my use with them.

As far as the duplex vs paradox frame, the duplex (original) is stiff as a board compared to seek outside frame. The duplex hauled great and no complaints with hauling ability at all. But the seek outside is a much lighter setup with the same capabilities compared to the original I had. Most people use their pack with day loads and less than 30 or 40 lbs a lot of the time too, I'm not constantly hauling heavy loads, and seek outside for me feels amazing with lightweight too, which is how my pack is loaded 90% of the time. The times I pack though, I'm glad it hauls heavy loads so well.

The other thing is I'm 6'4" and I get a lot more lift out of my seek outside with the 2 inch taller frame and that makes a world of difference in comfort for me and heavy loads.

Another big part also is the belt and the way the pack feels when on your back loaded. The seek outside hugs so close to your body whereas all my kifaru packs weren't near as conforming.

Duplex could haul anything youd ever want, but my paradox has too and more comfortable for Me personally.

Like it's been said a million times--packs are like boots, there's a personal preference and what fits and feels best for one may not be the same for another.

 

[duchntr]

My experience mirrors sneak-ee almost exactly. My first kifaru frame was the bikini with (composite stays which were probably the problem for me) and it was just plain painful under load. Next went to the duplex with aluminum stays (formed them to my back) and it was a night and day difference and much more comfortable under load but the belt still wasn't as good as i thought it should be. Then I tried the seek frame and its the most comfortable frame I've used to date. I will say I prefer kifaru's bag layout and designs more but not the material as I think x-pac is the way to go. I will also add I really like refinements seek made to the unaweep from the original evolution frame I started with.

 

[swisski]

To return back to this thread from my original questions to Sneek-ee- I ended up purchasing this pack pack shortly after the original post and I have been more than happy with it. I originally bought the Seek Outside Evolution frame, but since have used their harness upgrade to convert mine into the revolution which has really added some nice features with the cross stays and extra padding.

Overall, I've been super happy with this pack, and as of late- the newest designs in their pack bags. It carries well with 20 lbs. and carries well with 85 lbs, and is always comfortable. I'd agree with the previous comments as to each their own when it comes to pack fit and preference being like boots. Every person isn't going to have the same experience, but I'm very happy with my Seek Outside Pack and have not found any reason to look for something else. I look forward to every time I get to use it!

 

[MontanaMarine]

I really like the Unaweep 4800.

I'm not a pack geek, but after using the ALICE and ILBE, the Unaweep 4800 is just plain awesome.

 

[matthewmt]

I really like the Unaweep 4800.

I'm not a pack geek, but after using the ALICE and ILBE, the Unaweep 4800 is just plain awesome.

I tried using a ILBE for part of a season without the lid and with minimal supply it was still heavy. Did you guys hate running them with full kit?

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[MontanaMarine]

I used the Large ALICE on active duty ('79-'04). When I was getting short, the MOLLE pack was being issued, but I never used one, took the ALICE to Iraq in '03, and turned in my gear in '04 after trashing my lower back.

But anyway, that MOLLE pack wasn't around for very long, the frame was too fragile. But by the time the ILBE came out, I was long gone.

I saw the Gen2 ILBE for sale at MidwayUSA for under $100. lightly used, so gave it a try. It actually carries well, comfortable for a bad back even, but I never put more than 40 lbs in it.

As you said, the ILBE is heavy, over 8 lbs. That was the main motivator for me looking hard at the Seek Outside packs. The Unaweep 4800 is only 3 lbs. The Talon adds a few more ounces. If I ever want to swap out the 4800 bag for a 6300, that is easy to do, and only adds a couple ounces.



Shane

 

[matthewmt]

I used the Large ALICE on active duty ('79-'04). When I was getting short, the MOLLE pack was being issued, but I never used one, took the ALICE to Iraq in '03, and turned in my gear in '04 after trashing my lower back.

But anyway, that MOLLE pack wasn't around for very long, the frame was too fragile. But by the time the ILBE came out, I was long gone.

I saw the Gen2 ILBE for sale at MidwayUSA for under $100. lightly used, so gave it a try. It actually carries well, comfortable for a bad back even, but I never put more than 40 lbs in it.

As you said, the ILBE is heavy, over 8 lbs. That was the main motivator for me looking hard at the Seek Outside packs. The Unaweep 4800 is only 3 lbs. The Talon adds a few more ounces. If I ever want to swap out the 4800 bag for a 6300, that is easy to do, and only adds a couple ounces.



Shane

Copy that,
I came across a article about lightening up a ILBE it was pretty cool actually turned one into a pretty sleek duffel with minimal webbing etc. If I still had one I would try it.
I have a older paradox bag and frame coming soon and am very excited. And yes being able to step up or down in bag size is cool. I would really like to know if a guy could get away with just a lid and day talon or standard talon only on a seek outside frame for a really minimal pack.

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[MontanaMarine]

.......... I would really like to know if a guy could get away with just a lid and day talon or standard talon only on a seek outside frame for a really minimal pack.

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I don't think you could do that with the Unaweep, but I think you could with the newer Revolution frame/suspension.

 

[LBFowler]

I don't think you could do that with the Unaweep, but I think you could with the newer Revolution frame/suspension.

You are correct, the revo can be run with just a talon and lid but the unaweep can't.

I actually wrote the tutorial on ILBE lightening, most people won't cut off as much as I did and I still only got it down to 5lbs. The mod I'd like to get another ILBE to try is basically cutting out both side panels to make an internal pack frame/cargo panel. There was a guy on the HPG forum that tried this and it looked to work just fine.

 

[MontanaMarine]

I think I saw that ILBE mod on the 'net.

I was considering doing some lightening, but decided it better to sell the ILBE as issued, and move on to the Unaweep.



Shane

 

[matthewmt]

You are correct, the revo can be run with just a talon and lid but the unaweep can't.

I actually wrote the tutorial on ILBE lightening, most people won't cut off as much as I did and I still only got it down to 5lbs. The mod I'd like to get another ILBE to try is basically cutting out both side panels to make an internal pack frame/cargo panel. There was a guy on the HPG forum that tried this and it looked to work just fine.

Lol right on, did you post that here? I just parted with two ILBEs.

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[LBFowler]

No, it was on another forum but its pretty easy to find. For the money ILBEs are hard to beat but if you are willing to spend a bit more there is a very long list of better packs out there.

I'm just glad that I'm in the generation that got to use an ILBE in my poor college student days rather then being stuck with an ALICE or some even older monstrosity. I lived out of an ILBE for 6 months or so when I did a Gap Year trip after highschool, I'd kill to use the gear I have now on that trip!

 

[matthewmt]

No, it was on another forum but its pretty easy to find. For the money ILBEs are hard to beat but if you are willing to spend a bit more there is a very long list of better packs out there.

I'm just glad that I'm in the generation that got to use an ILBE in my poor college student days rather then being stuck with an ALICE or some even older monstrosity. I lived out of an ILBE for 6 months or so when I did a Gap Year trip after highschool, I'd kill to use the gear I have now on that trip!

I originally came across it by searching for the weight of one when I was figuring up shipping cost.
Good stuff though, you should post it up on rokslide too.


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[hammer0419]

I just purchased Unaweep 4800. First pack ever without a huge lumbar pad. HOLY COMFORTABLE!! I put 50lbs in it to get it fully dialed in. I got the Olive X-Pac material. Definitely not 500d cordura but will be really nice in bad weather. I can honestly say this pack carries the current 50 lbs every bit my duplex does. However, with much greater mobility

 

[SHTF]

using the Unaweep 4800 for my Ultralight setup. Just got my Belt from them so soon as we get some decent weather I will be getting out with mine. I love the material. its a nice setup and super lightweight at 3lbs and change. I plan to use it this year as my scouting Ultralight weight pack setup for putting in miles of scouting this year. im on a mission to find some new Elk Hunting territory.

 

[texag10]

I just got a revolution frame with the 4800 fortress bag in olive, multicam talon and 2 multicam belt pouches. It's not on the website, but they added a side zip for $20.

I don't have any experience with kifaru, exo, or SG fro comparison, but it's light, comfy, and weatherproof. I was a bit worried after seeing how huge the capacity of the bag was in person, but it compressed down to nothing easily enough for a day hunt.

 

[hammer0419]

It does compress extremely well.

 

[darcytribe]

I just got a revolution frame with the 4800 fortress bag in olive, multicam talon and 2 multicam belt pouches. It's not on the website, but they added a side zip for $20.

I don't have any experience with kifaru, exo, or SG fro comparison, but it's light, comfy, and weatherproof. I was a bit worried after seeing how huge the capacity of the bag was in person, but it compressed down to nothing easily enough for a day hunt.

I'm looking hard at this pack company and considering the fortress to purchase. Is there any chance you could post some pics of your setup. In particular with it full off and on your back. The frame and suspension sounds like it could be exactly what I'm looking for. The bag doesn't have the flexibility that my current exo offers in pockets, but it might be worth it to switch to a suspensions that has a belt that apparently is unslip-able with having to tighten it so much that my hips go numb thanks!

 

[hammer0419]

Pockets they are not. Everything else I must admit are pretty awesome! I have owned 15 Kifarus, 3 Exo Mountain's, 2 Stone glacier, and several others. Everone of those belts pull from a single piece of webbbing at the end of the belt. The Seek Outside pulls across the WHOLE WIDTH of the belt which is a huge improvement. Besides the power pulls are ROCK SOLID and do not budge. Kifaru JUST went to this type as they were a nightmare to get tight. As I also mentioned. This is the first belt I have ever owned with NO LUMBAR PAD. I had huge doubts. Boy was I wrong. Honestly the most comfortable belt I have ever worn. No numbness. No hot spots. I'm a believer. Their suspension adjustment is SUPER SIMPLE and effective. EXTREMELY weather proof pack bags is also going to be an awesome feature!

Jim

 

[texag10]

I'm looking hard at this pack company and considering the fortress to purchase. Is there any chance you could post some pics of your setup. In particular with it full off and on your back. The frame and suspension sounds like it could be exactly what I'm looking for. The bag doesn't have the flexibility that my current exo offers in pockets, but it might be worth it to switch to a suspensions that has a belt that apparently is unslip-able with having to tighten it so much that my hips go numb thanks!

Excuse the uneven loading job. That's a 30* down bag in the bottom, no stuff sack, 1 man tent, sleeping pad, jetboil, 3 meals, 2 liters of water and a very big fleece jacket in the bag with a train jacket and kill kit in the talon.

Between the side zip, bottle pockets, belt pouches and talon I find it very easy to find stuff I need quickly and get to it easily. The bottle pockets on the side of the bag are easily reached while wearing the bag.

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