Seek outside Paradox?

[DaveS]

Thanks Kevin, those pictures helped.

 

[RockChucker30]

Ramcam,

The stock suspension will handle nearly anything. For something like a rams skull I'd probably loop around if possible with the two top side compression straps and then use the over the top strap to cinch it down. If you were running a lid then it could be used as well.

On an empty pack the lid lays flat against the frame.

The compression system is extremely adaptable.

 

[Ray]

I am so looking forward to getting my pack.

 

[luke moffat]

I am so looking forward to getting my pack.

Hope it works out for ya sir!! Should be a great option for you. What did you order?

 

[Ray]

Hope it works out for ya sir!! Should be a great option for you. What did you order?

I hope it resolves my super flat back issues. It should based on all the reviews.

I ordered the frame (comes with base talon) 6300 roll top bag with the zipper, and the new pocket lid. All in gray/black.

 

[Kevin_t]

Couple of questions about the lids .I guess you can strap a Ram's head on top of the roll top with those straps? And with the other lid how does it fit when the pack is not full and will it wrap around a ram skull ? Pictures on the website don't show the lid all that well.

Yes , within reason.

I took a couple field photos today
Enjoy


And then a few of the packs in different configurations

 

[crazyelk]

I know that selling online only is a cheaper way of doing business but I am a hands on guy and like to touch a feel and see how things work in person. Am I understanding this correctly that the Talon is a seperate pack that attaches outside the other pack? Are there attachments to carry tripod and spotter? also a bow or rifle?

 

[Kevin_t]

I know that selling online only is a cheaper way of doing business but I am a hands on guy and like to touch a feel and see how things work in person. Am I understanding this correctly that the Talon is a seperate pack that attaches outside the other pack? Are there attachments to carry tripod and spotter? also a bow or rifle?

Understood on wanting to see and feel, that is why we are offering a demo program. The demo program has some advantages over seeing it in the store, mainly that you can check fit and capability with real weight (thus far no issues there) , check it with YOUR gear, and run it through all the various configurations (Frame + Bag , Frame + Bag and Talon, Frame + Bag + Talon , Lid and Talon, Frame plus Talon and or Lid). It allows you to the purchase correct the first time. The drawback, is of course wait time, and being out the shipping and deposit until it is returned. Alternatively, we have a very good track record for customer service and a good return policy if you prefer to just bite the bullet.

Talons are detachable and come in 2 basic forms. Day Talons (which have a stand alone ability to work as a day pack without the frame) and Base Talons which act as a compression panel, and are designed to be used with a pack bag, or attached to the frame. For summer trips, I really like the day talons. I often pack in drop gear and leave with the day pack to do other stuff. Base Talons are great that you can use them just on the frame, and detach them quickly. I often leave the pack out side the tent and take the Base Talon in is as it has most of my needed quick access gear. Since they Base Talons come in different colors, I also use the colors for a certain reason. I often attach the orange ones to my kids so they are easy to find.

I have heard that compressing the bow between the Talon and pack bag works well. For rifle carry we have a couple options we will post shortly. It really depends on what you want from rifle carry. For me, I like to be able to have quick access, and then to put the rifle back so the weight is supported by the pack without having to take the pack off. As I said, we will have more official options and information public soon.

The main decision points I see , outside of pack fit and capability are
- Pack Bag size
- Talon Type
- Lid or No lid
- Color and Fabric Choices
- Side zip or no side zip

For me, a 4800 is about perfect pack size for late season usage. If I used a large synthetic bag, I might opt 6300. With a really dialed UL kit or earlier season you could opt 3900. The side zip provides easy access for a spotting scope, or for late season jackets, and it is very weather proof but not full submersion proof. If I was concerned about full submersion, I would not get a side zip, and seam seal. Other than that, the bag is weather proof and no pack cover is needed. Talons, are really about what you want as far as stand alone day pack or not. A lid gives a more traditional feel and easy access. Fabrics, I really like the VX21 Stone Gray, although for UL trips, I could use the Tan fine and will use when I'm trying to shave every ounce. The Camo, is better if you feel you are hard on gear or desire camo.

Thanks
Kevin

 

[DaveC]

Are there attachments to carry tripod and spotter? also a bow or rifle?

While hunting I usually used a Gunbearer with my Paradox. On the few occasions I didn't want the gun at the ready (hiking in to the boundary for wilderness rifle) it's easy to put the bottom of the stock in the load shelf, and compress the gun between the Talon and bag. This protects the action and scope very well. If you have a magnum action and 24+ inch barrel, it might stick up too high. My .308 Kimber with a 20" barrel is perfect in that mode. A bow would certainly fit in the same place.

 

[sneek-ee]

How would you compare the v21 to the v33 fabric? Is the v21 "delicate"? How do they compare to cordura 500d? I know its noisier than cordura, but what about toughness?

As far as pack bag size, they all weigh within two or 3 ounces, right?? You could opt for a bigger bag, and roll it down small if not using the space, right? Just pay an ounce or two weight penalty?? Or am I not seeing this right?

Could someone please post a picture of a bow attached to pack loaded up. I dont need a pic of a gun, I can see multiple options, just need to visualize how a bow will carry on this.

Also, frame extensions? How do they extend? You dont have to carry anything extra, simple process??

Looks fairly simple and easy to use the "load shelf" area while in the field.

 

[Kevin_t]

I would not consider the VX21 delicate by any means, however the VX33 is more abrasion resistant. I have not seen an issue with VX21 while busting extensive brush or anything , but you might if you decided to butt slide down a large scree slope (I prefer more of a standing glissade style if it can't be navigated completely upright). The VX33 is Cordura faced, so it will perform like Cordura.

For point of reference, Cordura's abrasion resistance might be hindered by it's rough weave, allowing it to catch more on things. I have seen tests that claim XPAC VX42 is more abrasion resistant than Cordura due to it's smoother finish.

They are all within a couple ounces weight wise and they compress to nothing really. Material matters as much as size, with VX33 being about 2 - 3 ounces more.

Frame extensions are pretty simple, you do have to carry the extensions. Putting them in takes a minute or so.

 

[wyelkhunter]

Has anyone put a paradox pack on a kifaru frame? I really like the looks, weight, and Price of the paradox packs. Love my bikini frame and won't be getting rid of it soon.

 

[RockChucker30]

sneek-ee,

VX-21 is not delicate at all. VX-21 has a smoother face than VX-33, so IMO it sheds water quicker. It is a bit lighter than VX-33, and not as expensive. It is the fabric that Kevin and I both use primarily. VX-33 is extremely robust. It is also the only current option for a camo fabric in X-Pac.

If you consider yourself very hard on gear or you prefer camo then VX-33 is a good choice. If you want a balance of weight, durability, cost, and don't need camo then VX-21 would be a better choice.

We like the rolltop configuration for several reasons - it is super fast and easy to access, it is inherently weatherproof, it is lighter and simpler, and as you say if you don't completely fill the bag just roll it down another couple inches.

The 6300 does have a larger circumference than the 4800. They are very close in weight.

I'll dig up a pic of bow carry in the next day or two. If you PM me your cell # I'll just text them to you.

Frame Extensions:

http://youtu.be/BBF_fIyAFas

The load shelf is very easy to use in the field.

 

[LostArra]

The main decision points I see , outside of pack fit and capability are
- Pack Bag size
- Talon Type
- Lid or No lid
- Color and Fabric Choices
- Side zip or no side zip

For me, a 4800 is about perfect pack size for late season usage. If I used a large synthetic bag, I might opt 6300. With a really dialed UL kit or earlier season you could opt 3900. The side zip provides easy access for a spotting scope, or for late season jackets, and it is very weather proof but not full submersion proof. If I was concerned about full submersion, I would not get a side zip, and seam seal. Other than that, the bag is weather proof and no pack cover is needed. Talons, are really about what you want as far as stand alone day pack or not. A lid gives a more traditional feel and easy access. Fabrics, I really like the VX21 Stone Gray, although for UL trips, I could use the Tan fine and will use when I'm trying to shave every ounce. The Camo, is better if you feel you are hard on gear or desire camo.

Thanks
Kevin

Good info.
That list of decision points would be nice on your website.
On my first visit to your backpack page, I wasn't quite sure how to put together your pack system.
This helps.

 

[Kevin_t]

Good info.
That list of decision points would be nice on your website.
On my first visit to your backpack page, I wasn't quite sure how to put together your pack system.
This helps.

Thanks for the feedback. We will try to get decision points highlighted better on our site.

In the mean time, many people ask about bag size. Here is how I would base my decisions.

Does what you want in your pack fit in a 65L dry bag easily without excess compression sacks etc ? If it does the 3900 is a good choice, and a base Talon or Lid each add about 1000 CI of space. If you need more space than a 65 L big river, the 4800 is bigger, and would allow for in my opinion, the addition of one high quality sleeping bag, and 3 days of food. Keep in mind you can still add almost 2000 CI in accessories if you choose. Finally , the 6300 will engulf a 65 L Big River, and add in a 35 liter as well, plus a little more space. It is large, but volume is cheap both in price and weight.

For me, I can easily do a summer trip with a 3900 most of the time, unless I'm carrying gear for others. I can do a late season trip pretty easily with a 4800, with lightweight gear. If I used a synthetic bag for cold weather I might need to take the 6300. The above, is really talking bag only volume or bag + base talon. Personally, I prefer to err on the side of too large, why spend a lot of time compressing stuff to make it fit. I prefer to just throw it in and go as it is more efficient.

I hope this helps.

 

[RockChucker30]

We've had several requests for photos showing bow carry.

 

[RockChucker30]

I've had several questions about how to fit our pack.

Fitting a Paradox is very fast and simple.

Put weight in the pack, shoulder it, set the belt, then loosen the ladderlocks behind your head to allow the harness to come up to where it needs to be.

If you've got a really short torso you can gain a couple more inches of adjustment in the hipbelt connections.

[video=youtube_share;JOfgCLvZGms]http://youtu.be/JOfgCLvZGms[/video]

 

[Ray]

I saw the rifle sling holder video over on the 24HCF thread. That is a traditional pack frame method of hanging the rifle by its sling to free up a hand. If the frame has no bag or top loop on it like my old camptrails frame it works much like your video showed.

However, there are two things I do not like about this method. 1) the rifle flops/swings around and bangs on the bottom of the frame or swings out away from the hips and tosses me off balance. 2) at times it is a real PITA to get the rifle sling up and over the frame and then off. My light webbing sling is pretty floppy and I find I have to lift my rifle way up in the air to get the sling over the top of the frame. It always becomes a two handed operation and is never fast enough in a bear situation or a critter jumping up out of its bed situation.

Due to my age, small size, and some issues with my left arm I do not have the flexibility to reach across my body and lift the rifle sling up and over the frame piece.

About thirty years of carrying the rifle this way in AK brush but only recently switched to a light webbing sling and it just does not work as well for this method as the old military leather sling I am used to. But that sling is not going on my sheep rifle.

The gunbearer has its issues for me - I don't hate it, but I don't love it either.

I am looking at the gun slinger corral like Luke and Becca use, but may make my own system/version that fits my wants and needs.

You guys are doing great things for the backcountry hunter, keep it up.

PS: hurring up on my pack order will you. Please.

Ray

 

[Kevin_t]

Here is a short but fairly thorough overview video of the various paradox components.
[video=youtube;fyRVyYBCMrA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyRVyYBCMrA[/video]

BTW a lot of the early to mid Jan orders should be shipping next week

Cheers
Kevin

 

[Kevin_t]

From the Paradox custom shop

3 lbs all in , pricey but not in the range of many other setups and a lot lighter

It's stuffed with closed cell foam so it looks a little stiff . It's going pack rafting in Alaska and water proofed ness was important