Stone Glacier and Kifaru

[RockChucker30]

BPH,

Have you tried a full wrap belt and double x frame with no contour?

It's not my intent to badger you, but rather to point out that many people have preconceived ideas about what works and what doesn't, but if you haven't tried a pack you don't really know.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Yes, the full wrap belt as I mentioned has been around since the 80's, and is probably most recognizable on the Arctyrex Altra. No matter the curvature (or lack thereof) of the stays I could not keep it from digging a hole in my back.
The X Frame is usually seen in aluminum or plastics, but probably most recently on the Crooked Horn High Country bag, with aluminum stays and without a lumbar pad, with the belt sewn to the bag....still painful for me.
I also have hiked with (like most others) some sort of solid external framed packs like the Kelty Cache Hauler, Cabelas Alaskan Freighter, and even the old Back Magic carbon fiber. All are a no contour endeavor, and all created problems for me.

I do not like the KUIU pack for the same reasons (tried it), but there are others that liked it a lot. Again, this is just for me. As I have stated previously it may work very well for others.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Well,

I am making the trek on Saturday to meet and visit with Kurt at Stone Glacier. He will be getting me setup with the pack at that time. I have had some good conversations with Kurt, and I am looking forward to checking it out. I will keep Roksliders updated!

 

[couesbitten]

Looking forward to the review, even though I've already made my purchase with Kifaru.

 

[HellsCanyon]

Well,

I am making the trek on Saturday to meet and visit with Kurt at Stone Glacier. He will be getting me setup with the pack at that time. I have had some good conversations with Kurt, and I am looking forward to checking it out. I will keep Roksliders updated!

Excellent! When do you expect to have both packs side by side? Any idea how long the testing period will be?

Mike

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Well,

I am making the trek on Saturday to meet and visit with Kurt at Stone Glacier. He will be getting me setup with the pack at that time. I have had some good conversations with Kurt, and I am looking forward to checking it out. I will keep Roksliders updated!

That's awesome! It's always a plus for me when companies meet the times they say they are. Kudos Kurt!

 

[jmez]

What back type does the double x type frame with no contour work/not work on? I would guess it would be better for a flat back?

 

[Yellowknife]

What back type does the double x type frame with no contour work/not work on? I would guess it would be better for a flat back?

I haven't tried the Stone Glacier, but straight frames can and do work fine on normal backs. There is no "rule" that says a pack needs to be locked to the exact curvature of your spine, except that it helps to keep a lumbar pad type belt from slipping. Personally, I find the internal frame packs I've tried with stiff enough stays to carry a load have eventually caused me lower back fatigue due to the required pressure the the base of the spine (lumbar pad) and the way it locked in the lower part of my body.

Old school straight frame packs with wrap belts on the other hand, work great for me. A well done wrap belt won't slip and the load "hangs" on it instead of "sitting" on a lumbar pad. The shoulder straps + load lifters can then stabilize it nicely to the upper body. Again, I haven't tried the SG, but don't see any reason that the concept won't work for normal people.

Yk

 

[Matt Cashell]

I just got off the phone with Kurt, who has been awesome to talk to.

He is going to save me the driving tomorrow on some pretty poor road conditions and just mail me the bag, and it will be the Terminus. I am excited to see the pack, but I am a bit disappointed I won't be meeting Kurt in person right away. Still, I make it over to Bozeman pretty often, so I am sure we will cross paths pretty soon!

I spoke to Aron a while back, and it looks like I should expect the Kifaru sometime soon after SHOT, I don't think Kifaru has decided exactly what pack is coming, but I think the bikini frame and the DT1 bag would make for a good comparison to the Terminus.

I will keep everyone posted.

 

[Shrek]

I would think the Bikini and big High Camp would be apples to apples with the Terminus .

 

[HellsCanyon]

I would think the Bikini and big High Camp would be apples to apples with the Terminus .

X2. Both are pretty minimal...

Mike

 

[Matt Cashell]

Glad I stopped by home for lunch:

 

[Hardstalk]

You gave kurt a key to your house?!

Let the beatings begin!!

I p.md ya.... Again. Dont worry. This time its not optic q&a

 

[BlackWidowTackle]

I think I know how this is going to turn out. It will be a tough decision judging the 2 packs. Good luck

 

[HellsCanyon]

Sweet!!

 

[luke moffat]

Right on BB!!! That SG pack is sweet for sure!!!! I really liked how the one I used felt and you can't beat the weight.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Got out with the Terminus for some first impressions:

[video=vimeo;57770641]http://vimeo.com/57770641[/video]

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Cool video Matt

 

[Mckinnon]

How much weight did you have in there BB? Thanks for the video also

 

[Whisky]

Yes, thank you. I'm currently exploring options for a new pack and this will be helpful. I see that pack lists 3.95lbs with frame. I would be dropping a hair over 3'bs of weight already just from the Blue Widow.

Whisky