Why not Paradox Pack?

[Wrongside]

Been very pleased with mine. I like it enough that it's only been mildly modded- Cut off zipper pulls, replaced with quieter cord pulls. And flat black paint on the exposed frame, to cut down on the shine... Some things that I didn't really see as a feature when I bought it, like the Xpac waterproof fabric, I've come to really like. The easily adjustable frame height rocks too- 2" gives me tons of lift for the heavy packs in or out, and no extensions makes it easier to negotiate the dark timber quietly. And I like the Talon functionality, great for strapping things under that you want quick access to, like a tripod mounted spotter...

Mine is a early Evolution 6300, I bought it stripped right down for max wieght savings... Ended up wanting more organization so added the multi-lid and Day Talon. Still a real light load hauler at 4 lbs, 1 ounce... It does require more careful packing than more 'traditional' packs with frame sheets, but it's easy to get used to. It's also been more durable than I thought a pack that's this light could be. No major rubs or tears, even with time in the rocks, on horses and rattling around on quad racks...

Loaded heavy or light, it carries better than any pack I've used or owned, for me and my body type. Really like how it's half the weight of my old MR Grizzly or BORA's, but actually carries better for me...

I'll be adding another one if they come out with a bigger bag, for sure.

 

[pew]

I was looking at these a year or so ago and heard from a few the barreling (not a big deal IMO) but also the feel if loade sagging on the bottom (personally hate this). Any feedback from users on these issues?

 

[flyinsquirel]

For the limited time that I had an Evo, I had no problems with sagging. With the talons 6 compression straps, the lifting strap over the top and the load shelf there are straps going everywhere. I can't see how someone could not find a way to secure a load without it sagging.

Are referring to the load in the bag, or the belt riding down in the back?

 

[Outdoorsman3830]

I have no hands on experience with this pack, but the pack review encompassing the Kifaru Bikini Highcamp, Stone Glacier Solo, Mystery Ranch Metcalf (Gen 1), and Paradox Evolution reported no sagging or slipping of the hip-belt. Sagging is not likely to occur based on the design of the paradox packs. It offers one of the stiffest frames on the market that should not collapse under the heaviest of backpack hunters loads, the hip-belt is locked directly to the base of the frame, and the bag is made of XPac (which has little to no stretch). Also, the compression system is complex securing the load as effectively as any of the top pack manufacturers.

In other words, sagging would surprise me. If sagging is occurring, then I would like to know if it is resulting from a flaw in the design or user error. User error seems more likely just as Dan Mchale recognized in many backpackers misusing load lifters. Dan McHale solved this issue in his Bypass Harness design, which - as the name states - bypasses the user error and allows easier adjustment on trail as heavy loads settle I the pack and on the user.

 

[pew]

I believe the sagging that I was talking about (from the experience of others) was the feeling of the load in the bag sagging down; not so much the hip belt slipping.

 

[Kevin_t]

I'll add in a bit of what I know. I think on the Unaweep / Bag on Frame load sagging is highly unlikely. On the Evo style, particularly earlier versions , it could be more likely depending on how you have it connected and secured. Early talons did not have an over the top strap, and it was probably more likely to happen without an over the top strap. Likewise, using bag only (no talon) , it is probably more likely to happen since the compression system is less effective without the talon. Using a talon, and over the top strap, I don't think it would be very likely.

I should add, I think with all versions you can effectively close off the bottom of the pack bag via the lower compression and load sling making the load ride above the water bottle pockets which is a bit higher and optimal in my opinion. The times, I have noticed sagging in the field, has been with my son Owen hauling out his animals. He often hunts without a talon , and doesn't spend much time on configuring anything. He doesn't complain , and it's his pack so I don't mess with it.

Edited to add last paragraph.

 

[pew]

Hi Kevin, thanks for clarifying. Yes, those who I spoke with all had the "older" Evo pack and I don't know rather or not they were using the Talon as well.

 

[blgoode]

I thought that I would add to the thread. I started out on Kelty type internal frame packs, moved into Myster Ranch and thought that was the end all search. After time under that the Kifaru was a step up in comfort and usability. Sold my MR.

Fast forward to thinking my Kifaru was all I needed and I was sent a loaner Paradox Unaweep 4800 to try out.

By far was the most comfortable belt setup I have ever used and hauled the load steps up in comfort from the Kifaru duplex system for me. The belt being a true full wrap system was the only true non slip belt I have ever used and did not agrivate my lower back inflammation at all. The pack was a lot easier to pack than the material I have been used to and it meant I didn't need a pack cover for rain. The compression straps were easier to use than on my previous packs and I have a floating compression panel for any bulk item I may need to carry on the outside.

Sold my Kifaru after my first trip with the Seekoutside pack system.

Now I have 3 complete Seekoutside pack setups and about to add a 4th.

 

[Kevin_t]

A new pack , the Divide 4500 in Expedition Olive . 4500 CI internal , up to 1200 CI external . 2 lbs 12 ounces alpine Gray , 3 lbs Expedition Olive

All accessories and horizon cross stay ( all optional / removable ) 3 lbs 6 ounces max Olive

 

[Rossi]

I noticed Steven Rinella sporting a Paradox Evolution w/ coyote brown bag and day talon on his BC grizzly hunt on last night's episode. Interesting that he switched from his usual Outdoorsmans pack.

 

[mtnwrunner]

I noticed Steven Rinella sporting a Paradox Evolution w/ coyote brown bag and day talon on his BC grizzly hunt on last night's episode. Interesting that he switched from his usual Outdoorsmans pack.

Rossi, I noticed that too. Kind of interesting and would like to know what he thought of it.

Randy