In the Field: Nimrod Pack Systems

I bought my first external frame backpack, a Kelty, in 1991 as I prepared for a backpack hunt in Wyoming’s Hoback country.  That old Kelty was the best I could afford at the time and it’s served me well for over 20 years.

When Nimrod Packs contacted me earlier this year about reviewing their pack frame and some other gear, the stubborn ol’ me first thought “Why would I need a new pack frame?  I have one already and know exactly how it will perform,” but then I heard Aron’s voice “You redneck mayonnaise farmer- give something new a try!”

He’s right, so I spent a few hours reading reviews and shopping the Nimrod website.  Owner Doug Snider and prostaffer James Turner navigated me through what I’d call a complicated but diverse and functional pack system.  I finally settled on testing their N-600 Folding Frame Pack, their Pinnacle Day Pack, and Pistol/Flare Holster.

The Frame Pack and Pinnacle Day Pack combine for a system you can hunt with and still get that first quarter or two back to camp if you kill, saving you an extra trip.  True to Nimrod’s versatility, the Pinnacle can also be separated from the Frame Pack.  This is great as I often hunt bucks in the brush and can’t move quietly with a metal frame.  Also, I don’t always need a frame as some of my hunts occur in country where I can get a vehicle or horse to a kill site.

My old Kelty combined with my Buck’s Bag weighed in at 6 lbs 10 ounces while the Frame Pack/Pinnacle set in at 6 lb 15 oz.  While the picture below seems to show the old Buck’s bag as a lot bigger, it’s really not.  The Pinnacle is 1350 ci and holds nearly as much gear as the old bag.   Nimrod also offers much bigger bags that can be used with the Frame Pack.  These would be for your two-to-four day hunts.  I might test one later this year, so stay tuned.

Out with the old (right), in with the new.  The Nimrod is much more compact than my old Kelty

 The Nimrod Frame Pack is very well built  with a  welded frame.    While 5 ounces heavier than my old pack, the Nimrod  has a tougher construction.

Here is a 4+ minute video showcasing the Nimrod system in the field.

If you have any questions, you can post them in the comments or if you’d prefer to email Nimrod, give prostaffer James Turner a line at [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to the blog, upper right, so you don’t miss our upcoming gear review on Vanguard’s Endeavour ED Binocular.