Bear Canister

[machco7]

Thanks Kevin. I prefer your bag due to: 1) the attach points, 2) the zipper and 3) the side pockets. I only linked the picture with the custom bag to give you a better sense of the configuration I am looking to execute (credit goes to udpumpkin for finding the photo).

So I guess what you are saying is that if I go with the 4800 and fill it to 2/3 of capacity and roll down the excess I would not be able to attach the bag to the frame without modifications? Still wondering if the zipper would be accessible with the bag rolled down 1/3? Or maybe the frame extenders allows me to run in this configuration without modifications?

[kevin_t]

[kevin_t]

[kevin_t]

Using compression, I effectively closed off the bottom of the bag and placed the bear canister in it's place. I added a buckle to the tail end of the webbing to keep the two bottom straps closer to center. I then used the bottom compression strap to cinch down the roll top, which had the side benefit of getting it out of the way for the side pockets. I still have access to the zipper.

Note this a 3900 bag on a 24 inch frame.

Alternatively, I could have used the top compression strap to go down to the bear canister and used the center and lower strap to compress and go across the body.

[machco7]

Thanks Kevin for the pictures and feedback.

[machco7]

I would prefer to stack the bag on the can rather than compress the bag with the can. It just makes it easier to remove and reattach the can without having to rearange the bags contents (which will have settled).

Just looking at your picures, it looks like the zipper access would be the only obstacle to executing my vision. So I think the only modification I would need is to reverse the zipper direction so that it zips from the bottom up. How much would it cost for that modification?

I was also curious if there is a height difference between the 3900 and the 4800? If so, how much? It looks like the 6300 achieves much of its larger capacity through a wider girth.

[kevin_t]

They are all the same height. We can make a custom mini stackable bag, just tell is what you want. I think overall, it is a marketable idea , so really the cost would be more about a couple things

It would be time of our head seamstress who is more expensive

Anything you wanted that was really different than what we already do

If it was mostly a frame attached mini bag that stopped at bottom compression and used out top down zipper and roll top it would not be terribly expensive. We just need a feature set and CI to give a quote really

You can send me a pm or email and we can continue

[machco7]

OK, thanks Kevin. I'll touch base with you once I figure out the custom configuration concept. And thanks again for taking the time to respond.

[Nathan C]

macho7, I'll add my two cents on this.

I personally would not like a shorter packbag hanging off of our frame for several reasons. First, that packbag is going to work ok for one purpose (carrying a bear can) but not as well for other purposes. Second, you've got good options that work well with the standard equipment. My theory is to always take the low hanging fruit first, and in this case I see your best options as:

1. Get a 6300. You can probably put the bear can inside the packbag, along with your kids gear. If you ever hike without a bear can you can put your gear, your kids gear, and possibly your kids inside the packbag.

2. Compress the bear can on the outside of a standard packbag. Per Kevin's photos.

3. Compress the bear can at the top of a standard packbag. Depending on the percentage weight vs. your total loadout this may be a better option. Ideally I want 70% of my load weight at mid back level or higher, and as close to my back as possible.

In summary, don't totally discount the standard bags. Oftentimes we envision how we will use gear and go down one path in thought, then when we actually use it we realize that what we pictured doesn't work as well as something else.

[machco7]

Thanks Nathan, that is helpful. Curious if you think my can would fit comfortably inside the 4300 in the horizontal position. The bearikade is 14.5" long when on its side. I won't be hauling ALL of my kids gear and don't plan on putting any of them in the bag either so maybe 4300 is sufficient?