by Nathan C » Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:07 am
It's on the to do list. Honestly we are a bit reluctant to use zippers on the pack bags. Zippers add cost, complexity, and opportunities for water penetration and failure.
That said, a lot of people want zippers, so now the question becomes "How to incorporate a zipper in the most efficient and functional way?"
Traditional sleeping bag compartment zippers give quick access to the bottom of the bag, but who needs quick access to their sleeping bag? Did the need for an immediate nap sneak up on you?
A full seam vertical side zip makes more sense. It requires fewer panels to be altered, is cheaper to implement, it gives access to the entire pack bag, adds roughly the same weight as a sleeping bag compartment zipper, and the vertical orientation should be more waterproof.