Hi all,
Found out about this pack from Philip Werner's Section Hiker blog, and it's really cool to see innovation like this - especially coming from western Colorado!
I'm hoping to buy a new pack in the next couple of months for a potential Colorado Trail (Denver to Durango) thru hike this summer. Philip Werner's version of the Unaweep looked pretty great, but 4800 cubic inches seems pretty massive. It seems like the Unaweep is really designed to be used with a Talon, so adding that should transform the 3900 into a nearly 5000 cubic inch pack - is that correct? If so, it sounds like the 3900 would be the way to go for me.
Has anyone regretted not sizing up to a bigger bag?
Looking at the purchase options, I see 2 inch and 4 inch pack extensions. Is the 2 inch the standard, or does the default pack come without any extension? (EDIT: just saw the answer here on the forums. Looks like the Unaweep is designed for 26 inches, not 24.)
I'm thinking the VX21 coyote fabric is the way to go. If I eventually take this pack hunting (I'm not a hunter, but I have dreams of becoming one), will I regret not going with a heavier fabric? I'm looking for a compromise of durability and light weight, and that coyote color is pretty sweet.
Finally, there's the whole issue of external frames. I've read in several places that Paradox packs are as good as or even better than most internal frames at carrying the load close to the body for activities like mountaineering, snowshoeing, and ski touring. Have you all found that to be the case?
Sorry if these are questions you see all the time!