Reservations about some hardware changes

[spelt]

I have some questions/comments about two of the backpack hardware updates, the gatekeepers switch and the hipbelt buckle changes. With the gatekeepers, after watching the video and confirming that the wire gate will have to be opened, threaded/unthreaded, and closed for every strap when you need to attach or remove it, it concerns me that this is not very glove friendly. I have carpal tunnel in both wrists, with numbness and poor circulation, so quick and easy fasteners have a higher priority than weight savings or extra compression for me. I never converted to the bachelor buckles because having to thread them + keep them tensioned were similar disadvantages. Which raises my question of, will it be possible to get side release buckles if we comment on an order? It would be disappointing not have back compatibility with my older setup that works with my decrepit fingers.

Second, I'm not convinced that removing the mechanical advantage from the hipbelt adjustment is an improvement in usability, same with doubling the number of buckles and decreasing their size. Again, this comes down to speed and dexterity concerns. I can see where the changes plus new configurations will improve comfort for a wider range of users at extremely heavy loads but I have zero complaints at loads up to 80 lbs--more I cannot see carrying since I don't hunt big game. In users where the old hipbelt fits this seems to be adding complexity for marginal gain.

The hipbelt is not something I'm really worried about because I have no reason think I'll need to replace it, but the gatekeepers I am concerned about because I wanted to get a Revo panel this year and having to back-alter it or be forced to convert my Talon (and then my Unaweep) would be a hassle. Likewise if I wanted a new Talon for my old Unaweep.

Anyone who's used the updated hardware, would you speak to your experience?

[ktimm]

Hi spelt . Understood . I think in some issues with the gatekeeper it will be a non issue as they just aren't removed much and on other designs the GK will be moved around more ( talon based designs , brooks maybe ). In those I could see the preferred operation of 3/4 QR for you. Your best bet is to send and email to our info and we can track down a solution . My guess is on a revolution it's easy to swap ... but you need a pack or talon with matching .
Thanks


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[Nathan C]

In general use I find that I click or unclick three buckles regularly. The top V compression strap, and the lower two side buckles that allow access to the side zipper. The only time I remove all the buckles at once is when I'm changing Talons, or removing a day talon or Merlin for daypack use.

The Gatekeepers are a bit slower than QR buckles, but really not by much. They're shorter overall which allows for more travel, meaning you can compress an empty or lightly loaded pack further. They can be operated with medium weight gloves without much consternation.

Overall the advantages from a manufacturing standpoint are compelling. The old Peregrine had QR buckles sewn all over it. Now that problem can be replaced with some inconspicuous loops, and compression straps can be added or removed as needed.

On the belt - it is very easy to tighten. I was skeptical of that as well, but it works. We do have a single buckle that all four straps route through that is sent with the pack. I actually prefer the single buckle and find it as easy to use as the old forward pull.

[spelt]

Thanks, Nathan and Kevin, for your replies. I admit I let this drop as I spent more time kayaking this summer than hiking. Nathan, I totally understand how streamlining makes a big difference in the manufacturing and the overall trim of the finished pack. I do find I I undo my buckles a lot though. I carry oddly shaped stuff (PFD, muddy packraft, snowshoes, occasionally camp furniture) between the packbag and the Talon and it works better to lay the pack flat, unclip, position, and re-clip than try to manuver stuff between the straps without undoing them. But that's just my own method. Thinking more about the gatekeepers the extra compression does seem useful, but currently I have only one packbag and it might be less an advantage if I had a second, smaller one. I'll have to consider my intended use in the future to see what makes the most sense for me. Kevin--thank you for extending the option! I'll send an email once I get my thoughts together. Cheers.

[gustafsj]

Any chance there is a QR buckle that has a gatekeeper on it either the male or female side of it? This would be handy to have and could be incorporated where we feel like we need that quick access.

I've been carrying my bow under my Talon this fall utilizing the gatekeepers and am kind of regretting cutting off my QR buckles. I did keep the the QR buckle for the top of the Talon and am really glad I did that.

It is so much easier to unclip the Talon on one side, lay the bow on the pack and then reclip the Talon. Right now I loosen all the buckles all the way and clumsily try to slide the bow under the Talon.


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[spelt]

gustaf, I think you'd want them on both sides so you could swap out QRs for gatekeepers. Only one side and you'd still have half a QR buckle to deal with. Very interesting idea that would give a lot of flexibility!

[Fedster]

for those who have reservation about the hardware:

http://www.seatosummit.co.uk/products/f ... ir-buckle/

(I know it's the UK site, but you are all grown ups so find the one relating to yourselves). It is that easy.

[Askins]

Great website, Fedster. The prices seem reasonable. Anyone bought from them?

[Nathan C]

Sea to summit is quality stuff.