Pack selection

[spiderbro]

I'm looking to replace my old Savotta rucksack with a more modern alternative.
I think the Unaweep 4800 would suit my needs well. I just have one major gripe: I really like having a bottom/front entry in the backpack.
Exposure, Brooks and Goshawk would have a side zipper/panel loader, but they would be way more expensive and/or I don't like the designs as much. The Exposure isn't that bad, though...

Would there be any problem in sewing a side/bottom zipper on myself? I can handle a sewing machine for the basic stuff. Have there been durability issues in the ones you've done?
Why did you stop offering side zippers as an accessory, if I may ask?

Also interested in any thoughts on SO packs for military scenarios.

[Fedster]

I sent you a PM about this.

[spiderbro]

Fedster: I can't PM you back as I apparently am too new a user.

Can you send a picture of your offering to my email: tuukka dot uimonen at gmail dot com?

[ktimm]

Hi spiderbro

Regarding why we don't offer a side zip as an option ? Confusion / messaging and lead times . We may offer one in the future but highly likely it is a different named pack bag.

Military packs - seems there are some differences on what is needed . We can add camo but that isn't enough for everyone . In some scenarios black needs to be completely removed . That is not possible at the moment as our hardware is black as is our webbing . The webbing can be changed but the hardware is harder to change


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[spiderbro]

Thank you for the answer. I think my main concern in military use would be ruggedness and perhaps modularity. I didn't even think of the camouflaging as I'd personally use a camo rain cover.

Have you experimented with other zip designs such as a "bottom panel loader" like in ?

I don't want to be pushy about this, but I'd still like an opinion on sewing a zipper on myself - be it a simple side zipper or something else. I can't think of a problem but then again, I've only sewn smaller, presumably "easier" zips before.

[kevin_t]

I have not used a bottom panel zip. Some US backpacks used to have zips for sleeping bag access and those I have used. I think in most cases the full side zip works just as well , perhaps even better in the field.

Durability etc its fine for military.

I cant comment on the bottom sip sewing it yourself, I have not tried. I suspect it would be far better to design the bag that way from the begining.