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Post by cweston on Feb 18, 2021 8:20:59 GMT -8
OK, OK! Some will say you can reach back, unzip and grab, but that's awkward as heck and provides a minor risk factor of things falling out and having to be picked up or worse........unnoticed till miles later. Or, if you're with a partner, you can ask them to access something in one of the outer pockets (or brain/lid) of your pack, without having to remove it. But honestly, I think this happens pretty rarely (at least on my trips), so it's almost a non-factor as far as I'm concerned. One still notices the pack getting smaller and smaller thing, with or without a lid, of course. With my current GoLite, getting the lid so that it "rides right" is actually increasingly difficult as the main pack bag gets less and less full. Long story short: my next pack will probably be a roll-top pack sans lid, just because that's what the pack models I have my eye on are. I suspect it will be a relatively effortless transition, just because I don't think it's that big a deal for me.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Feb 18, 2021 8:31:16 GMT -8
I've carried all kinds. Currently, I'm using a Mystery Ranch Sphinx I got on clearance somewhere, but I haven't really done anything "serious" with it. It's a pack, it has a lid (and lots of pockets throughout the pack - and the pack splits via a zipper in the middle of the front), but I have found that I just adapt to different styles of packing with each different pack. I had an early Osprey Atmos 50L when they first came out that was nothing but pockets and dividers, then got another when Osprey decided to go "one big compartment" on the same pack. The difference was that I had more options packing the "one big compartment" because I could choose to divide stuff up or not. With the "pocketed" one, the decision was made for you.
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 18, 2021 9:19:52 GMT -8
While I think it has shortcomings, there's a lot I like about the Divide and just spent the better part of the last hour looking at it. Good to hear from an actual SO pack owner. I'm curious what do you think are the shortcomings of the Divide? Maybe I'm missing something? I ran this by another friend of mine and he said he preferred to try on packs in the store so he can tell if the pack is going to hit his hat (like what Westy was talking about). This doesn't concern me because I always wear a ball cap style hat.
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Post by offtrail on Feb 18, 2021 9:38:13 GMT -8
Only thing I would add about the top lid, I'm actually a fan of them, if you don't get it now, you may not ever be able to get one as models change or accessories become unavailable. Of course that may be a reason to buy a new pack!
Only reason I mention this is I have equipment I've used and then tried to buy an add-on and found I'm out of luck. Just something to consider.
offtrail
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 18, 2021 9:50:22 GMT -8
Lots of good discussion here, but I'm still on the fence whether to get the Line Loc lid for my Granite Gear Blaze 60. This pack has two stretchy side pockets and a stretchy front pocket which is vertically narrow. When I take off my jacket and/ or an insulation layer during the day, I secure them tightly under the straps of the roll top because the stretchy pockets are usually occupied.
For day hikes I prefer a lumbar pack, but I also have the ultralight sling pack which can hold the equivalent of a 20 degree down bag, a shell jacket, and a fleece shirt.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Feb 18, 2021 10:28:01 GMT -8
Converted to no-brainer packs going on 6 years now. That's one less zipper to pull, four straps to eliminate and promotes less clutter. In the end, you still need to perform the primary task of taking the pack off for access brain or no-brain. OK, let me be a little more explicit. Westy sent me images of his brainless HMG. He used "Laminated 8½x11 sheet folded in half w/emergency and medical data, Passport kept in LOKSAK 4 X 7 and Chum wallet and locking biner" Like so. I left out the other image of the documents with his medical information, drivers license, etc.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 18, 2021 11:10:39 GMT -8
I prefer a top lid as it's directly in line with the pack's center of gravity versus side and back pockets. Immediate need items, small snacks, beacon etc. are right there for when I take a break and drop the pack. The less on the sides to get snagged the better I've found, even a planned "trail" route goes off trail enough to matter.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Feb 18, 2021 13:51:08 GMT -8
I still don't understand the appeal of a lid for those who like one. All of the reasons/benefits I see listed could also be achieved with a gallon ziploc inside of the pack at the very top. As mentioned in this thread, some lids weigh over half a pound (plus buckles on the pack to hold the lid add even more) while a large zippie is under an ounce, that's a big weight difference. A zippie inside the pack is probably more water resistant that way as well (esp comparing a lid to a zippie inside a roll-top pack made of waterproof fabric).
True that with a ziploc or ditty bag inside your pack you have to open the pack up, but that would be no big deal to me if I've already had to go through the much bigger effort of taking my pack off in the first place (and even more of an issue is putting it back on, maybe having to readjust belts and straps, etc).
Of course, HYOY and all that -- I'm not saying don't use a lid if you like it, but I am wondering why someone would like it.
EDIT: one reason/benefit that a ziploc would not achieve is using the lid as a fanny pack. Still not compelling to me, but at least I see that as a unique characteristic.
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Post by bluefish on Feb 18, 2021 14:12:40 GMT -8
Lots of good discussion here, but I'm still on the fence whether to get the Line Loc lid for my Granite Gear Blaze 60. This pack has two stretchy side pockets and a stretchy front pocket which is vertically narrow. When I take off my jacket and/ or an insulation layer during the day, I secure them tightly under the straps of the roll top because the stretchy pockets are usually occupied. For day hikes I prefer a lumbar pack, but I also have the ultralight sling pack which can hold the equivalent of a 20 degree down bag, a shell jacket, and a fleece shirt. Woody, I don't know if you are of the trash bag inside the pack school or a poncho guy, but those GG'a arent waterproof and need a cover in heavy rain. The covers fit way better with the lid on . As I recall, it also helps lash down and control that long collar that comes up from the main body. It also made it easy to put a jacket underneath or use the straps on top of the lid. I'll gladly send you mine if you want to try it out and see if you like it. Just send me a PM.
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 19, 2021 6:15:10 GMT -8
Of course, HYOY and all that -- I'm not saying don't use a lid if you like it, but I am wondering why someone would like it. Some of us have been at this for a long time and have our hard won prejudices lol! To me a zip gallon bag is just one more piece of plastic in the world, and really won't hold up to much use. I could certainly see a zippered Dynema bag of a similar size as a top pocket, and have often contemplated just such a purchase. But, having the top lid frees up a decent amount of interior space that can be helpful. And it's nice to have access to certain items without opening up the pack. Of course there's no "right" answer, just preferences based on ones experience/preferences, and of course if someone came of age backpacking without a top lid, it's easy to see how it's no obstacle not having one. I do usually leave it at home on short BP's. Couple rambling thoughts...
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 19, 2021 6:34:44 GMT -8
I'm curious what do you think are the shortcomings of the Divide? There's much to like! But, a couple things that stick out, several of which could apply to all SO packs... I'd like it to have more interior volume. As I said about the Unaweep 4800... it seems smaller than its advertised volume? Dunno. I'd like it to have two, smaller, integrated hipbelt pockets, rather than the MOLLE style attachment of the overly large hipbelt pockets they offer. I'd like to see the roll top have the ability to fasten at the sides ala ULA rather than its "top knot" requirement. I'd like to see the Divides mesh back pocket a bit longer. I'd prefer SO use the older slide-lock style tensioners rather the gated tensioners they've switched to. These are all rather minor points and certainly reflect some of my own prejudices. None of them are deal killers, like the lack of a forward pull belt was. SO packs are really designed with hunters in mind, and some of the features offered are carry-over from those offerings into their "backpacking" packs. I think they're fine packs, and a fine Co.
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Post by trinity on Feb 19, 2021 7:47:30 GMT -8
I am wondering why someone would like it. I have 2 main packs that I use, one with a top lid, one without. and I like both. But for me, the primary benefit of the top lid comes from the fact that I am horribly disorganized. Having separate compartments into which I can put things is beneficial to a disorganized and unstructured mind like mine.It is a crutch, in a way, but one that I find very helpful.
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Post by cweston on Feb 19, 2021 7:53:00 GMT -8
This is something I love about this place--we have a now 42-post thread about whether or not we like packs with lid compartments.
Let your nerd flag fly!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 8:03:02 GMT -8
I don’t think l’d like a pack without a top lid. Maybe too stuck in my ways. Top Lid. My ULA Catalyst has one. Only 6oz's and a real handy item. Nice thing about a roll top closure is you don't have to use the lid if you don't want, but I'd not want a pack without the option of a top pocket. I unclip from the pack at night (pack hangs on a tree - or wherever) and all the necessities I need are in it in the tent. hikerjer:
I'm in the process of making the transition. Every pack I have owned (except for my first Camp Trails exterior frame pack) has had a top lid. Bought a ULA Catalyst last year, and have used it twice. BIG hip belt pockets, nice size accessory pocket for shoulder strap. I find I keep my rain gear in the back stretch pocket, and so far it's working out well. I like the idea of having the space outside the main pack for whatever I might need during the day.Other items I would usually carry in my lid are in a Granite Gear Air Zip sack just under the roll top lid. Easy to get to. I could strap it outside the roll top but haven't tried that yet. Still working out the details.
bradmacmt: where did you get your lid for the ULA Catalyst? I don't see any listed on their web site.
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tomas
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Post by tomas on Feb 19, 2021 8:03:49 GMT -8
Some of us have been at this for a long time and have our hard won prejudices lol! Quoted for truth. We all have our gear opinions based around what we have experienced.
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