I got the pack and love every single thing about it. SD, please consider making a same but smaller version, it would be a present for overnight hikers! Adjustable 30-40 liters would be perfect. Removable belt pockets would be nice too. How about shifting zipper from top to the front (vertical), under the straps with fastex buckles? Good luck!
I have 2 of these, the 40/60 and the 60/75 and thought that they were fantastic until I noticed wear and holes in the pack. The waist belt has a stiff edge that cuts into the pack at the point where the lumbar pad is fitted. This wears a hole in the pack. I have contacted SD but as yet no response which has been disappointing. Don't rely too much on the online chat either, 15 mins into the chat the agent left the office for an hour without telling me, just left me hanging.... Then came back and said she would email be. 3 days later still no response.
I want a 65-85L version for winter camping. It is difficult to pack frozen gear nice and tight with cold fingers. Also dual shoulder strap pockets please.
I've been knocking the idea of buying this pack for about 2 months now. I love the idea of varying the size of the pack, giving me 1 pack to use for different trips. I like the water bottle holder too. My only hitch is carrying my sleeping pad. Where would that be carried? Inside?
I generally recommend air pads like the NeoLite. Versus foam pads, they are much more compact, warm or warmer for their weight, and far more comfortable. I know they are pricey, but if you have the funds I think you'll find it worthwhile. Now to answer your question, it depends on the size and shape of the sleeping pad, and on the volume of the rest of your gear. If you have the space, I would put it inside. That's unlikely, though, unless you have only a torso-length foam pad -- the full-length foam pads are pretty huge. Next best option is to store it on the side, using the compression straps. Finally, if the pack is fully expanded, you could attach it in the rear, again using the compression straps.
Looks like you could strap a closed cell foam pad (like a Z-Lite) on either of the sides or directly on the back of the pack using the 2 wrap around compression straps to hold it in place.
If expanded to its fullest size, will a BearVault canister fit horizontally in the pack? My guess would be 'no' but I'd like to know for sure. Nice looking pack.
It will fit horizontally, but I don't like how it tight it is -- it messes with the pockets and puts some pressure on the frame. It's best to put it in vertically.
You can strap a pad onto it using the horizontal straps, although it might be tight. I think a next generation will have at least some anchor points for a strap system as you described.
Looks sweet. I'd buy one if I didn't drop $300 on a backpack this year. I like the one sided front water bottle holder. I installed one on mine earlier this year- doesn't require taking off the pack for a sip.
Bingo. I was very tired of people in my group asking me to get their water bottles from them, because they either didn't have the dexterity to reach their side pockets or their side pockets were poorly designed, or both. The shoulder pocket solves all of those problems.
Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, I never carry any water. There was standing puddles May-September. Having a front bottle+sawyer filter means less time stopping.
We're working on it, but it will probably not happen until Spring 2017 at the earliest. We were able to fast-track the men's version because we had a more reliable tester (me) and more fit models. Plus, the pack market is tough and we made the decision to focus initially on the biggest customer bases. That's fortunate for men of about average height, and women with straighter builds; but unfortunate for the rest, for now at least.
Hi Andrew, Definitely looking into purchasing this as my next pack but am having trouble deciding between the small or medium. My back measurement is about 18 inches, but my waist is small (right at or around 29). I'm afraid the medium waistbelt will be too big. What would you recommend? (Or anyone for that matter)
Your torso is right on the cusp of Small and Medium. In that case, I generally recommend going with the smaller pack. If it's too long, it rides over your waist and does not sit on your hips. It sounds like the small waist would fit you better, too. I'm a 30 waist, occasionally a 29, and when I'm at my summertime skinny the Medium belt has little room for further tightening. Your other option is to wait until the spring. The next round of production will only have two sizes: S/M and M/L. You will be perfect for the S/M. They are also ordering an extra inventory of hipbelts, so they could size you up or down if the native hipbelt did not work for you.
Thanks so much for your answer! This definitely helps and I appreciate your response. Once the money comes in I'll be able to make the decision accordingly. Excited to get back out. Thanks again!
Like nearly all backpacks, it's not waterproof. The pack fabric is coated, but the seams are not sealed. Therefore, in an extended rain, water will seep through. No rain cover is available, but the pack is a pretty standard size and a generic rain cover will work if you want to take that route. I would discourage it, however. The trash compactor bags that I use in the video are far superior. They keep your stuff drier; they don't interfere with access into the pack; and they are much less expensive to buy and replace.
Who are we kidding? This thing is a brick! There's NO WAY Skurka uses this pack other than to promote it. He's one of the royalty of ultra light backpacking for gods sake. I guess I could imagine him using this pack if he had to carry a LOT of weight. Maybe on a three week combined pack rafting, back packing trip in winter without any resupply opportunity where he had to pack the raft, winter gear and three weeks of food and fuel...maybe.
I'm really enjoying all these new videos. I'll buy some Sierra Designs equipment just to support your efforts. Please keep it up!
Great looking pack and well priced too!
I got the pack and love every single thing about it. SD, please consider making a same but smaller version, it would be a present for overnight hikers! Adjustable 30-40 liters would be perfect. Removable belt pockets would be nice too. How about shifting zipper from top to the front (vertical), under the straps with fastex buckles? Good luck!
They just released a smaller and a bigger one.
I have 2 of these, the 40/60 and the 60/75 and thought that they were fantastic until I noticed wear and holes in the pack. The waist belt has a stiff edge that cuts into the pack at the point where the lumbar pad is fitted. This wears a hole in the pack. I have contacted SD but as yet no response which has been disappointing. Don't rely too much on the online chat either, 15 mins into the chat the agent left the office for an hour without telling me, just left me hanging.... Then came back and said she would email be. 3 days later still no response.
Anyone had had the sternum strap come off the adjustable slide on the left side on the newer version? Just new too.
Got mine already had people from other states trying to buy it. Seems like as in early March I got one of the last ones on the SD site M/L anyway.
looks like a great pack. How waterproof are the zips?
I want a 65-85L version for winter camping. It is difficult to pack frozen gear nice and tight with cold fingers. Also dual shoulder strap pockets please.
We're looking into the larger version. And the next update to the Flex should have double shoulder pockets.
Do you have a rough ETA?
I'm told it's now going to be 2020. Was going to be 2019.
I've been knocking the idea of buying this pack for about 2 months now. I love the idea of varying the size of the pack, giving me 1 pack to use for different trips. I like the water bottle holder too. My only hitch is carrying my sleeping pad. Where would that be carried? Inside?
I generally recommend air pads like the NeoLite. Versus foam pads, they are much more compact, warm or warmer for their weight, and far more comfortable. I know they are pricey, but if you have the funds I think you'll find it worthwhile.
Now to answer your question, it depends on the size and shape of the sleeping pad, and on the volume of the rest of your gear. If you have the space, I would put it inside. That's unlikely, though, unless you have only a torso-length foam pad -- the full-length foam pads are pretty huge. Next best option is to store it on the side, using the compression straps. Finally, if the pack is fully expanded, you could attach it in the rear, again using the compression straps.
Just buy an air pad and stuff it in the pack. This is the preferred method unless you are sleeping in the desert, etc.
Looks like you could strap a closed cell foam pad (like a Z-Lite) on either of the sides or directly on the back of the pack using the 2 wrap around compression straps to hold it in place.
If expanded to its fullest size, will a BearVault canister fit horizontally in the pack? My guess would be 'no' but I'd like to know for sure. Nice looking pack.
It will fit horizontally, but I don't like how it tight it is -- it messes with the pockets and puts some pressure on the frame. It's best to put it in vertically.
Thx. Nice to know. Contemplating a pack for the PCT. My ULA Circuit is too narrow.
I just bought this pack. I hope it fits. Wish that it had women specific sizes.
why no sleeping pad strap at the bottom? seems like it would be hard/impossible to use foam padding like thermarest sol z-lite?
You can strap a pad onto it using the horizontal straps, although it might be tight. I think a next generation will have at least some anchor points for a strap system as you described.
Looks sweet. I'd buy one if I didn't drop $300 on a backpack this year.
I like the one sided front water bottle holder. I installed one on mine earlier this year- doesn't require taking off the pack for a sip.
Bingo. I was very tired of people in my group asking me to get their water bottles from them, because they either didn't have the dexterity to reach their side pockets or their side pockets were poorly designed, or both. The shoulder pocket solves all of those problems.
Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, I never carry any water. There was standing puddles May-September. Having a front bottle+sawyer filter means less time stopping.
Any chance of having a version specifically built for women'a torsos?
We're working on it, but it will probably not happen until Spring 2017 at the earliest. We were able to fast-track the men's version because we had a more reliable tester (me) and more fit models. Plus, the pack market is tough and we made the decision to focus initially on the biggest customer bases. That's fortunate for men of about average height, and women with straighter builds; but unfortunate for the rest, for now at least.
@@skurkaandrew ummmm its 2021. Still no women sizes. I hope the s/m will fit.... Cross fingers. Maybe just do a Xs/S size. 😁
Question: Can a BV 500 bear canister fit inside this pack horizontally (sideways)?
HamishMackenzie7 Yes, when the gusset is fully expanded (60L mode), and at least with the size large, which is marginally bigger than the other sizes.
Hi Andrew,
Definitely looking into purchasing this as my next pack but am having trouble deciding between the small or medium. My back measurement is about 18 inches, but my waist is small (right at or around 29). I'm afraid the medium waistbelt will be too big. What would you recommend? (Or anyone for that matter)
Your torso is right on the cusp of Small and Medium. In that case, I generally recommend going with the smaller pack. If it's too long, it rides over your waist and does not sit on your hips. It sounds like the small waist would fit you better, too. I'm a 30 waist, occasionally a 29, and when I'm at my summertime skinny the Medium belt has little room for further tightening.
Your other option is to wait until the spring. The next round of production will only have two sizes: S/M and M/L. You will be perfect for the S/M. They are also ordering an extra inventory of hipbelts, so they could size you up or down if the native hipbelt did not work for you.
Thanks so much for your answer! This definitely helps and I appreciate your response. Once the money comes in I'll be able to make the decision accordingly.
Excited to get back out. Thanks again!
Is the face fabric itself waterproof?
When is this available for purchase?
(Updated). It's available now, sierradesigns.com/flex-capacitor
Love the grey. Meets one of my requirements. How weatherproof is it? Rain cover available?
Like nearly all backpacks, it's not waterproof. The pack fabric is coated, but the seams are not sealed. Therefore, in an extended rain, water will seep through.
No rain cover is available, but the pack is a pretty standard size and a generic rain cover will work if you want to take that route. I would discourage it, however. The trash compactor bags that I use in the video are far superior. They keep your stuff drier; they don't interfere with access into the pack; and they are much less expensive to buy and replace.
Just use DCF and some storm guard zippers.
How much will the price be for preorder?
$200. No price change between pre-orders and normal orders, or between now and Spring 2017, when it will be distributed beyond the SD website.
i wasn't even aware that of this pack! i wish i had known.................
i wish there will be another color beside grey.. olive or blue navy will be great
Nah! They nailed the colorway.
Was Dr. Brown the other co-designer? LOL
Make a smaller one that's carry on compatible!
We're working on it.
200$ in the US, 350$ in the EU.
I bought one
A simple method for removing and installing the frame of this backpack.
The key movement: th-cam.com/video/i6O3esf9WF0/w-d-xo.html
Who are we kidding? This thing is a brick! There's NO WAY Skurka uses this pack other than to promote it. He's one of the royalty of ultra light backpacking for gods sake. I guess I could imagine him using this pack if he had to carry a LOT of weight. Maybe on a three week combined pack rafting, back packing trip in winter without any resupply opportunity where he had to pack the raft, winter gear and three weeks of food and fuel...maybe.
N1
Really don't like that type of airflow. More a gimmick then being practical. Figure out a way to adjust that space.
I own this pack. No gimmick. Works beautifully. Better than my Osprey day pack's mesh back panel.
shoulder strap stitching is a joke