Small Backpacks for Tight Slots
Has anyone used the Imlay Leprechaun Pack? If so what canyons has it survived, and anything else you care to mention in regards to durability. Is the zipper well protected? Worth the $60? I'd imagine putting a canyon keg in the pack would shred it in the slot. Any comments?
Any other small pack recomendations?
Trying to find something that will work for more than a few tight slot canyons.
Bruce
Re: Small Backpacks for Tight Slots
Quote:
Originally Posted by neumannbruce
Has anyone used the Imlay Leprechaun Pack? If so what canyons has it survived, and anything else you care to mention in regards to durability. Is the zipper well protected? Worth the $60? I'd imagine putting a canyon keg in the pack would shred it in the slot. Any comments?
Any other small pack recomendations?
Trying to find something that will work for more than a few tight slot canyons.
Bruce
Yep, the Leprechaun is your pack. Not sure the specs, per se, but it is very tough, designed for super tight stuff. Also has a nice sideways handle to aid in carrying through the slot, so the handle won't twist. Not sure how well a keg fits in it though.
We used a couple this weekend for Shimrock and Shenanigans.
Re: Small Backpacks for Tight Slots
Quote:
Originally Posted by neumannbruce
Has anyone used the Imlay Leprechaun Pack? If so what canyons has it survived, and anything else you care to mention in regards to durability. Is the zipper well protected? Worth the $60? I'd imagine putting a canyon keg in the pack would shred it in the slot. Any comments?
Any other small pack recomendations?
The Imlay Lep is tops, but I've quit using kegs in the really tight slots - they wedge the pack too easily. Imlay Lep has several nice features such as inside watertank sleeve, zippered doo-dad pocket, and carry handle. Comfy and slim.
If durability tops your priorities and you don't mind doing without the features and comfort of the Imlay Leprechaun, the most durable pack set-up I've used is the Petzl Classique combined with a 1/4" closed cell foam liner. I've dragged the same Classique through the skinnies for 6 years now and still going. Note that this pack has no waistbelt, pockets or whistles; it's just a cylinder with shoulder straps, top flap, and a built-in tether. Comfort not its strong suit.
Re: Small Backpacks for Tight Slots
Quote:
Originally Posted by neumannbruce
Has anyone used the Imlay Leprechaun Pack? If so what canyons has it survived, and anything else you care to mention in regards to durability. Is the zipper well protected? Worth the $60? I'd imagine putting a canyon keg in the pack would shred it in the slot. Any comments?
Trying to find something that will work for more than a few tight slot canyons.
well ... i am won over by the leprechaun ... i might even go as far to say that i am smitten :eek2:
considering the fact that it is specifically designed for *tight* slots, the quintessential example of which is middle leprechaun, you're not going to go wrong with this pack.
when i first got this pack i wondered how frequently i'd use it. it turns out i use it quite a bit. i have had no issues with the zippers and it is quite durable. more than half of the slots i have taken it through are quite the belt-sander kind and it's held up quite well. it's capable of fitting more than you might(?) expect too. it feels great on long hikes ... and it's relatively light when wet, compared with larger packs. this is were non-saturating materials naturally are useful.
i even find it's reasonable to take the lep on longer approaches in wet canyons which don't required extensive gear. i strap my wetsuit on the outside ... still comfortable. it was a pleasure to use doing a full neon from the uppermost slots and choprock slot.
another nice feature is the orientation of the handle-strap on top. rotated 90