So, this is the 40litre prospector with a Delrin hoop for load transfer. At my request, the straps are 2.5" instead of 3" and are placed 2.75" instead of 3" apart at the top.
It is immediately very comfortable. The narrower straps make a huge difference for me. The length of the back and the double webbing on the waist belt make for a very good fit indeed. It just feels good and right.
The delrin hoop feels good. It is stiff, not flexible until just below the shoulder strap fixing and then there is flex at the top.
Tom suggested using press-stud buttons instead of velcro on the top closure. I'm not sure about this but will see how it goes. I think I prefer a more secure sealing before rolling, especially if the pack is full.
The mesh pockets on the shoulder straps seem useful. Sunglasses feel secure. My iPhone Plus fits securely in the other. I would kind of prefer them to sit a little lower down the strap for ease of accessing the top, but I guess that if they were lower then the stored object would get in the way of arm swing.
The mesh outer pocket holds my wet notch. I would prefer slightly more generous mesh here, but a bit of a shove and it's okay.
In the pictures it is packed with my tent, quilt, mat, most of my clothes. Just need to add my warm layer, cook pot, bag of technology, sun hat and wash kit. There is plenty of room for food and other stuff, including probably my home made chair.
I really like it a lot. Astute observers will notice that my sit mat is orange and my water bottle is blue - perfectly accessorised with the pack colour scheme! This is honestly a complete co-incidence!
750g including y-strap and side-closure straps. The side closure straps are overkill really. VX07 - which seems plenty sturdy to me. Sturdier than I imagined.
Are there any changes I would make? Probably ask for a bit more fabric on the mesh front and maybe more fixing loops down the side in case I want to add an external mesh pocket to store my cook pot or wind jacket as per the Arc Haul.
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