Katahdin Pack
- 22 ounces with hip
belt
- 3400 cubic inches
- 3 compression straps
- 2 water bottle pockets
- 2 zippered pockets
- Detachable hip belt
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Read the
review
in the March 2004
Backpacker magazine. |
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Now in its third generation,
the Katahdin Pack has several features that set it apart.
Its
compression strap system
is second to none. Three equally spaced straps perform the important
function of holding items in place, thereby preventing the bane of
backpackers – shifting loads. Whatever position you place your heavy food bag in,
horizontal or vertical, it will not lump to one side or the other. As
any experienced backpacker will attest, the closer to your back and
shoulders you can squeeze your load, the lighter it will feel.
Another distinguishing feature
is the detachable hip belt, which can be easily removed if
you decide you don't need it. When attached, it can be adjusted up or
down to accommodate different torso lengths. Most important,
the belt
doesn't skimp on padding; it is designed for load-bearing. Its
lifter
straps attach directly to the base of the pack, allowing you to pull the
pack into your hips for a closer, smoother "in-line" ride.
As a frameless pack, the
Katahdin (named after Maine's famous mountain) uses a pad such as your
foam sleeping pad or air mattress as its "frame." The padding is placed
inside the pack, thus giving you many options on the thickness of the
padding you desire. The pack is constructed of tough, industry standard 1.1 oz.
silicone coated nylon. The back panel (the part that presses against
your back) is a combination of air-cooled, breathable mesh and wicking
CoolMax® fabric designed to reduce sweat and heat build-up. Padded
shoulder straps with two lifter straps and one
sternum strap offer
maximum carrying comfort for heavier loads. Two
mesh water bottle
pockets at hip level and two nylon zippered pockets at shoulder level
round out the Katahdin's impressive carrying power, a proven favorite
among thru-hikers.
For speed hikers, short hikers and women, consider
this pack in the smaller 2600 cubic inch version. The features are
identical except its being two ounces lighter at 17 ounces (without
belt). Also, the shoulder straps and hip belt have a narrower cut for
better fit and fewer friction points.
There is no choice of color. Be
assured it will be dark and muted
–
not yellow!
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