Ultimate Direction Zoom Pack : Packed to Perfection

After a seven-hour drive from sea level, I was at 10,000 feet, about to set off for a hike to one of my favorite trout lakes.

Already huffing and puffing from the thin air, I was dreading the thought of putting on a heavy day pack. Luckily, I was testing my new Ultimate Direction Zoom Pack, and was very pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was on my shoulders.

Filled with a fleece jacket, a rain shell and pants, my lunch, extra socks, fishing gear, a headlamp, a GPS unit, a good book, and an emergency jacket, this lightweight pack weighed less than I though it would, and I still had some extra room for more gear.

Did I forget to mention that I was also also carrying 96 ounces of water in the hydration system housed in its own zipper pocket?

Once I had the pack on, the shoulder straps were wide enough to help distribute the weight. For a good fit, I pulled on the outer straps, lifting the load into my back, so I could keep it close, as if part of my body. The nylon mesh pads helped with ventilation, as well as protected my back from pointy items in the pack. I liked the wide waist belt; it was comfortable and rode nicely on my hips, with no discomfort after a lot of walking. I also like the conveniently placed mini pockets on the front of the sholder straps, where I stashed snacks and gadgets.

For some reason I've never owned a day pack that had the same quality and functional features as bigger packs designed for extended trips. The Zoom has been a great pack on several of my extended day trips, and I'm consistently pleased with its durability and design.

Unlike heavier canvas or nylon duck packs, the UD Zoom is made of very lightweight, high-tenacity nylon that weighs almost nothing. With a huge volume capacity of 1540 cubic inches, it still weighs only 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

The pack is countered to fit my back, and the hydration bladder rests close to my back in its own compartment. The main compartment extends the full length of the pack and contains two small compartments and a mesh pocket.

A smaller outer compartment has a mesh inside pocket. The outer pockets, especially the mesh pockets, are ideal for wet socks when a creek crossing doesn't go as planned. On the front of the pack there are adjustable straps that allow me to carry a bulky item and cinch it up to the main pack. There is also a small pocket at the very top, designed to hold a race passport (for adventure racers), but I found it to be a great map pocket.

Bottom Line: :   This pack is designed for the adventure racer or a peak bagger who plans a quick trip up the mountain. Its lightweight material and ample storage space, combined with the quality construction and utilitarian design, make this an ideal extended day pack for hikers in almost any environment.--E.C. (August 07)

Price: $109

BUY ONLINE : ,

Manufacturer's Site: www.ultimatedirection.com

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