I wrote about this unique pack system last winter in an OR Show round-up. Looks like the company, RMK Accessories of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania (www.trailflex.com), will finally have a test pack for me to try this fall.
But here's the just of the system for now. . .
This build-a-pack design lets you customize a backpack for your body type and your sport, from bird watching to adventure racing to geocaching.
The company offers more than 20 attachable accessories that snap on and off via little knobs. It's a patent-pending design that lets you attach pouches, pockets, and cases for a variety of gear -- from binocular holders to cell phone pouches.
Once connected, pouches can be positioned to eight different angles for accessibility to gear. With this "Advanced Modular Technology," users decide not only what they carry, but also where and in what easy-access position.
The TF Base Harness costs $99.95; accessories like a binocular pouch, bottle holder, cell phone pocket, knife/flashlight case, MP3 device pouch, GPS holder, and camera pouch start at $9.95 apiece. Pick and choose to make a custom pack for your adventure.
Company: RMK Accessories
Availability: Now.
Price: Base harness, $99.95; accessories, $9.95 to $19.95 apiece.
Contact: www.trailflex.com, 1-800-765-8688
I tried out the new modular system put out on the market by trailflex on a hike with some guys from my unit. We went 36 miles in 4 days over the thanksgiving holiday which included every kind of terrain from paved trails to having to repel down a shear rock wall about 45ft. The pack that I put together wound up costing me around $190.00. It was comfortable, easy to get to everything once I figured out for sure where I wanted it all and it was surprisingly lighter than some of the more popular packs I have had in the past made by Northface. However...for $190.00 any citizen of this country can roll into their nearest Army post and pick up a "M.O.L.L.E." style pack made by a number of brands that is just as comfortable and light for about $40-$50 less. Overall I give it a 7 on a 1-10 scale, but only because of the pricing, have a sale and I would give it a 9 for sure!