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Equinox Katahdin Initial Report
Tester Bio
Name: Evan Cornell
Age: 14
Gender: Male
Height: 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters)
Weight: 105 pounds (47.5 kilograms)
Email Address: llenrocnave AT backpacker DOT com
City, State, and Country: Milan, Ohio, U.S.
Date: May 11, 2004
Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking about a year and a half (fall of 2002), and have been taking weekend and weeklong trips. I am involved in at least one weekend outdoor activity a month through Scouting. I like my pack to be as light as I can make it, but don't consider myself as a minimalist yet. I am in the process of refining my backpacking system, downsizing and simplifying. I am learning to use a tarp, and making my own gear when possible. I am well on my way to falling under the category of ultralight backpacker. I normally hike with my scout troop in Ohio, where the temperature is in the range of up to 90 F (32 C) in the summer, and down to 0 F (-18 C) in winter.
Arrival Information
The Katahdin arrived on May 6, 2004, and was postmarked May 3, 2004. The pack came undamaged in a cardboard box labeled mint gum. The pack came straight in the box, no protection. Then again, a pack wouldn't need much protection. An included invoice stated the amount of products shipped which was one Katahdin pack, color blue. The invoice also stated, "Do not charge for gear or freight. Tester Gear." The pack was clean at arrival, and there did not appear to be any damage to the pack. The Equinox website was a bit lacking in information and photographs of the pack, but from the picture, I was not too suprised at what came. I was suprised to find that the back wasn't solid fabric, and that information is in the product information section of my report.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Equinox Ltd.
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Manufacturers website: http://www.equinoxltd.com
Listed Weight: 1 lb 6 oz (0.62 kg)
Weight as Delivered: 1 lb 8 oz (0.68 kg)
Manufacturers stated capacity: 3350 cu in (55 L)
Product Description: The Katahdin Equinox is an ultralighter's dream pack. It is much lighter than most other "heavy-duty" packs, and it has a pretty large capacity. The main body fabric is "sil-nylon" which is blue, and feels very slippery. The fabric looks at least water-resistant, but I will test this during my further use of the pack. The bottom and sides of the pack is made of a heavier ripstop nylon, the color black, which might prove more durable than the main body fabric. Of course, as with any pack, good treatment of the pack will extend the usable life of the pack. The lower back panel of the Katahdin is a soft, black, fabric slot through which the waistbelt passes. The upper back panel is a heavy black mesh to enhance ventilation of the back. The waistbelt of the Katahdin is removable, and is connected by the side stabilizing straps (which I will explain later) and a large square of a hook and loop closure. The inside of the waistbelt is covered in the same material that is on the lower back panel, and the outside of the belt is the same material as the bottom of the pack. The belt is secured by a large black webbing belt with a large plastic clip. The side stabilizing straps are set up in a V configuration, and are made from black webbing. The shoulder straps have the same material as the waistbelt, and are constructed with a strip of black webbing along the length of the shoulder strap. On this vertical strap is a sternum strap, which prevents the pack from swaying side to side is one is walking. The shoulder straps are connected to the pack at the bottom by a black webbing strap with a plastic slider to adjust the length of the strap. The shoulder strap is connected directly to the top of the pack with a heavy reinforcement patch on the heavy mesh back panel. The vertical line of webbing on the shoulder strap connects above the main attachment of the shoulder strap to form what are known as load-lifter straps. On the reinforcement of the shoulder strap attachments, there is a loop of webbing to lift the pack with. On each side of the pack, down near the waistbelt, there is a mesh pocket closed with a toggle and elastic cord. This pocket is meant for a water bottle, or other small items that need to be kept handy. On both side panels of heavier ripstop nylon, there is a zipper pocket, small enough for a energy bar or multi-tool. The main body of the pack is closed by a toggle and cord, and there is no lid pocket. Along the front of the pack connected to the side panels, there are three webbing compression straps to help the load be compressed to have a smaller, convienient pack to carry. Also, on the body fabric, there is a patch that says "Equinox, made in Williamsport, PA". There is no frame on the Katahdin, so a rolled up sleeping pad or careful packing is necessary to ensure a comfortable load to carry.
Field Information
I have not had a chance to take the Katahdin on any trips yet, but I have packed the pack up to see how it would feel. This pack carries very nicely if the user has a load under 20 pounds. I used a rolled up closed cell foam mat for a frame, and loaded up the Katahdin with my normal weekend load, and it felt great! This same load with my Gregory Shasta felt like it was ten lbs (4.54 kg) heavier than the same load in the Katahdin. Trying out all the adjustment straps wasn't hard, as there are only a couple of adjustments that can be made. The waistbelt and shoulder straps can be adjusted but there is no torso adjustment. This is easy to remedy as the shoulder straps adjust enough to fit me comfortably, and that adjustment will be tested to see if the pack rides comfortably after a backpacking trip. The waistbelt can also be adjusted on its velcro attachment up and down to provide some torso adjustment. The side stabilizing straps on the waistbelt don't do much except bring the load closer to your hips, and the load lifter straps do basically the same. As I said before, the Katahdin carries extremely well, and I will enjoy further testing of this pack.
Future Testing Plans
I plan to test the Equinox Katahdin on all my backpacking trips and also on my Boy Scout campouts in regular use. I will be testing all the features of the Katahdin, such as the water bottle pockets, side pockets, and durability of the pack.
Pro's and Con's
Con's
- The body fabric seems like it may be a little undurable, but I will take care of the fabric, and hopefully it will hold up under use.
Pro's
- The pack is very light
- It is a nice large size
- The straps are padded well
Summary
I am going to enjoy testing the Equinox Katahdin as it is my first ultralight pack. I will enjoy the lighter weight load I have to carry as well as the small size of the pack. The Katahdin seems like an excellent pack for someone that knows how to effectively use an ultralight system, and that wants a lightweight pack.
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