Reviews > Packs > Pack Accessories > Simblissity Unslack Pack > Jamie DeBenedetto > Initial Report

Simblissity Ultralight UnSlack Pack™
(with optional Hipbelt Kit)

Initial Report - April 27th, 2006

Reviewer's Information

Background/Experience

I began backpacking eighteen years ago after tagging along with my dad to various wild places in Arizona and California as a child. At present I hike in some capacity about fifteen times a month, mostly in Arizona with either the Canine Hiking Club of AZ or with my family. I prefer to sleep in a hammock and I gravitate toward multifunctional gear that will enhance my comfort level for minimal weight. I consider myself a lightweight packer but not ultralight. My total pack weight year round is rarely above 25 lbs (11 kg) for outings of two to three days.

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Product Information

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Product Description

The Simblissity UnSlack Pack is listed by the manufacturer as an "ultralight front-mounted carry system". In a nutshell it is a small pouch with a main compartment and a smaller mesh front pocket. The larger main section seals by two closures, a single snap and a strip of Velcro with very tiny, non-aggressive hooks. The mesh pocket also uses a strip of Velcro as the closure. Each compartment has a little pull tab to aid in opening. The pack is designed to be attached to a shoulder strap or hipbelt less than 8 in (20 cm) wide, although the manufacturer lists several alternate mounting options as well. For wider belts or straps the optional Hipbelt Kit is available for purchase. The pocket is affixed to a pack via what the manufacturer refers to as the "Circumferential Compression™ mounting system". The system uses two parts, a single nylon strap with buckle and a compression cord with a tiny cord lock. The nylon strap runs through a tab at the top center of the pouch. The compression cord is positioned near the bottom and encircles the UnSlack Pack twice staying connected via two guide loops on each side of the pocket. The cord lock keeps it tensioned when the desired fit is reached.

The picture here shows the back of the pack, guide loops, the compression cord and the nylon strap.

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Arrival Condition and Informational Material

The Simblissity UnSlack Pack arrived complete and in perfect working order. Inside the main compartment was a little bag with the Hipbelt Kit. This too looks to be complete and in good condition. Simblissity included a three page instructional sheet with the pouch that is basically a print out of the information on the website. The information is very detailed and covers the set-up and attachment instructions, alternative mounting options, a list of helpful tips, an overview of the pack, its features, the Circumferential Compression™ mounting system, types of items the pouch is suited to carry, and details about its fabric and waterproof/water-resistant construction. As with the webpage, there are several pictures illustrating the various aspects discussed on the sheet. I found this information helpful and easy to follow, especially in reference to affixing the product to my backpack.

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First Impressions

I have high hopes for this little pack. I'm very much a pouch freak and although I'm not totally obsessed with weight it certainly isn't a negative that the UnSlack Pack is so light. I found the steps needed to attach it to my pack's shoulder strap quite intuitive. The first pack I affixed it to doesn't have the option of unbuckling the shoulder strap so I had to unbuckle the UnSlack Pack's nylon webbing strap and the compression cord. This was not difficult and the whole process only took a few minutes. The two compartments look like they will provide ample space for many different types of little items. I do have my concerns about the sealing power of the Velcro strip on the main compartment though. It looks like the snap is somewhat of a redundant securing feature but I will be watching closely to see how the two keep gear safely tucked inside. Another concern is the width of the pack. It's certainly wider on both sides than any of the shoulder straps I use and I'm wondering if I will notice any significant rubbing on my upper arm.

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Expected Field Test Locations and Conditions

It looks like the majority of the testing period will take place in our summer months. I day hike a couple times each week and I have a few backpacking and car camping trips lined up for April, May and June, all of which will take place in Arizona. Elevation on these trips will range from around 2,000 ft (600 m) up to as high as 7,500 ft (2,300 m) on the Mogollon Rim in north central Arizona. I expect temperatures to range from 40 F (4 C) on the low end up to no greater than 100 F (32 C) for daytime highs. Weather conditions are impossible to predict but I would imagine I will get cool and dry, hot and dry, and hot and humid conditions for the most part. I will endeavour to try the item in wet weather as well, if nature provides the opportunity.

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Proposed Test Strategy for the Next Four Months

I anticipate being able to use the UnSlack Pack between thirty and forty times during the testing period. I regularly use five different packs. Two are backpacks, one is a day pack, one is a diaper bag day pack, and the other is a backpack child carrier. None of these packs have a shoulder mounted front pocket. As part of my test plan I will use the UnSlack Pack on each of these different packs. I will be watching to see how easily the Circumferential Compression™ mounting system adjusts to different shoulder straps, how easy it is to attach and remove it from a pack, and whether or not it gets in the way of the natural lay of the shoulder straps thus detracting from their comfort. Simblissity also mentions being able to mount the pocket on the hipbelt as well. This option and the included Hipbelt Kit will be tried with the same thoughts toward ease of attachment and comfort.

As I mentioned in my Initial Impressions, the pack looks a little wide at the top. I'm curious if this will in any way rub on my body or hit my upper arm enough to be a nuisance. I think a few minutes wearing the front pack with various items loaded into it will quickly determine whether or not it rubs. I'm also interested in the manufacturer's claim that the pack will not slide down the shoulder strap or jostle around while I'm moving due to the "lightweight, resilient compression cord". They even say running is possible, which I don't usually do unless I'm being chased but I will endeavor to see how the UnSlack Pack holds up to vigorous hiking, rock hopping, stream crossings, bending, and carrying one of my children, which I often have to do while hiking.

A second claim the manufacturer has listed is in reference to the pocket's holding power. They list several items that will fit into the pouch in some way. Of these I own a camera and a GPS that fit into the size requirements so I will check this claim and find out how easily these items can be reached as well as how secure they are. I also regularly carry many of the other items they have listed as possible bring-alongs so as far as holding power of the two pockets goes I will be testing it against the webpage comments in addition to using other various items and water bottles to see how well the pack performs beyond the things they have listed. Getting into the UnSlack Pack will be checked too. I'm not really a big fan of Velcro on things I have to slip my hand into so it will be interesting to see how the closure method works and if their system will warm me to hook and loop strips.

Simblissity has in my opinion a very bold statement included in the section on the UnSlack Pack's construction. They say by using two resealable freezer style bags inside the UnSlack Pack the wet-weather protection "meets or exceeds that of waterproof camera cases". This claim and the fabric's waterproof/water-resistant construction will be evaluated if the weather cooperates. In addition to using the pack unprotected and with the resealable bags inside during any rain storms I happen to be hiking in I will also do some "oops" tests. These will be pre-planned quick drops in water and full submersions for longer periods to simulate a dunk in a river or a prolonged storm.

Finally, given it's exterior placement on a pack and it's featherlike weight I will be carefully watching to see how well the silicone-coated ripstop nylon holds up to the often unforgiving terrain of the desert Southwest. I will not baby the pack but I don't plan to treat it with any less care than any other item I carry with me on treks. I will also make note of any bursting of seams, mesh, strap, or cord lock failure, and durability of the Velcro strips that seal the pouch compartments.

Thank you BGT and Simblissity Ultralight Designs for the opportunity to be part of this test series.

Jamie J. DeBenedetto
April 27th, 2006

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Reviews > Packs > Pack Accessories > Simblissity Unslack Pack > Jamie DeBenedetto > Initial Report