NRS Paragon Pack - NRS Claims: The epitome of versatility. Rather than being forced into buying an entirely new dry bag, the Paragon™ Pack allows you to retro fit your existing bags into the ideal portage pack. Back Panel is 23"L x 8.75"W at Base Waist Belt expands to 60" Chest Harness fits well up to 49" Fits Cargo up to 50" in Circumference Has Bottom Support - Webbing/Mesh 3 Stays 2.6lbs

I bought the paragon pack to haul the Water Master into spots that would otherwise be too much of a pain the ass to haul intact or use the WM's boat bag with it's shoulder straps. The WM bag is full on boat material, adding to the total weight to the point where I needed to explore something else.

The Paragon Pack is basically a light pack with no pack bag, but rather a six point strap system designed to haul anything within reason and specifically various sized river bags. One main strap from top to bottom, and two straps across side to side. Each is fully adjustable to accommodate most any sized bag you might have. They claim it can handle items upwards of 50" circumference. The Water Master with it's oars, etc, added up to more than 56", so no problem there.

The idea behind such a pack may not be a first, but regardless it's bitch'n. I really could have used this the other day on a exploration trip down a stream where river crossings were non-stop if only to provide more room for water, food and various dry gear. For such items which don't add up to any major weight, the pack would do very well.

Reporting back any type of bitch on the packs ability to handle a load it clearly wasn't designed for isn't necessarily fair, but is meant to describe it's limits which given the versatility you may someday consider if you get one. Major weight, to include the Water Master which tipped in at 47lbs on a four mile round trip hike, not so much, at least over that distance. The limiting factors are (1) missing load control straps which allows the load to shift around quite a bit when scrambling, and (2) a combination of weak hip belt design and thin shoulder strap padding, which means all the weight is on those shoulder straps. The design was based light purposely although it's so close to handling that next step, why not just do it all the way, which is basically what I suggested to NRS.

Back to the reality which is gear that won't add up beyond 25lbs often, and the pack rocks. Especially given I already have every sized bag already to use applicable to the job. For light / medium duties where you expect to be on / in the river, I'll suggest it if you're in need.

Again, as I say in the article it's pretty unfair to judge the pack by it's ability to handle loads it wasn't designed for, bit I wanted to add this image anyway as it displays what happens to heavier loads without load control straps.

 

 

Article	110
Created	7-7-2007
Modified	7-9-2007
Author	Chris Scoones
Rating	(None)