Archery Talk Forum banner

Paradox Packs

11K views 82 replies 15 participants last post by  RockChucker30  
#1 ·
Image



Hey guys, I wanted to make an official intro. I've been on the forum a long time now under the handle DeathBringer and just had it changed when I sponsored the site. I use RockChucker30 on every other forum I'm on so it's a bit more consistent.

I've been working with Kevin Timm at Seek Outside for the last year to design a heavy load capable backpack, and we are almost ready to introduce it. This pack is intended for backpack hunters, but also for a more general backpacking crowd.

We designed a load responsive articulating frame and got the patent application filed on it last week. The frame is the heart of the system...it is very stiff and strong at heavy loads, but it moves with your upper body at light loads which creates a lot of comfort.

The system revolves around the Evolution frame, harness, hipbelt, integrated compression straps, load shelf, and compression panel. From there various pack bags and different compression panels can be interchanged for various purposes.

We are using X-Pac fabric for most of the pack bags. X-Pac is a four ply laminate with a mylar layer that makes it waterproof to 200 psi. Our pack bags will not absorb water, and if you seam sealed them they would probably be waterproof (the seams on the bag are edge bound anyway, so they will be very water resistant even without sealing).

I've been working on the website for a while now, and would like some feedback from the board here on what I need to clear up over the next few days.

Paradox Packs

If you've got questions, find mistakes, or think something isn't explained well please let me know and I'll try to get it changed.

Thanks,
Nathan
 
#13 ·
drkangel, I'll have to put that on the list of photos to get. I've got some side profiles of the wife on my cell but am forbidden from posting because she wasn't "dressed up".

Yes, you can literally cut the frame to adjust the height. I wouldn't though, unless you've got it fairly dialed. And it would look more pro if you let us do it before it goes to paint.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Made in Colorado, materials sourced in the US if possible. Dimension Polyant who makes X-Pac fabric is a German company I believe, but they make the best backpack fabric available so we purchase from their US division.

I'm taking notes....I've got to update the site tomorrow, so if anyone has anything else let me know.

Thanks Rodney.
 
#2 ·
Well I'm going to be full of questions, so here goes

What is the width of the top of the frame? the bottom?

Total height of the frame?

Are the frames stays on each side independently adjustable/bendable to fit without sacrificing frame strength/rigidity?

How long have you been testing your new system, and what kind of testing are we talking about?

Are the weights listed going to be the actual weights?

Made to order or stock on hand?
Thanks!
 
#3 · (Edited)
drkangel,

The frame is roughly 14.5" wide at the bottom by 8" or so at the top and the standard frame is 28" tall. Here is a front view:

Image


The frame height is a bit variable though because you can shorten it to fit your torso height. For instance, I'm 6'3" with an 18.5" torso and get more than enough shoulder lift with the standard frame, but on my 5'5" wife with a 15.5" torso it is simply too tall. So, cut 3-4" off and it looks a lot better on her.

The stays are inflexible. It's a bit of a different design from the traditional two center back stays with a lumbar pad that need to conform to your back shape. This frame only needs to conform to your upper back shape. The lower section of the frame does not contact your lumbar, so the standard frame shape will fit 95%+ of body types. Really the only type we would need a custom frame for would be a totally straight lumbar transitioning into a very curved upper back/shoulder area.

We've been testing since last year. I've personally got more than 25 miles loaded with 100+ and a lot more miles at lesser weights. We plan to top 100 miles with 100+ lbs in the next month or two.

The weights listed should be darn close. We will make a couple of cosmetic changes that I know of between the testers and the final version. Such as the top lid....we think it came out a bit ugly, but should be able to adjust the cut and end up with something we like better.

The packs are made to order. Over time we will see if we can keep some stock on hand, because that has several advantages, but for now it's an order and wait affair.

I appreciate the questions.