I Finally decided on a Hunting Pack, and I went with Nimrod Packs out of Washington State. I am familiar with their products, being a Firefighter and a USAR Member, we (USAR) use their bags. So having said that, here is my Mini Review on the Nimrod Apex Pack System. While Searching our site for Packs I found that there was very little about Nimrods, so I thought I would show you why I like their Pack. The Apex system is the Hunting Version of the USAR Pack I Have. Basically , it is 3 Packs in 1. a 600ci Base Belt Style Pack with Shoulder Straps that you can use alone, or Second , you can add the Pinnacle Bag to the Belt Setup giving you 1300ci. Finally and Third, you can add the Guide Pack, to either just the Basic Belt or the Belt/Pinnacle Pack Setup. The Guide Pack is 2600ci and by adding this to the Belt/Pinnacle Setup you will have nearly 4000ci and making it the Apex Pack System..
It seems that it will be a very Quite Pack, the "no see'um" Camo will work well Anywhere, it's not Predator or ASAT, but good none the less. The Fleece Fabric has a waterproof liner and the stitching is excellent. There is No Velcro Closures , Drawstring, Buckle , and a Twist Style Lock. There are many pockets on the inside for sorting goods , 1 Main Compartment on the Guide Pack, along with 3 Outside Pockets. The Pinnacle Bag has a Main Compartment and 2 Small Outside
Pockets. However, for all it's good points, for me there is one thing I would change. The Inside Lining is Black, a lighter color would make it easier to locate things. The "Perfect Pack" it's not, however a Great Pack it is. Made in the USA, Excellent Quality in Material and Craftsmanship, Quite, Carries Great, Many Accessories, and Excellent Customer Service ( they have answered the phone every time I have called ). Am I slightly Prejudiced , yes , but I could have spent my money anywhere. After research here and phone calls to other manufactures, some answered , some never returned calls, I went with Nimrod. If you are trying to decide , give them a call, with just a few snaps you can go from a Day Pack to a Full Out Multi Day Elk Hunting Pack. Thanks, Sutty
PINNACLE BAG
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Suty15/Hunting%20Stuff/0c4082f0.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Suty15/Hunting%20Stuff/fc095438.jpg)
INSIDE OF PINNACLE
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Suty15/Hunting%20Stuff/92c11c92.jpg)
THE APEX PACK SYSTEM
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Suty15/Hunting%20Stuff/05929c74.jpg)
No pics wider than 640 please.
What do they run $
LBRay, this system was 279.00. I understand that's not cheap, but it is very versatile. It is competivaly priced with packs of that size. I am not a salesman for them, just a fan. Thanks, Tu Compadres, Sutty
They are a nice pack. I had that system. The only down fall is they are almost worthless for packing meat (or super heavy loads). I think being able to pack a load of meat out th fist trip is a must.
Doug & his wife started this pack biz out of their garage many moons ago and built it to what it is today. Great folks! He uses the gear and has prototypes field tested by others, as well. I traded for one of the earlier generations off the classifieds here. I use it with an Arrowmaster quiver, when the situation calls for it.
Elksong, I have not packed more than about 80lbs in my USAR pack, that was personal equip,and rescue equip. I can see not being a top loader how it would be harder to pack out meat. Guess I would invest in their folding pack frame for that. In any case thanks for your input, first hand knowledge is the best. Thanks, Sutty
Nice pack. That would be perfect for my needs. I'll put it on my short list. Thanks for the review.
Love mine. Had it about 5 years or so and it has plenty of miles. What sold me was the harness system, very comfortable. I also got the frame with it, while it is not my first choice for long heavy packs out it does a great job on the first load.
I agree on the black interior, good point.
Cetainly been money well spent for me
"it does a great job on the first load"
Are you saying it does a great job with the frame? Because without it is is little more than a day pack? I could barely fit one boned out hind quarter into it and then there was no support structure to help distribute the weight. VERY comfortable to hunt in, just not a real work horse.
Elksong, I imagine stickbow was talking about the all metal folding frame.. If you have not seen it , it is a all metal frame with a fold down base to set your meat on and then strap to the frame. In any case that would fix any issue with hauling out meat. Thanks, Sutty
Suty - I figured that is what he was talking about. You are probably right, it should make it a very complete pack with the td frame.
Have been using one for about 5 years now. I love it! While it isn't the pack that can cover all situations, there are ways around that. When I am hunting where I may have to take meat out, I carry a few pillow cases or sugar sacks in the big compartment.
Great packs made by great folks. As has been pointed out without the frame it's not a meat hauler, but as a daypack they're hard to beat.