Hi all. I posted a little while back asking if anyone had hands on the new Mystery Ranch Blitz 35. Nobody had, but a few people expressed interest in seeing it if I got one.
I ended up ordering one in Large via REI. They actually had the black in stock (MR did not at the time), and we had some dividend bucks there, so I got the pack for less than half of retail out of pocket. Thanks, REI! The bag arrived a couple of days before we left for vacation to an out of the way spot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so I loaded it up and took a few accessories to set up different configurations for various activities, and we set off for a 10+ hour drive.
This isn’t my first MR bag (I also have the 2-Day). Build quality, as expected, looks awesome. My pack doesn’t show any fraying fabric ends, stray threads, etc. Hardware all seems to be of excellent quality and well chosen for the task. Unlike the 2-Day, I was happy to see Velcro strap keepers on almost all straps. They are not on the lid straps …
My first multi week trip (that isn’t a thruhike) with one bag went great! Flying home now and so excited to get a cheap ticket since I have no carry-on (this backpack counted as my personal item) and no checked bags! Love this lifestyle and never looking back! (Posting this while in the sky with free wifi, yay technology!)
I took a trip over the weekend and I noticed something that in a way is kind of backfiring on us. There were so few checked bags that the airlines were begging people who packed in carry on only to check their luggage. Not the normal gate check situation, or because they didn’t meet the carry on size requirements, but because there was no room in the plane’s overhead compartments. This wasn’t just one flight but just about every one they called at the nearby gates. They were making announcements stating that there wasn’t enough room on the plane for everyone to fly with carry on. While I’m sure not all of these were the passengers’ only bags, I wonder how much of this stems from people discovering the joy of not having to wait at a baggage claim or worry about losing things.
Experiment 325 - Alienskin Billfold
A simple billfold experiment using some of the last scraps of our now unobtainable Doubledyneema Alien Skin fabric. Folds asymmetrically and a single card slot holds up to roughly half a dozen cards.
Going with an esoteric pick, but Supermarine Shell is one of nicest pieces I own. The taped seams are a thing of beauty, and it’s the most comfortable rain jacket you can make. I even used the back internal pocket to stuff my croissant. Clothing is best when it encourages us to get outside. Sure one can usually avoid the rain, but why let rain stop the flow of one’s day?
Experiment 341 - Polyamour Swanhook Belt
A 3D printed metal experiment meets a 2-point belt adjust experiment. The Swanhook is a custom developed 3D printed, nickel-plated steel hardware that creates a simple hook and cord system that allows for changing the belt’s curvature. The body of the belt is Polyamour Webbing for breathable comfort.
Interested in this experiment with the wider more relaxed fit, but I am a bit nervous due to how different it looks on different body types. The pics on the product page make it look like a slightly wider Bombworks, and I saw a great pic of Willie and it looked fantastic on her.
Bit nervous though as the next time the Outler IG posted it with another model, they looked quite large and a bit too relaxed, so now I just thought I’d check with the sub to see if anyone has impressions of the fit and style of this Experiment. Thanks!
Hey Folks- I’m sorry if this has been beaten to death.
I know the 60/30s aren’t coming back so I’m looking for an alternative that I can wear to work (i.e. dress up or down), take on trips, and around town for most seasons. I do a lot of walking, biking around town and some hiking when I can. Would be great to be able to wear innocuously with an OCBD when going to dinner with the older folks from time time.
Hoping for suggestions and thoughts from those of you with more knowledge