Lumbar Pack – follow up

[Anonymous]

Did some online research and found the following two items.  Both less than $40.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=36670&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=36668-ppxs&dds=y&qs=5490949-NSOGoogle

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/MS5015

A few quick questions for those that arent bored of this yet
1. What do the Fishpond and WJ lumbar packs offer that these do not?  Other than the fold down “workbench”  I am just not seeing a huge difference for the extra $50

2. Why are these offered at a more affordable price?  Is it because they are marketed to a larger demographic, therefore they can manufacture more at a lower cost?

3. Do you see any reason why an angler would not consider either of these options?

Alright…I am off to the poconos for some family camping and maybe some brook trout fishing. (depending on spawning)

[Carter Simcoe]

I doubt there’s any real difference.  On the superficial level you get the built in retractors and the W&J zipper pulls which are great for cold/wet fingers.  I like my w&j but I only paid $20 for it, I used a hiking waistpack for many years prior too.  That second one looks nice, its got a small suspension system on it and straps to hold a rain jacket.

I saw a nice waistpack with two knock-off nalegenes at wal*mart for $10 the other day; would have gotten it just for the hell of it but I’ve got two waistpacks I don’t use anymore.

[grant schofield]

Both look like good choices to me. I am pretty obsessive about lumbar packs because I am a smaller guy and fit is very important to me and many of the packs tend to feel way too big when I have them on.

I have had a Mountainsmith back pack for about 6 years now and it is bullet proof. I used to carry it every day and can’t speak about the quality of their products, but its not like they are cheap products either (your looking at one on a good deal it looks like).

[Steve Dally]

Ok Im in FF retail so take this for what it is worth. LOl
Both these would work. I used to use a “normal” waist pack, nice belt but under load was hard to access and find stuff.=, so I went back to a vest.

Then I bought a waterdance. stuff fits and I can find it. 3 compartments not 2. Flyboxes fit (2 large C&F waterproof in the back) and the waist belt is sooo comfortable under full load. Better than my outdoors waistpack.

I used to B^%$# to my fashion designer exwife about some of these issues ( i write a gear column too) why some clothing or outdoor or FFgear was designed.
I got stern explanations about the price on detailing (which we would know as features) and she was heavily involved in the production of a lot of stuff coming out of China.
Anytime you add a feature whether it be stitching, another pocket etc adds a cost. which gets passed onto you.

So look at the Fishpond/WJ or any outdoor product and look at the features. Someone has to stitch in the extra zipper and compartment, key loops etc etc. What do you pay for a coily retractor in a store $9? What’s it worth for zipper pulls you can open with one hand when its raining cold and your up to your waist in a river.

The final choice is yours, are those features worth the extra $50 or so to you. Its your wallet, noone is forcing you to buy either product.

Cheers
Steve

[Author]

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