by Mark - Oakdale, CA
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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When Brian delivered my Wing Nut pack to me I could see there was going to be a learning curve involved in using this modular pack system.
I started using the pack on my family’s vacation to Mendocino/Albion. It was the perfect time to experiment with different configurations and adjustments. I started by loading it with food and jackets to take to the beach. I found it was very comfortable. I also used it as a lumbar pack on a couple of 1 hour runs. When I went on a 3 hour bike ride I removed the main pack bag used the lumbar pack with the only the top pack nested in the lumbar pack. here I struggled to get a comfortable fit. Eventually I realized that the 1″ nylon straps that attach the shoulder harness to the lumbar pack wasn’t threaded correctly through the 1″ male clips. This allows the strap to slide through the clip so it was impossible to keep adjusted to fit. After I re-threaded the straps they held the adjustment perfectly.
Next I needed to test the pack loaded. My bike ride to work was my first commute using the Wing Nut pack. I ran half an hour on Monday and an hour on Tuesday with my wing-nut pack loaded to about 20 lbs (dirty clothes, 95 oz water, inner tubes, bike tools and a 10 lb weight from the fire station’s fitness equipment) I fount it very comfortable. It’s the most comfortable loaded pack I’ve worn. In the past I’ve had to tape over my lumbar region to prevent chafing.  I don’t think I’ll get that chafing with this pack.
I think it’s going to be hard to fit as many clean shirts into this pack as my old Salomon pack when commuting. It would also be difficult for a teammate to grab something out of the main pack while on the move when the top pack is attached, especially if that teammate doesn’t also use a Wingnut pack. This is partially negated by the ample space in the hip belt compartments that I can access myself. This is where I will stash most of my food and other things I need to get without stopping. It would be nice if these hip pockets were farther forward.
The extra compression strap that came with my pack is fitted with a different brand of plastic 1″ clip than the rest of the pack so it doesn’t integrate as intended right now. I’d like to try the top pack attached to the chest but will have to wait until the incompatible clip issue is resolved.
I am currently using a 95 oz square shaped bladder from Liquid Solutions that fits nicely in the hydration compartment of my lumbar pack.  I still need to investigate other brands of hydration bladders because the standard 100 0z. bladder doesn’t fit into the pack well. Also, the information pamphlet that came with the pack said the straps that attach the shoulder harness to the lumbar pack need to be wrapped around the nylon rod. I’ve set it up both ways and didn’t notice a difference.
The key to making this pack work is adjusting the length of the straps that attach the shoulder harness to the lumbar pack. This is essentially how you adjust the torso length of the pack and should be done and tested carrying different sized loads loads in the pack. I recommend marking the strap at the adjustment that works best for you.Â
This is a great pack for adventure racing. Brian, Mike, and will all used it at Raid the North Extreme. I’m looking forward to days and days of adventure with this pack on my back.
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I have been using my Wingnut pack since the Raid the North Extreme in Canada. It took a while to get the pack set up the way I like it. Now I have really become sold on the back. I especially like using just the basic frame for shorter races - 6 to 12 hours. I am able to get all my manditory gear and food in the hip pockets. I really like the way the pack fits when riding a bike. With the weight at hip level the pack is extremely comfortable to wear. It does not effect your center of gravity like some packs that sit high on your back. I have also gotten use to being able to reach gear on the ride. It takes some practice to learn how to reach in to the hip pockets, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite easy.
I also like running in the hip pack. It has nice air flow as the back is exposed. With the hip section snug, it carries very well while running through the bush or on a road or trail. The little pocket on the strap works very well for carrying a compass or glasses or other little items. The hip pockets carry a ton of stuff, which is very helpful on long rides or races.
My Wingnut pack has proven to be very durable. I have used it in numerious races and many, many training rides and runs. I have bulled through brush, carried my bike up 1000 ridges on deer trails and scambled over granite rock ledges. Through it all my pack has completely held up with no rips, tears or other malfunction.
This pack has proven it’s metal time and again. It is very versital, which is important in AR. With it’s many attributes, a WingNut is the pack you want for AR.