I saw the front loading pack and it really intrigued me. I decided after years of using just Duluth packs that it was time I tried something new. I thought the front loading concept was great and the stainless hardware was also a great idea. My Duluth packs are heavy and even heavier when wet compared to the codura packs on the market these days. So I reached out to the owner of MNZ Gear with some questions I had and he was quick to respond. He even let me try two packs out before I ordered mine because he said it was important to him that I ordered the right size for my needs. After trying them out I was quick to put in my order for a custom 50 liter pack and a custom map case. I was really impressed after seeing them first hand and trying them out. After I got mine I put it outside in some pretty heavy rains to see how water resistant it was compared to my Duluth packs. To my surprise there wasn’t a drop of water inside afterwards. They aren’t advertised as waterproof or anything but I was just curious. So far this has been a great pack and I really like the idea of supporting a small business making things so close to home. If your in the market for a new pack I wouldn’t hesitate to check them out.

Nice to see a report. What were your customizations?

andym: "Nice to see a report. What were your customizations?"

The 50 liter size and the keeper pockets on the side which might actually be coming standard now. You also get to choose the colors so I guess that is custom too

Nice looking pack, and I like that front loading idea! Thanks for sharing this. Link to their website.

I think i saw this on Jodi Middendorf youtube channel. was intrigued by it.

I saw these on the FB group. By default they don't come with waist belts which I think are a necessity as soon as you get above 30lbs. The owner said he doesn't agree but I think he was going to add something to allow for them. The main downside I see to panel loading is that your traditional vinyl pack liner/garbage bag doesn't really work with the design. I do like panel loaders for casual carry or backpacking (where I would only be using a rain cover at most) but I think I might keep using my top loading bags for canoe country to make use of internal liners.

JD: "I saw these on the FB group. By default they don't come with waist belts which I think are a necessity as soon as you get above 30lbs. The owner said he doesn't agree but I think he was going to add something to allow for them. The main downside I see to panel loading is that your traditional vinyl pack liner/garbage bag doesn't really work with the design. I do like panel loaders for casual carry or backpacking (where I would only be using a rain cover at most) but I think I might keep using my top loading bags for canoe country to make use of internal liners."

I was worried about a liner and how it would work with the front loading concept. However, when he let me check one out before I ordered I was really surprised at how well it worked. I just used one from a Duluth pack and cut about a foot off the height. It was nice to reach in and see what I was grabbing instead of trying to dig from a pack that wants to keep tipping over. I was completely sold on it after trying it out

I do totally agree with JD on the waist belt; much prefer to have the pack weight ride on my hips than shoulders, and for me, that is true with pretty much anything ten pounds and up. That said, I am too old to invest in any more gear, and I have no complaints at all with my CCS packs. But, 10-15 years ago, I would have ordered one, most likely. Then again, 10-15 years ago I bought all kinds of things that I no longer use!

In the canoe, packs ride either on their face or on their back. What I like about top load packs (CCS, Granite Gear, etc) is that when they are laid down on their face, it is only the front that gets wet from any amount of water that accumulates in the canoe. When I tried a front load pack, I had to decide that either I had to have the front zipper area (which is the bag's entry position) get wet, or the rear carrying side get wet. I've found that there is no such thing as "waterproof," only "water resistant." That didn't cut the mustard for me.

I like exploring new ideas but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll stick with my CCS packs.

But as they say..."You Do You!"

Rambler: "

andym: "Nice to see a report. What were your customizations?"

The 50 liter size and the keeper pockets on the side which might actually be coming standard now. You also get to choose the colors so I guess that is custom too"

Thanks.

scottiebaldwin: "In the canoe, packs ride either on their face or on their back. What I like about top load packs (CCS, Granite Gear, etc) is that when they are laid down on their face, it is only the front that gets wet from any amount of water that accumulates in the canoe. When I tried a front load pack, I had to decide that either I had to have the front zipper area (which is the bag's entry position) get wet, or the rear carrying side get wet. I've found that there is no such thing as "waterproof," only "water resistant." That didn't cut the mustard for me.


I like exploring new ideas but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'll stick with my CCS Explorer and Pioneer packs.


But as they say..."You Do You!""

The dimensions of the pack I ordered are 23x15x9 which makes it perfect size to lay on its front, back, or side. I have had no problem laying this pack on its front yet. With the water in the bottom of the canoe and the thunderstorms I was in I’ve yet to have any water get inside the pack. However it’s not waterproof and can happen maybe someday, but until then I’ll continue doing the way I am. I use a heavy duty liner in the pack and I also use two waterproof stuff sacks for my clothes and my down items. The double protection gives me more confidence. I’ve been tripping to the BWCA my whole life witb the double bag system without a failure yet, knock on wood ha ha. What other brand of front loading portage packs did you try? I would like to check them out because these are the only ones I’ve ever seen so far.

Seriously fine-looking pack.

sns: "Seriously fine-looking pack."

Thanks!! We think they are pretty cool.

If anyone has any question about the packs, I'm more than willing to answer them.

I agree that it seems like well crafted gear, quite interested. One thing to consider is that grab handles at the top of the harness and below the hip belt is vital for those of us (most dedicated solo trippers) who prefer to keep a pack flat and below the gunwales (harness side up)- I won't consider a pack without them.

Banksiana: "I agree that it seems like well crafted gear, quite interested. One thing to consider is that grab handles at the top of the harness and below the hip belt is vital for those of us (most dedicated solo trippers) who prefer to keep a pack flat and below the gunwales (harness side up)- I won't consider a pack without them."

Each pack comes with 4 grab handles, one on each corner. It is not hard to add more handles to fit your needs.

Banksiana: "I agree that it seems like well crafted gear, quite interested. One thing to consider is that grab handles at the top of the harness and below the hip belt is vital for those of us (most dedicated solo trippers) who prefer to keep a pack flat and below the gunwales (harness side up)- I won't consider a pack without them."

He does make them with the hip belt and other custom things if you want, I opted not to get it though. My pack weighs about 25lbs fully loaded and it just isn’t necessary for me

Banksiana: "One thing to consider is that grab handles at the top of the harness and below the hip belt."

I agree that these are the most important positions for grab handles.
I vote that you make it standard.
I'm also interested in a secondary top compartment, for quick grab stuff. Nalgenes, TP. Bug spray.
Maybe 4" tall? :)