Here's a very interesting new design from Kifaru: the Koala. It looks like it could be configured in many different ways for different applications: survival, commo, E&E, SAR, etc. I like that it can be integrated as a front-pack when used with a back-pack.

ETA: I have no affiliation w/ Kifaru.

That might work well with my camera.

Thanks for the link.

Like it! Someone has been doing some good thinking with that design.

other Pete

Any word on pricing yet? I couldn't find any on the Kifaru forum thread.

I've found Kifaru gear to be very well designed and constructed. It can be pretty expensive gear for someone like me who is used to thrift store and surplus packs -- especially if you add various straps, belts and pouches. But my Kifaru kit has been rock-solid and useful. Glad I have it and am saving for more.

Looks great for a chest rig with a back pack, or something on your lower back for quick trips!

+infinity on that Henry. Whatever happened to the good ole days of $20 rucksacks for a day hike. Now you buy a pack and "oh you have to buy this expensive harness and oh the harness only works if you buy this adapter, and oh, that will only work if you buy this accessory that costs more than the pack." Don't jump all over me at once. I am all for buying quality gear and the new tougher water resistant longer wearing etc materials are more expensive and costs go up again for quality construction techniques and good quality control. I get that. It just seems like a lot of the new gear has to be a system. It seems an awful lot like a money racket to me. You can't get by just buying a pack, you have to buy everything else that goes with it to make it work like it is supposed to. I gladly pay $100 or more for quality knives, same for quality shoes, and other gear. But d@#^ paying $200 for a pack plus more for the modular belt and straps and padding and .... sorry, been on the soap box for too long (by the way not saying this particulart pack is that much either, just making a point). Just old school I guess. Sometimes it just seems like these guys are more interested in how much expensive gear they can force you to buy rather than just sticking to a good quality stands alone reasonably priced product. Please forgive my ranting.
*shackled in center of town waiting for the stones to start flying*

Buying American costs more.

And the pay scale in Denver ain't cheap.

I have fond memories of the Frostline kits, which I found enjoyable and relaxing to construct. I learned that it's only a needle and thread - not that hard to modify existing stuff or make your own.

I wonder if the X-harness they are talking about is the one that TT uses for the MAV, or is at least compatible....

*slaps myself* No, bad thought, I can't afford two of them for the ditch kit. Although being able to strip off the core one and pop off the back piece is a drool-worthy image.

I gotta get back to sewing gear. Som many ideas, so little time...