I agree the Camelbak BFM appears to be a great pack for SAR. Another poster said it was comfortable, I would need to wear it to tell.

I don't really feel the need to see my equipement. This is true for my first aid kit also, I don't need a kit that can be spread out to show a ton of elastics loops to hold everything. I know what I have and where it is. Keep in mind that this is for long hikes or search operations, if I had my car nearby it would be a different story, I would probably have a huge bag with a gazillion compartments! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I could fit everything I need in the Stratos and have no issues at all getting to my equipement (rain jacket, first-aid kit, headlamp, towel). I paid attention to all the features of the pack and I think it's paying out!

For example, the belt pockets. They are very roomy. In the left one, I have my MSR face towel and Tikka XP headlamp. On the right side, I keep my flagging tape, tissues, and there's some space left for my cell phone i'm sure.

Osprey really design some great packs. You can access the main compartment by unclipping only one buckle, and pulling a cord with one hand, it's very fast.

I definately need to see/feel a Camelbak BFM though.

Ttyl!

Hi there Overclocker,

Thanks for your replies and your recommendations on the dry bags. I did purchase some silnylon bags, they are Outdoor Research Helium Quick sacks :

I bought the smallest and second-smallest sisez. They seem pretty water resistant. They open and close easily, and they are so light! They appear durable too. I'm sure you will agree they are a good choice too!

As for your comment regarding maneuverability, I think it is valid and the Stratos pack should fit the bill. I'm a little worried the Camelbak BFM some have recommended would be prone to more snags between branches, and make myself less stable on the trail.

Bye!

Hi Frank!

I walked around the store for a while with the Atomic Tangerine in my hand. Then I went back to the display and grabbed a black one... <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

The AT was nice but I was afraid I would get annoyed by that color at some point. More visible? True, but is that something I always want when I put the pack on? I don't know... For SAR, probably, but otherwise, maybe not.

Black is neutral and easier to wash too! Pack should look great for a loooooong time.

You can seal the seams of the stuff sack with :
one part 100% silicone caulk
two parts mineral spirits/ paint thinner
Nothing else will stick to the silnylon material.

I still prefer the taller, contoured design of the Osprey/Advent vs. the Rucksack style bags that I carried for 20 years.
Those packs just stick right to your back, even at impossible upside down angles that I could never acomplish with my old rucksack.

Bee's terrain in Quebec City is pretty diverse. It has sheer cliffs above the river to the south, mixed hardwood/softwood on the plateau and Spruce forests in the mountains to the north. Those spruce trees are like iron wood, they just don't have any flex or give to them at all. You can't push thru them, you can't break them, crawling under the edge of the grove is the best option,using snowshoe rabbit trails.

I can understand his need for a pack with a premium on maneuverabilty over ease of access, but not black, Bee! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
(sorry, I've developed Black Fly Phobia, after my last Pitch-Black backpack) I'd rather look like a giant carrot, i think... but then there's rabbits to worry about. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

You want me to go back to the store and trade it for the Atomic Tangerine, like this?


<img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yeah Bee, you know these people only want the best for you... LOL! While we're at it, do you like my carpet? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />