ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack, A First Impression

At first glance, the Pathfinder from ALPS OutdoorZ looks like a well-appointed fanny pack that would be perfect for light and fast missions. However, if you unzip the top compartment, you’ll roll out a day pack section which really expands on the functionality of the pack. Now you have a 44L pack that is more than capable of hauling large and/or heavy loads. I recently took the Pathfinder on an exploratory outing to the Arizona Strip to get acquainted with it. Here are my thoughts so far.

The Pathfinder is one of those pieces of gear where the more you use it, the more you find yourself appreciating it. While loading the pack out for this trip, I was pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail and how well thought out the pack is in terms of places to store gear. The outside of the pack is just as capable, with a number of straps and attachment points that will allow you to carry large or heavy things. The removable harness is well thought out and the straps adjust to fit well—at least to my anatomy.

During my trip, the pack traveled over 160 miles of dirt roads, collecting enough silt to turn the pack a solid color tan, but my binos and all of my camera lenses stayed spotlessly dust free on the inside. I can’t say the same of other packs that I’ve taken on dirt road excursions in the past. I was able to pack everything I wanted with me for a day in the field, as 44L is more than enough space for an overnight adventure.

Now that I’ve gotten a bit of use out of the pack, I’m eager to see what I can really do with it. The folks over at ALPS OutdoorZ clearly put some time into the design of the Pathfinder, and it shows in the multi-role functionality of the pack. I’m looking forward to seeing how it does carrying a proper load of meat, and likewise, how well it works on some preseason scouting missions. I’ll probably even take it bird hunting just to mix it up. This pack can fill a variety of roles with ease, and I’m expecting nothing other than continued enjoyment from here on out. The Pathfinder is a great ‘quiver of one’ pack, and based on my experience with it this far, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

For more information on the ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack visit, http://outdoorz.alpsbrands.com/products/packs/hunting-packs/pathfinder.

ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack

FEATURES

Our Most Versatile Pack Yet
Universal Design that Fits a Wide Variety of Compound Bows
Carrying System Designed for Packing Out Meat
Designed to Secure and Comfortably Carry Heavy Loads
Extension Lashing Straps Included for Extra Large Loads
Fanny Pack Expands into Day Pack
Adjustable Shoulder Harness
Compatible with the Accessory Pockets
Pockets: 2 Side, Front and Main, Fanny Pocket, Day Pack Pocket

SPECS

Fanny Pack Capacity: 800 in³
Day Pack Capacity: 1900 in³
Total Capacity: 2700 in³
Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Pattern Options: Realtree Xtra or Realtree MAX-1