GGG Side-Loading Bat Pack

[cavemanjonny]

Does anyone have any experience with these packs? I really like the sideloading idea, but I'm a little leery of a zipper.

[Pat Kambesis]

I bought a side-loading camp pack from GGG specifically for cave camping in a relatively dry, no mud, vertical cave. The side opening makes packing very easy, allows you to get to all of your gear very quickly, waist and pack straps are very comfortable which is important for carrying heavier loads. However, I would be very hesitant to take this pack in a wet, muddy cave for any reason because of the zipper. It is covered by flat webbing, but the mud would eventually get in. Once the zipper got mud on it, it would be harder to open and close.

I think the most versatile packs for most types of caving are the PVC variety, with a top, fold-down closure (like the Cheve pack or similar smaller models that GGG makes). Its no big deal if mud gets in the closure.

Pat K.

[cavemanjonny]

Hmm, thank you very much . That's exactly what I wanted to know.