Kickstarter Project - MFD Freetour Backpacks and Collapsible Water Bottles

[kcjnz]

Hey folks, just found a sweet backpack on Kickstarter that looks like it would fit the bill here. Let me state up front that I am not affiliated with them in any way, I just want to get the word out to folks so this gets funded so they can make these (because I have pledged for 1). Here's the link to the project. I would be interested in what folks on the forum think.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...le-water-bottl


Peace!

[meter-man]

Looks like a pretty money system. Well thought out. Plus maybe I need something to replace my 10 yo BD pack... I'm curious how well they carry skis - always a kicker with a touring pack. Anyone wear one of these packs?

[Lindahl]

Not bad, but they really need to detail every single little feature of that backpack in order for Kickstarter to be successful, IMO. Without a product that someone can play with, they really need to be clear EXACTLY what they are making. For example, it looks like the 30L pack has backpanel access, but there isn't a single blurb about that feature. It's also hard to understand what all pockets/zippers/etc. are on the inside of the pack. Also, the photos are too small to see the details they DO show - they need large hi-res versions. Way too much information is missing for someone to make a decision on a backpack commitment or not (IMO).

[butterscotch]

I think MFD should fuck off. They're an established company, why not act like one? Instead of begging on the internet, maybe do a market study, develop a commercialization plan, and re-invest their earnings to refine existing products and/or offer new ones. They were able to hire a designer after all, why not sack up and pay to have the first batch of backpacks made if they really believe in their product?

[iscariot]

I think MFD should fuck off. They're an established company, why not act like one? Instead of begging on the internet, maybe do a market study, develop a commercialization plan, and re-invest their earnings to refine existing products and/or offer new ones. They were able to hire a designer after all, why not sack up and pay to have the first batch of backpacks made if they really believe in their product?

This....

[PNWbrit]

Good fucking luck to them I say... and gave them some $.

They're an established company

I bet they're all driving around in Veyrons on the proceeds of the MFD plates.

[Mr.Tong]

Looks like a pretty money system. Well thought out. Plus maybe I need something to replace my 10 yo BD pack... I'm curious how well they carry skis - always a kicker with a touring pack. Anyone wear one of these packs?

Got to use this pack a bunch last season doing some product testing for Prigge. Have done product testing for BD, Dakine, and Ortovox in the past and the 15L did real good by me. Carry system is solid, I've always had issues with being a shorter guy and riding longer sticks so I end up dragging my tails in more technical (rock/ice) spots, but the dual diagonal carry on these was breezy. Did break one strap about 1/2 way through the season but looks like they changed up the material on the webbing to a heavier duty nylon. No problems since. Felt like a great medium in between the functional boxy fit of the ortovox and the overly simplified Dakine bags. Hydration system is solid since I can't wrap my head around a camel back, and I hate having a full nalgene in my bag for bigger landings. Compartments work great for the whole gear organizing thing, and was using it with no problem as a city bag up until I got my hands on a Patagonia bag recently.

O and I'm a bit bias towards it as it did save my life a few weeks ago. Pictures are about 1/2 way down the article http://snowbrains.com/injury-profile-eliel-hindert/

[bsavery]

Hydration system is solid since I can't wrap my head around a camel back, and I hate having a full nalgene in my bag for bigger landings.

Thanks for the review, but uh.... what's so hard to wrap you head around with a camelback? You just suck. (on the tube)

[LongeD]

I think these packs look pretty cool. One of my biggest issues with packs has always been finding a quick and easy ski carry system. I hate being the dude fumbling around trying to get my fat fucking pow skis in crappy little loop or having the buckle pop open while i'm doing 30mph over whoops, doubling on a sled. I saw Eliel with it at linecatcher last winter and it seems well designed. And now that there is an ABS component it seems to cover all bases. I might be ditching my ugly blue and yellow BCA bag for one of these!

[neck beard]

Looks a bit like Deuter pack.

Too small for my needs.

uh-oh

[butterscotch]

for fuck's sake, who rolled up those skins like that? does anyone at MFD actually tour?

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Is that a beacon pocket?

[Name Redacted]

for fuck's sake, who rolled up those skins like that? does anyone at MFD actually tour?

Actually, for quick tours, rolling your skins (glue on mohair/nylon) is pretty common. Eliminates the wrestling match every time you switch over. Of course, you wouldn't store them like that. Try it sometime.

[DoWork]

Is that a beacon pocket?

That's what I thought hahaha...

I don't feel like this is really a legit use of the kickstarter website, is this just a free marketing tool now or what?!?? Also, a little more in depth look at the actual packs would make a lot more sense than just showing me pow shots and saying how core someone in the company is. That's cool ad all but show me what makes them special, otherwise they get lumped in with every other pack ever.

[Gone Skiing]

Good news is you don't have to give them money

[dark_star]

Is that a beacon pocket?

Yes, yes it is. But personally I prefer to attach my beacon to my backpack using a break-away zip tie- that way, if I get caught in an avalanche, it won't act like an anchor and weigh me down.

[DoWork]

Yes, yes it is. But personally I prefer to attach my beacon to my backpack using a break-away zip tie- that way, if I get caught in an avalanche, it won't act like an anchor and weigh me down.

Or worse, be windmilling around on you like a mace whilst you tomahawk down Pyramid.

[mtskier]

I am a big fan of MFD, but as a I dealer, I have to say that I am surprised by the kickstarter campaign. The pack and bottles were both as SIA and I have catalogs and order forms that include them. There was no indication that these products would not be produced.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I like how they think there are spine lines at Alyeska that they let you ski. Thats funny. I guess the facets is a spine? Its a fun resort but there's not really big Alaskan spine lines there. You have to skin for those. Seriously though $2500 and you get a stay at a mediocre hotel and a few overpriced lift tickets. I think a day in a bird or at least a snowcat would be in order.

That being said the backpack looks rad. It'll be interesting to see the price point of the 30L The water bottle pocket on the strap seems pretty genius.

Obviously kickstarter is trendy way of saying "preorder now!" (and maybe give us a bit more money)

[Mr.Tong]

Is that a beacon pocket?

Think that's an electronics pocket. You know padded pocket lined with reflective material for them heating purposes. Headlamp, phone, etc. Dry, safe, and warm sounds rad to me.

[Mr.Tong]

O and just saw these go up...

TGR
http://www.tetongravity.com/blogs/Ja...re-6534540.htm

Powder
http://www.powdermag.com/gear/mfd-fr...-30l-backpack/

[Hugh Conway]

I think MFD should fuck off. They're an established company, why not act like one? Instead of begging on the internet, maybe do a market study, develop a commercialization plan, and re-invest their earnings to refine existing products and/or offer new ones. They were able to hire a designer after all, why not sack up and pay to have the first batch of backpacks made if they really believe in their product?

because it's alot easier to take money on kickstarter with it's reduced demand for well priced product and product that ships on time. jesus the "bropeners" raised $40k on kickstarter from dickwads here and elsewhere, why wouldn't you use the stupid money?