Boreas Bootlegger
ANTI-ZOMBIE SOAP. A $55,000 potato salad. Although crowd-funding sites can result in bizarre and unusual “successful” campaigns, the power they give consumers in bringing to life products they want is undeniable.
Enter the Boreas Bootlegger. Raising 14 times its goal amount on Kickstarter, this is a three-in-one, modular pack system designed to kill the bag clutter and cater to all your day/weekend adventures – whether on foot, by bike or by paddle.
The system includes a suspension frame and three packs – Hopper, Scrimshaw and Torpedo – and configuring your pack is done easily…really easily. Just slide the frame into the back of a pack, first in the bottom, then the top. Two clips on the shoulder straps secure the pack in place.
With a price tag of $370, the Bootlegger is reasonably priced, considering you’re getting three pack set-ups, the heaviest weighing 1.2kg. Let’s breakdown the kit.
Suspension frame: Made of 7000 series aluminum, the Triple-Tramp frame is lightweight, offering load control and plenty of support. The mesh back panel is a nice touch, creating a separation between your back and the rear of each pack, maximising air flow to keep you cool. EVA foam straps, adjustable hipbelt and sternum straps let you customise fit and boost stabilisation and adjusting suspension is as easy as tightening/loosening a single strap at the top of the panel.
Hopper (day pack):A sturdy 28L day pack made of 210D ripstop nylon (with a 420D bottom), its packed with features, including a waterproof pocket, lined hydration sleeve (though the bladder isn’t included), daisy chains, gear loops and a large main compartment. Plus, quick-access stretch pockets and compression straps on the front give you plenty of storage options and external gear attachment points.
Torpedo (hydration pack): This stripped-down, 13L hydration pack is just enough for your essentials with room for a 3L bladder, plus an accessory loop and seperate top pocket. Thanks to the 140D two-way stretch front panel, the amount you can stash into the Torpedo is pleasantly surprising.
Scrimshaw (dry-bag):This 30L submersible and fully waterproof dry-bag is made of 100D Robic triple ripstop body (with a 420D bottom) and features magnetic roll-top enclosure and is sure to keep your gear dry.
If you’re worried about the Bootlegger being a jack of all trades, but a master of none, don’t be. Boreas Gear have made sure that with this high-performance system, modularity doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
It’s still early days in my quest to minimise bag glut but so far it’s looking promising. If you’re a multi-activity adventurer looking for a hard-wearing, versatile and practical set-up you can change on the fly, be sure to give the Boreas Bootlegger a go.
RRP $370 www.zenimports.com.au
