North Face Pivotal Backpack

“Anyone have one of these? They definitely reverse the trend of rolling out lighter backpacks.

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/TNF0668/c3/s8/The-North-Face-Pivotal-60-Backpack-3700-cu-in.html?CP=Sitematch&CMP=KAC-SKU&mv_pc=r141&ATT=031607&GCID=C14965x023&keyword=North+Face+Pivotal+60+Backpack”

“A 3700ci pack that weighs 6#6oz and costs $227 on sale? Wow. My first smart remark was going to be that they need a big pack so that they can write TNF more time on it. Upon seeing the link I now realize it's an undersized, extremely heavy pack that just costs too much. How innovative”

“LOL!

Funny thing is it won Backpacker's editors choice award
http://www.thenorthface.com/na/news/news-20050320.html
It's It'ssupposed to be extra comfortable and practical because it pivots on the wearer. Northface is still sellling and promoting
two versions. I was surprised to see somthing heavier and priceier come out.

Here's NF's hype of the system:
http://www.thenorthface.com/na/news/news-pivotal-pack.html
last edited: 3/21/07 2:06:44 PM”

“Really... that Moutainsmith from 4 years ago was a little bigger, $100 cheaper than the Sale Price and weighed half as much... and it's plenty comfortable.

This is like the Twilight Zone, LOL --- Did TNF and the magazine just lose their collective minds temporarily?”

“I'm wondering. Now that I'm an old fart, I worry about things like my knees. They don't care whether the extra weight is wonderfully suspended - they just (k)need less impact each time I take a step.

Maybe its like cars. American manufacturers keep trying to make money by selling us bigger heavier cars.”

“This idea from the North Face isn't new. It's actually a recycled idea they came up with back in the 1970's with a pack called the Back Magic. It was an external frame pack that had a flexible joint made of Zytel plastic between the frame and hipbelt with the idea of giving the hips independent movement. They discontinued the pack after a few seasons. It appears they tried the apply the same concept to an internal frame pack, but it seems like they are trying to solve a problem that isn't there to begin with. Most internal frame packs already have hip movement and enough flexibility without complex systems that increase weight and cost.
last edited: 3/21/07 9:55:28 PM”

“Interesting Rich - so it is a throwback in another way also.

backpacker's rave is:

http://www.backpacker.com/article/1,2646,8172,00.html”

“Backpacker magazine would be about the last place I'd look for a review on anything. They seem to rave about everything they test. I'd rather depend on my own judgement to determine if something is going to work for me before I'd listen to them. Despite what they say, that pivoting hipbelt isn't a new innovation on a pack.”

“Yes, those knee aches and that twinge in the hip are trump! I remember when I liked downhills better than up, [G]”

“Here's a photo of me with an innovative robotic backpack.


last edited: 3/22/07 6:20:09 AM”

“Ahnold!”

“Backpacker's editors choice award


......and North Face buys how many pages of ads? LOL”