Syncpack improves the backpacking experience
It’s not every day that you see a new piece of backpacking gear and think - I’ve never seen that before. I mean sure, every year backpacking gear is getting lighter, more compact, and more durable (not to mention more expensive!) but there doesn’t seem to be a ton of real innovation.
Here’s a perfect example: the idea of a collapsable cup (or bowl) has been around for quite some time and for years these things were made of cheap, hard plastic. On a recent trip to REI I came across an update on the concept that replaces the plastic with flexible silicon. Don’t get me wrong - the silicon collapsable bowl is a wonderful update and solves a number of problems with the plastic versions (no seams between rings, heat resistant, lightweight) - but it just doesn’t get me as excited as the first time I saw a collapsable bowl.
Anyway, all of this is a long intro to a product I found online today: the Syncpack from Frontpack Systems. The Syncpack is worn on your chest to balance out the weight of a heavy backpack on your back and gives you convenient access to important gear.
I’m a young guy (just turned 30 last year) but I have to admit on a backpacking trip a couple years ago I found myself experiencing some severe pain in my shoulders toward the end of the hike. The pain got so bad that I literally had to remove the shoulder straps on my bag and balance the entire pack on my waist belt. Although I haven’t tried a Syncpack myself I suspect having one could have eliminated my shoulder problem before it even got started.
I’m also a big fan of having convenient access to important pieces of gear without having to use a friend or take my pack off when I need something. Just think about all the things you could access while hiking - water, snacks, GPS, maps, flashlight, camera - without having to stop!
Unfortunately the Syncpack isn’t cheap and at $99 it costs close to the same as a nice overnight backpack. You probably won’t win any fashion awards wearing one of these around either but it’s all about function, right? You can purchase the Syncpack online via thesyncpack.com.
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