Being a fan of the original Kolob pack which I had been using pretty much since it was available I was eager to get my hands on a Kolob Hybrid. My original Kolob has seen a ton of use, and although I cannot complain about its durability the mesh that drains so well is now stitched together with dental floss and thread – its kind of a frankenpack after something like 3 years of constant use. To be honest, I never pulled my punches with it, and took it down dry narrow canyons which I was warned would take their toll – I did so because the pack was just the perfect size, and was comfortable. Arizona also has a ton of catclaw and Locust chocked drainages which tear anything which the thorns can grab – skin or fabric…..
Enter the Kolob Hybrid. At 40L the Kolob is pretty much my preferred size for a canyon pack. I have used it for day trips and overnights in technical canyons. Sure, I strapped stuff on the outside, or under the adjustable Lid – but it handles everything I need. I was pleased when my new pack arrived and I discovered the new larger exterior pocket, which now fits two of the 1.5 liter water bottles I prefer. The most significant improvement, and the reason I bought the pack, was the addition of vinyl or urethane coated fabric on the side panels and bottom of the pack. The mesh took a beating from my (ab)use of the original. I was even more pleased to see that the original mesh still exists beneath the super tough outer skin. This means the pack still drains, AND a long tube/pocket has been formed. I can now stow my camera tripod, Happy Hooker, or trekking poles in these!.
I used the Kolob Hybrid on that most serious of technical canyons – Buckskin Gulch. Laugh if you must, but Buckskin actually does test a canyon pack – It lets you know if the pack is comfortable when stuffed! I never purchased the internal frame for my original Kolob – I never thought I needed it. In hindsight, I would have if I had known how much of a difference it makes (I had been told this would be the case). While I typically am a fast and light kind of guy, I was carrying my digital slr and a 3lb tripod making my pack probably 32-35lbs with my camping stuff and 3 liters of water. The Hybrid handled the 12ish mile hike the first day very well, and I could not be more pleased.
Hopefully I’ll be headed to Zion in July and can comment on the performance of the new coated fabric, but I’d venture to guess that it will take many, many canyons to damage it.
Just for full disclosure, I happily paid full price for my Kolob Hybrid, although Tom J assures me my kickback check is in the mail
-tom (w)
adkramoo
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “davewyo1” wrote: > Thanks for the review Tom(W). Ram has been toting around a prototype > of this pack and though he originally complained that it’s heavier > than the all-fabric Kolob Pack, I notice he’s still using it and there > seems to be little wear.
It has proved to be the most durable of Imlay packs. The new materials are holding up quite well. The additional metal rods offer considerably more support than in the past and the pack carries heavier loads better than ever. An absolute winner of a pack. Yes, it does weigh more, but I have worked out a solution to that. Aaron carries it! He says he is in training anyway! 😉 He loves the pack. R
tom
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “davewyo1” wrote:
Thanks for the review Tom(W). Ram has been toting around a prototype > of this pack and though he originally complained that it’s heavier > than the all-fabric Kolob Pack, I notice he’s still using it and there > seems to be little wear. > Also, if you carry a canyon keg, this could be the ticket. > Does the top of the pack have the urethane “cloth” too? > Dave
I didn’t notice the pack being that much heavier, and I’m sure the durability makes up for any weight gain. The top portion of the pack is ballistic nylon just like the original – I don’t think this is an issue though, the top of my original kolob is still in great condition.
-tom (w)
davewyo1
Thanks for the review Tom(W). Ram has been toting around a prototype of this pack and though he originally complained that it’s heavier than the all-fabric Kolob Pack, I notice he’s still using it and there seems to be little wear. Also, if you carry a canyon keg, this could be the ticket. Does the top of the pack have the urethane “cloth” too? Dave
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “tom” wrote:
Being a fan of the original Kolob pack which I had been using pretty > much since it was available I was eager to get my hands on a Kolob > Hybrid.