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SCRATCHES, DENTS & DINGS
By Lisa & Frank Minney
Coleman Exponent Packs
Price Range: $7.99-$179.99
The Coleman® Exponent®
pack line has undergone a face lift reflecting Coleman’s
efforts to reach out to outdoors men and women with
better products for back country adventurers. In 2006,
Coleman refreshed the entire line with new, lighter
weight pack material. The new packs included small,
medium and large interchangeable waist belts and
gender-specific shoulder strap options. All models,
including waist packs, day packs and frame packs, were
updated with added storage compartments and a more
vibrant colors.
The newest versions of these bags are available at
retail stores, but the former versions, which are still
good packs, can be found in some outlet stores. Both new
and old versions of the Exponent pack are extremely
water resistant, but not completely water proof. New
versions have lightweight 210D silicone-treated nylon
diamond ripstop to provide outstanding water repellency
and shedding. They also have heavier 1000D nylon
pack-cloth is used on the pack bottoms for abrasion
resistance.
Rugged and durable, Exponent packs could already
withstand several years of adventure and abuse. With the
recent improvements though, Coleman has reached the
highest level of quality, and packs, if cared for
properly, could last indefinitely.
Excluding the waist packs, all of the new packs have the
capability of holding a hydration system. Each has an
exit port and internal pocket for a separate water
bladder. New and old packs alike come with pockets sized
for water bottles, GPS and other typical hiking tools
and equipment. Bags includes extra hooks and straps for
clipping gear on the outside for easy access.
The fabric for all Coleman Exponent packs is a
high-density, ripstop polyester and oxford weave nylon,
coated with polyurethane for durability and water
resistance. New features include sternum straps with
elastic for more comfort and freedom of movement,
detachable side pockets and organizational pockets for
items such as a compass and map or pens and pencils.
Coleman Exponent backpacks and day packs with padding,
ventilation, and compression straps, let you focus on
your trip and not your pack.
There are three pack types to choose from: external
frame, internal frame and technical day packs
(frameless). External and internal frame packs are the
most appropriate choices for multi-day trips, while
frameless backpacks are perfect for day hikes.
Our personal Exponent packs have weathered well in one
year of use, and don’t have the recent upgrades in the
Exponent line. Even still, our bags have endured a
Nor’Easter in spring, and have accompanied us along
miles of mountain trails. We have worn out several
brands of bags and packs over the last five years, but
with our Exponent packs, we have had no complaints,
problems or leaks. In fact, we’re so pleased, we see no
need to upgrade to the “new version” bags any time soon.
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ABOUT THE
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