{REVIEW} Zitelli Z1 backpack

For awhile I've been looking for a solid backpack that's just the right size, but not cumbersome. This is why I admire a lot of military-spec gear and clothing. Not just a style of it's own, but practical in so many applications.

I found eBags.com to be a great retail site with a variety of bags, backpacks, luggage etc. Two of my initial choices included the following:

- Maxpedition Remora Gearslinger
- Maxpedition Typhoon Gearslinger

I couldn't choose between either. The Remora was a more compact size, but what if I needed more space? The Typhoon fit the bill, but then what if I wanted something more compact? I wasn't going to buy both at this point, considering the price of either was above $80. I wasn't averse to buying a quality product, and was pretty happy with Maxpeditions offerings. But I kept looking and came across the Zitelli Z1 for a very welcome $30!

The Z1 has MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) features. You'll often see MOLLE in military gear. Basically, you can expand your gear with pouches, cases, sheaths and other addons by routing them through sturdy straps. While I don't anticipate having to upgrade my pack, it's something that I may need to do - so it made sense "future-proofing" the purchase.

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click for larger view

The back features meshed padding for added comfort. At the top are 2 D-Rings. I imagine this could be an alternate point to attach the straps (if you prefer them more down the center), or for anything else. Shoulder straps are quite adjustable, and even removable by plastic straps. I'd prefer metal hardware here, but plastic clips tend to hold well over the years. Unfortunately, 2 small "tri-glide" strap adjusters were cracked/broken. I replaced 1 of them with an adjuster from the sternum strap (not pictured, as I don't use them). Eventually I will replace all or most plastic hardware with metal, from www.aah.biz. Not only is there a sternum strap (under an inch wide), there is also a "belt" strap which is maybe 2 to 2.5 inches wide.

The backpack features 2 outside compartments, both with MOLLE straps. A strap that runs vertically along the center clips to the top, along with 2 straps on either side (towards the bottom). These can be adjusted to flatten the pack if it's (mostly) empty, or loosened to accomodate a full pack. When the pack is completely filled, it fills out as shown below.

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click for larger view

As far as storage and pockets go, check out the images below:

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As you can see, there are 2 main compartments, each with their own portions to store smaller items. There is a good depth to them that you can feel but not quite see from the pictures. The smaller compartments (on the surface/outside) offer pockets and pen-slots. Lastly for storage, the Z1 even features a compartment to place a hydration/water reservoir as you see in Camelbak packs. While I have a small, light-grey Camelbak pack (1.5 liter), it's great to know I can just toss it in the Z1, guide the hose through either a left or right loop at the top of the pack, and use it the pack for both storage and hydration. Very nice.

Note: a hydration reservoir/bladder is not included. I am not certain what the size limit would be, I would guess you could fit at least 2 liter (considering the length of the pack).

So then, how does it look and fit on someone (me, at least)?

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Overall, the Zitelli Z1 is comparable to the Maxpedition Typhoon Gearslinger, save for a couple sidepouches (which you could add due to the MOLLE system) - and a whole $80 CHEAPER. By replacing any plastic hardware with metal hardware from between $2 - $7, you're still saving a good amount. I really recommend the Z1 if it's features meet your needs.

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{VIDEO} Appleton, WI: Peabody Park/Riverside Cemetery/Fox River

A photo trip along some trails. Music: "Gone, still" by Nine Inch Nails

» http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fv9os6tUD4

At the above link, choose higher quality video for sharper picture

Appleton rock quarry (unsuccessful)

At about 7 PM I and a friend set out along the tracks after I found 2 large rock quarries along a main road. On our way and ahead, I noticed a large brown animal cross over the tracks. I then realised it was a whitetail deer. 2 more deer came, then more - altogether probably 8 crossed the tracks ahead of us. We kept going forward, and found small wooded areas on either side of the tracks - and encountered a couple more deer. I managed to get a few photos, but nothing worth keeping. Regardless, even though the quarry jaunt wasn't much worth it, it was at least nice to come across all those deer.

Once we got to the quarry (3.5 miles out), we went through what looked like a grass trail from the satellite maps, and sure enough - the quarry was fenced off. We went around a portion of the perimeter, and found a few holes in the grass we could slip through under the fence. It was very dark now, past 8 PM the sun had already set. The quarry was not easy to see.

I weighed slipping under the fence... on our way there, I saw a sign that mentioned a $1,000 fine for trespassing. I really, really did not want to chance that. Though our motives were harmless, I wasn't sure how it'd hold up. I decided what the hell, I'll try to snag a few photos and hope to bring them out of darkness a little in Photoshop. We didn't stay long, but at least got an idea of how deep the quarry cliffs were. Such a quiet, calm place. I suppose next time, we'll just have to accept the public tour offer the company has. Then, at least - there will be visible daytime photos.

But for now, this is all I've got. It was fun for what it was.

APPLETON 001

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