A full-size, lightweight, multi-purpose backpack with no compromise to comfort! With over 70 litres capacity and base weight under 1.7 kg, the modular Echo is a truly versatile backcountry pack. The combination of our lightweight, contoured frame sheet, our low-profile yoke style shoulder harness and thin version of the Synchro-FORM hip harness delivers exceptional load carrying comfort.

  

Don't Go Overboard!

Lightweight backpacks, daypacks and bum packs, and ultra-lightweight ones in particular, invariably suffer from a common problem. In the quest to build a truly lightweight pack, designers lose sight of the crucial role an effective back system plays in providing an acceptable level of comfort. It is one thing to save weight but if that saving is at the expense of adequate comfort then the weight saving is pointless. What was previously some extra physical effort in carrying a heavier but comfortable pack now translates into the constant physical aggravation and frustration of wearing a structureless sack. Proper load control and weight transfer are difficult to achieve and impossible to maintain. Such flimsy creations are only suited to the lightest and softest of loads, which, more often than not, severely limits their range of application.

Another drawback of many lightweight packs is their lack of durability. Getting 10 or more kilograms of pack contents to rest comfortably on a moving human body requires materials and design detail capable of standing up to the inescapable forces involved. Cutting out this detail and minimum strength invites premature failure which places such products in the disposable category.

The Echo Back System

The Dyna-FORM Framesheet Sea To Summit have developed for the Echo combines materials in a unique way. The basis of the structure is a three-part polypropylene 'framesheet' that has been formed to follow the different compound curvatures of the upper back and the lumbar region, in a flexible way. The body face of this frame sheet is laminated with EVA closed-cell foam and the central spine of the frame sheet stiffened with a light section aluminum bar. The spine bar can be formed to follow more pronounced back profiles but its main job is to provide necessary stand-up stiffness to the framesheet.

The combined effect is a lightweight, contoured back panel that transmits substantial bag loads (even up to 20kg) into the hip harness, resists rounding-out distortion from bag contents, guards against lumpy contents pressing against the wearer's back, yet flexible enough to follow body movements (an advantage with the lower profile, closer contact harness components we have chosen).

The Harness System

The yoke style shoulder harnesss design, so effective on the Sea To Summit Jagungal model is also employed on this pack. The contour of the harness arms over the shoulders has been carefully set to suit slightly steeper falling shoulders so avoiding the potential 'inside edge' discomfort on the neck of a flatter design. With this carefull shaping the thinner harness padding proves not to be a compromise.

For the Echo Sea To Summit introduced a new THIN version of pads used on our Synchro-FORM Hi-Load hip harness system, common to all Sea To Summit's big capacity models. Again, the combination of auto-contouring, precise load transfer and dynamic freedom inherent in the Synchro-FORM hip harness design means that the difference in comfort between the THIN and standard hip pads is negligble. Infact, to minimise weight Sea To Summit used the Echo without ANY hip pads fitted to the hip plates, which have a very thin, built-in layer of closed-cell foam. Load carrying, even where scrambling over rough terrain is involved, is remarkably comfortable! Provided your clothing layers do not have annoying lumps around the harness contact area(and certainly not a belt or pocket zip slider!) you are unlikely to suffer any irritation in this 'stripped-down' mode. It's a great solution when the time comes to wear a climbing harness in combination with your pack. You can either swivel the hip plates up vertically behind your back where they are out of the way or fasten them backwards around the pack bag base.

Features of the Echo Pack Bag

The single-compartment, roll-down-throat design combines variable capacity, weatherproofness and durability. The top cover of the pack can be dispensed with (you lose the convenience of its small çamera' pocket). Its straps then fasten into the ends of the rolled down throat. It you need maximum capacity then use the top cover, and extend it up its webbing tracks to fasten over the bag throat.

When the pack is used with the throat rolled down and without the top cover, the coated zip down one side of the bag provides immediate access to clothing and gear without the need to unfasten the throat roll. It's a remarkably handy feature that you will appreciate with use.

The side compression straps, in common with nearly all our models, are removeable, a further weight saving if they are not needed. This feature also allows them to be used for other purposes in an emergency.

The base panel of the pack incorporates a thin layer of EVA closed-cell foam. This cushioning, combined with the tightly woven 600 denier bulked filament nylon Kodra reinforcing fabric improves actual abrasion resistance way beyond the normal specified resistance of the fabrics.

The Echo is supplied with a back pocket module. This can be attached with the pocket facing either in or out. When you choose not to use the pocket the flip-side of the module includes webbing loops, straps and shockcord for attaching alpine equipment. The module can also be carried as a minimal 'daypack' when fitted with the webbing straps provided.

Options and Accessories Available

If you require hip pads with a longer reach, size Large pads are available and can be exchanged for the standard Medium size fitted (provided these are not soiled or worn).

If you require a smaller reach harness both the standard medium hip pads and plates need to be changed to size Small. (Small pads do not fit on the standard medium length plates).

The Echo pack can be fitted with Sea To Summit's universal side pockets, supplied in pairs.

Any of the full profile Synchro-FORM Hi-Load hip pads can be fitted to this pack.