OpenWater Ranger Backpack gives anglers on the go
plenty of room
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Date: |
7/18/10 |
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Location: |
Las Vegas,
NV |
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Admission: |
Buyers &
Press only |
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Manufacturer: |
OpenWater |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction: OpenWater made quite a splash this year with the
introduction of their new Ranger Backpack which won the Best Tackle Management
category in the New product Showcase. Chock full of angler specific features the
Ranger is designed for those anglers that require plenty of tackle storage on
the go.
The OpenWater backpack is designed
with anglers specifically in mind
Ranger Backpack: Backpack tackle systems
make a lot of sense for both shore and boat anglers as the system allows anglers
to carry more tackle over longer distances. OpenWater has a number of other
backpacks including rolling systems and all of them are somewhat modular
allowing anglers to configure the type and amount of tackle they plan on
bringing on each trip.
The bottom section is configurable
to hold multiple 3700 size boxes
The Ranger Backpack is constructed out of
900-denier ripstop and features high quality molded corrosion resistant zippers
throughout. This is a relatively large backpack (10L x 17W x 2.5H) and is
suitable for overnight trips where you need an extra change of clothing and room
for necessities.
The top section has multiple
zippered compartments but one huge main compartment suitable for everything from
clothing to food
There are two main compartments, the lower of
which has a configurable tray system that holds Plano 3700 size boxes. OpenWater
provides their own branded boxes with each pack and includes two 370 size trays
and one 373 tray which is capable of holding larger lures like swimbaits. There
are also four compartments on the side, two of which are completely zippered and
two on the bottom that are covered with a flap for quicker draws.
The back is extremely well padded
for comfort
In terms of comfort the Ranger is very well padded
along the entire back of the backpack and the shoulder straps are also
generously padded and also have a sunglass holder for convenience. A waist strap
helps keeps the pack securely centered on your body over longer distances.
Ray Kiang demonstrates the
deployment of the rain fly
One of the most impressive features is the
integrated zip out storm fly that protects the pack from both rain and boat
spray. This is extremely useful for anglers that are packing electronics like
cameras or videocams on their trips.
The rain fly covers the entire
back of the pack in under 20 seconds
At the show Ray Kiang demonstrated how the rain
fly worked and was able to pull it out of the zippered compartment and over the
bag in less than 20 seconds. This quick and easy operation makes it easy to
protect your gear the minute the first drop of rain falls or you expect heavy
chop on the next run.
Ray shows us how the backpack fits
when worn, the padded straps help distribute the load
Conclusion: The Ranger will retail for
139.99 when it becomes available in the next few weeks. The Ranger Backpack won
over many buyers and media at the show because it had storage features that just
make sense. This easy to configure backpack is able to hold just as much
clothing and gear as it is able to hold tackle, giving anglers the flexibility
to gear up for their individual applications. Look a little deeper and the
Ranger showcases a quality construction from the stitching to the use of a metal
cable in the top handle... it is all in the details.
