Wingnut Assault: First Look
The Brown Santa brougt me a Wingnut Assault today. The pack is just what I hoped. The small, low profile design sits flat against the back and is hardly noticed while riding. I loaded it up with 50 oz. of water, a 29er tube, a multi-tool and a CO2 cartridge, and hit the trails for 2.5 hours.
This will be my pack of choice for the upcoming E12. The bladder looks like it can be easily and quickly refilled. The pack is small enough that side pockets on the jersey are still usable. The Assault has the same mesh straps, complete with flask pouch and whistle, as the other Wingnut packs. The back of the pack is also mesh, which makes for lighter weight, and more air flow.
The Assault will be a superb lap and supported hundie race pack. I am looking forward to using it more over the next few weeks as I get everything dialed in for the 24th.
The Wingnut Assault in red
The bladder is easily refilled while still in the pack
On a side note, I also tried out these Fuel Belt bottles today. They are 10 oz. bottles that fit easily in a jersey pocket. There are also 7 oz. versions available. These are perfect for carrying along some extra liquids, whithout the hassle of dirty frame mounted bottles. Yeah, I am on a crusade against dirty frame mounted bottles 😉 They also fit well in the wingpockets on the Hyper 2.5. Thanks to Dave from Driggs for tipping me off on these.
Fuel Belt 10 oz. bottles
7 Comments
Jeff Kerkove
June 9, 2006I love my assault. It’s just the right size….not too big…not too small.
Chris
June 9, 2006I’ve got another pack for the 12 hour but not completely dissimilar. What’s an assault weigh?
Good info on those fuel belt bottles. I’ve got some of the 7oz versions that I use on occasion.
-C
Adam Lisonbee
June 9, 2006The assault weighs 12 oz. empty. I have not put it on the scale fully loaded.
Chris
June 9, 2006Does it have a waist belt and upper chest strap thingy? FWIW mine is 9oz before some light mods.
Adam Lisonbee
June 9, 2006Yeah, it has a waist belt and chest strap.
Dicky
June 10, 2006Are you using the waist strap? Kerkove cut his off and he knows everything.:)
Do your shoulder straps lay flat on your chest? Mine fit a little poochy, but Scott insisted that I didn’t need the small straps. I am convinced on the back country 100’s this thing will rock. I still may go with bottles at the Slumberstack. We pass a pit area every 8 & 17 miles. That’s a lot of chances for a handup and very little weight to carry around.
Chris
June 10, 2006My packs are far too bouncy when I catch some air without a waist strap. I was thinking of trying to ditch the buckles to lose weight but I’m becoming convinced it’s weight well worth it.