Paxis Swing-Arm Backpack - Quick Access Gear Backpack for Hiking, Fly Fishing, Photography & Travel - Hands-Free Convenience for Outdoor Adventures

You Had Me at Swing-Around Shuttle PodAs a serious amateur photographer and birdwatcher, the Paxis swing-arm backpack is a game-changer for my outdoor projects and adventures. Let's talk comfort first: it's slightly heavier than my other packs but they really nailed the ergonomic design, and I can have this pack on way longer than any of my other so-called "ergo" packs. And it makes sense because Paxis is, apparently, a small family-run business founded by outdoors people from rural Washington state. The story is they designed it themselves in their home shop. That's pretty awesome. On a recent bird shoot, I had the pack seriously loaded and literally had it on all day. The next day I felt zero discomfort or fatigue. Right there worth the money. But, of course, it's that swing-around pod that got me as soon as I saw the product video. It's magic. Really, almost magical how my binoculars appear right in front of me with a simple, fast motion. Why didn't anyone invent this sooner? It's genius. It says the pod can hold up to 5lbs, but I'm sure I had more in there, including my inhaler. Talk about convenience. Finally, let's talk about looks. I bought the camo. Not only does it look pretty slick, but it also helps me blend into the scenery, which is really nice for birding. My fellow bird nerds were all over it and it felt pretty good, for once, being the pathfinder.