My life is about to change dramatically; I’m retiring in a few months. My wife and I are planning extensive travel right away. This means weeks and months “living out of a suitcase” as we spend time in various countries, having the flexibility to come and go as we please. Of course I’m planning on hiking and backpacking, not just because it’s what I do but because my poor spouse needs a break from me. Through all of this planning I need a basic, minimal kit that will see me through various climes and be able to handle anything I have in mind. I decided on a modified Zimmerbuilt BigStep to fill the bill, offering more internal volume (2400 ci) than the slighter QuickStep (1700 ci).

*Electronics setup on BigStep pack straps*

The BigStep looks pretty good right out of the box, but I needed a few modifications. The side pockets made of mesh weren’t going to hack it, because during bush whacking, branches and nubs are liable to tear mesh; solid side pockets of Dyneema help solve that problem • I sometimes carry a tripod or pole(s) so I needed side compression straps to secure these longer tools, especially if I’m doing a bike/hike. • I do plenty of snow hiking so wanted the option of an ice axe loop • I always want a haul loop • Although I haven’t used it yet, I have a removable top V bungee I can attach for things on the outside of the pack, like securing a jacket when not in use. • Instead of removeable straps, I have a minimalist hip “belt” that keeps the pack from swinging if I’m trotting. It’s thin but wide enough to lay comfortably across my hips.

*Custom BigStep with camera carry system*

In my correspondence with Chris I was looking at the black Dyneema Hybrid Composite material, but he was getting low on inventory. I’ve had good luck with XPac so was fine with that, which is actually cheaper. The total bill for these changes added very little to the standard price on his site, which is $220. My bill was $242.99, not bad considering there were some sewing alterations that needed to be made; the BigStep design has one seam on each side (near the back of the pack) so the compression straps and side pockets needed to be secure without significantly altering the original design. As usual, correspondence with Chris was timely; my first email asking about the alterations went out on March 8th and the pack was shipped on March 19th. Maybe I got lucky in the timing concerning his work load, but I’d call that pretty spectacular service. This attention to detail and customer service is why I’ve had several packs made by Chris over the past few years.

*Custom Quickstep has a handy mesh front pocket*

I’ve used this pack for just about every off trail scramble and peak bagging trip I’ve done this year, with the exception of ski trips. I’ve been tangled in gross slide alder on steep slopes, I’ve ‘schwacked through thick underbrush and conifer tangles, I’ve squeezed through narrow caves and scraped against all manner of geology, and through all of this abuse there is no evidence of wear on the pack with the exception of dirt that I can’t quite clean off of the front mesh pocket. I used this pack for my daughter’s and my 4 day trek of the Inca Trail….in our group of 7 we were the only ones (she also had her Zimmerbuilt pack) who didn’t utilize a personal porter, easily carrying clothing and sleep gear to the next overnight. Because there is no frame, this pack can lie flat or roll up in a suitcase. And it’s not like I’m just schlepping a few pounds; I embarked on a 4 day trip in October of the Wonderland Trail, starting off in snow, and I had this pack. As it turns out I turned back due to the slow progress through the early season snows, but my point is I had 4 days of food and overnight gear appropriate for essentially a winter hike. Despite the lack of a frame, the fit and comfort of the pack straps allow me to carry kit, food and water in the vicinity of 20 pounds with no discomfort. I also use a Keyhole camera carry system that easily attached to the pack straps.

The more I use this custom BigStep, the more I think it may be the best overall pack I’ve owned. It can cinch down for day use, or has the volume to add overnight gear for multi day trips. It packs easily into a travel suitcase and is obviously robust enough withstand moderate abuse on scrambles and off trail travel. But like any piece of gear, there are some limitations…..• Don’t count on your contents staying completely dry; I’ve used the pack in all day rains and items in the pack were damp. As usual a liner bag or individual stuff sacks are appropriate for extended use in wet weather…..• The side pockets are always handy, but despite cinching them up tight I’ve had a tall liter and a half Nalgene fall out when I’ve bent over on tricky scramble sections. If I’m anticipating contortionist movements through difficult terrain, I now put the large bottle inside the pack….• Securing straps; the roll top design is definitely something I like, but this minimalist design uses long skinny straps and tiny buckles on each side to cinch down the top. These are sometimes hard to find when I’m securing the buckles, but mostly the long strings can be a slight pain if the pack is not very full, dangling hither on the side. Occasionally I’ve just stuffed them inside the side pockets.

It seems like every review I do I end with “it all depends on usage” and that is true here. There is no padded back so you have to pack appropriately or you’ll get something sticking into your back. Any frameless pack is limited in a comfortable carry weight, but I don’t exceed 20 pounds even with a full load of kit, food and water. You’re not going to be able to carry skis or snowshoes. But if you need a pack that takes up little room in a suitcase, can handle day hikes, brush bashing and light overnights, works just as well biking as hiking, has enough volume to pack bulkier items, can carry a tripod or Zpacks staff or trekking poles, and has enough gumption to handle a modicum of abuse, then this may be the pack for you. It certainly has proven itself for me. In my coming travels I’ll have this little number in my rollaboard, ready for any number of forays we may choose, be it Norway or Croatia or New Zealand. Chris can make it happen for you, too. EDIT: when I first posted this I mistakenly wrote this up as a customized QuickStep; it had been months since I bought the pack and I had the QuickStep in my mind. Apologies if this caused any confusion.

*BigStep roll top securing straps and buckles with compression strap and solid side pockets*