Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works has been re-born, the famed Jensen soft pack is back and I'm delighted. I have several Golite packs (Treck, Speed and a G Pack from Gregory) and the Jensen is far superior in quality and function. It weighs a little more than the GoLite packs and requires more thought in packing, but will pay off in longevity and comfort.

The Jensen has no frame or padding, you stuff your sleeping bad in the bottom with insulated clothing and pack the upper portion of the pack padding your back with clothing or soft items. Weight distribution is critical as a center divider splits the load and gives the pack shape. The weight of a regular medium is just over 2 lbs. A "Giant Jensen" is around 2lbs 10 ozs, the capacities are 3105 and 4435 respectivly.

The pack excels at off-trail or X-country ski use but works perfectly well for normal trail use. The fabric is the old style cordura. The result is a pack that lives for years. I know, I foolishly sold my Jensen in the mid-70s to a friend to buy a Chouinard copy of the Jensen, my friend still has this pack and I've been kicking myself ever since. How many 2+ lb packs made today will still be around 20-30 years?

I know only one.