Designed for Movement

The Shrike is a smaller, more compact version of our , built specifically for mountain running. It sits higher on the back than the Sassafras and features revamped shoulder straps for better fit and easy-access capacity.

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Every Shrike is cut and sewn in our Bonner, Montana workshop.

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Adjustable Volume

The Shrike's main compartment adjusts from about 6.5 L to 17.5 L. The tapered width and thickness follow the body's form for a more natural weight distribution and feel. There are four basic configurations:

1. Max volume - 17.5L: Measures 17.5L with three rolls of the roll-top.
2. Ideal high volume - 12.0L: Roll-top secured at level of shoulder straps.
3. Reduced volume at base: Bottom of pack clipped to taper the base of pack.
4. Ideal low volume - 6.5L: Rear panel folded away to create smaller pack.

To collapse the pack, use the g-hooks. Then cinch the shock cord and store the extra in a pocket to keep it tidy.

If you prefer the bottom of the pack to have a more aggressive taper into your back, fasten the buckles on the bottom of the pack. Then relocate two of the hooks from the shock cord to the loops on the daisy chain to secure the bottom near the center (see photos).

Detailed information

Here you'll find detailed information about the features of the Sassafras. Use the list below to jump to a specific area of interest. Note that some photos may show earlier versions of the pack.

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Pockets

Shoulder strap pockets

The main shoulder strap pockets are accesible from the top or the side. They're useful for carrying all sorts of things like water bottles, phones, hats, snacks, and so on.

• Top access via cinched opening
• Side access via zipper
• Elastic compression straps helps hold items in place and reduce bounce of partially filled soft water bottles.
• Secondary outer mesh pockets for quick access to small items like snacks, gloves or a hat.
• Internal sleeve helps hold items like small phones flush to the body to reduce jostling.

Side & Main pockets

The side pockets are made of stretchy fabric, with the right side pocket offering additional access from the side. Accessibility while wearing the pack varies from person to person, so it's best not to expect to easily access items while wearing it. The easiest way to access items may be through the side opening on the right side pocket, especially for stowing items like jackets. There is a toggle to help secure the opening, but it may be challenging to operate it while wearing the pack. You might want to secure it at the beginning of your trip when you only plan to access items from the top.

Pockitos

The small pockets on the shoulder straps are called "Pockitos." There are two located where the straps meet the pack and they will sit on top or just behind the shoulder. The other two Pockitos double as load stabilizer mounts and are just above the main shoulder strap pockets. Expect them to sit from the upper chest to near your shoulders. You can carry items such as rain pogies, energy gels, lip balm, mini satellite communicator, small knife, whistle, headlamp, etc. in the Pockitos.

• Made from lycra mesh
• About 4" deep
• Locations: Top of shoulder straps (2), Mid-shoulder strap (2)

Key Pocket

This zippered pocket on the left side of the pack body is a readily accessible place to securely stow your keys and wallet during your trip.

• #3 Aquaguard, water resistant zipper
• Recycled 20D silpoly backing
• Internal clip for keys

Features

Hydration/Stash Sleeve

A zipper located above the shoulder straps allows for easy access to an internal sleeve and the pack body. The zipper openining doubles as a hydration hose port on the right side, and an elastic band on the shoulder strap helps keep the hose in place. When running with minimal gear, you can stow your items in the sleeve to keep them closer to your back.

• #3 Aquaguard, water resistant zipper
• Bladder hanger: to use, pass the g-hook through an opening on your bladder and clip it back to the webbing it's mounted on (may not work with all bladders).
• Zipper garage covers opening when hose is used.
• Sleeve is made from Recycled 20D silpoly.

Load Stabilizers & Y-strap (removable)

Load stabilizers work with the Y-strap to help you adjust how the pack carries. Tightening the stabilizers pulls the weight closer to your back to secure it in place. Loosening them reduces constriction. Their benefit is more noticeable with larger loads and increased body movement. For lighter loads, we often leave them at home and attach the center compression strap directly to the buckle at the haul loop.

• Accounts for 0.55 oz (15.7g)

Shock Cord Lashing/Compression (removable)

The shock cord on the rear-facing panel provides compression and lashing options. Removable hooks allow you to customize it as needed, and loop webbing on the sides allow you to secure tall items, such as tent poles, in your side pockets. To secure an item, wrap one of the free ends of the cord around it, then clip the hook to the webbing.

• Accounts for 0.61 oz (17.3g)

Shoulder strap padding (removable)

You can remove the shoulder strap padding, which gives you the option to replace it with different thicknesses, swap it out when it's worn, or take it out completely. Removing the padding enhances breathability and helps the straps conform to your body, but we only suggest doing this for very light loads.

• Accounts for 0.39 oz (11.0g)
• Available in 1/4" (included) and 1/2" thicknesses.

Center Compression Strap (removable)

The strap that goes across the top of the pack is removable to allow you to swap out different lengths. For example, when used in vest mode, swap the strap out for a shorter length. It can be clipped directly to the pack or to the main pocket at the bottom, and near the haul loop or Y-strap at the top.

• Accounts for 0.20 oz (5.7g)

Add-on items

These add-on items are available separately.

Side straps

Side straps provide an alternate way to secure the roll-top can improve stability.

• Adds 0.34 oz (9.6g)

Ice Axe Loop

The add-on Ice Axe loop consists of a lower webbing loop at the bottom and upper shock cord cinch. The lower loop clips to the daisy chain at the bottom of the pack. The upper loop is lashed to the daisy chain on the pack body as needed.

• Adds 0.23 oz | 6.4g

Trekking Pole Stash

The trekking pole stash is a simple addition to the shoulder strap that facilitates the stashing of your z-fold trekking poles.

• Adds ~0.19 oz (5.5 g)