Dakine Builder Pack - Review
The original version of Dakine's Builder Pack was created over ten years ago with hardworking trail builders in mind, a pack built to stand up to the use and abuse that comes with shaping the natural landscape into a mountain bike playground. The pack has seen multiple revisions over the last decade, all while still retaining the ability to carry the tools and accessories needed for a big day outside.
The most recent version has a 40-liter carrying capacity and is constructed from a rugged 1000d nylon, which makes it feel like a military rucksack, especially compared to the lighter weight (and more fragile) fabrics typically used for hydration packs.
The most recent version has a 40-liter carrying capacity and is constructed from a rugged 1000d nylon, which makes it feel like a military rucksack, especially compared to the lighter weight (and more fragile) fabrics typically used for hydration packs.
Dakine Builder Pack
• 1000d nylon fabric
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Internal aluminum frame
• Expandable chainsaw carry pocket
• Carrying capacity: 2445 cubic inches (40 Liters)
• Dimension: 22.5 x 13 x 12" (57 x 33 x 30cm)
• Weight: 4.3 lb (1.9 kg)
• Price: $180 USD
• Limited ifetime warranty
• www.dakine.com
• 1000d nylon fabric
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Internal aluminum frame
• Expandable chainsaw carry pocket
• Carrying capacity: 2445 cubic inches (40 Liters)
• Dimension: 22.5 x 13 x 12" (57 x 33 x 30cm)
• Weight: 4.3 lb (1.9 kg)
• Price: $180 USD
• Limited ifetime warranty
• www.dakine.com
There are two external zippered pockets that are shaped perfectly to hold fuel bottles, and the chainsaw that consumes that fuel sits in the pouch right behind those pockets. A large zipper extends around the perimeter of the pack; it can be partially unzipped to allow access to either side of the pack, or unzipped all the way to open it up like a clam shell. There's also a quick access sleeve for holding loppers - they'll slide in behind a chainsaw, and everything can be cinched down using the two compression straps on each side of the pack.
Chainsaw fuel bottles can be stored in two outer zippered pockets.
The square bottom panel and the aluminum back panel supports help keep the pack sitting upright when it's not in use.
A retractable pouch is hidden in the very bottom of the pack that's designed to allow up to four hand tools – shovels, rogue hoes, etc... to be carried vertically. There's certainly no shortage of pockets – along with a pouch for a hydration bladder there are two zippered internal size pockets, a fleece line sunglasses pocket at the top of the pack, a zippered pocket on the waist belt, and that's not even all of them - the biggest challenge is remembering where you put everything. If that's not enough, the pack can be set up to carry a five-gallon bucket, one of the least expensive yet most useful tools in a trail builder's arsenal.
A wraparound zipper makes it easy to access the pack's contents.
There's no shortage of pockets and pouches.
Performance
Carrying a chainsaw around through the woods isn't an easy task, but even when it's fully loaded the Builder Pack does an excellent job of remaining balanced. The waist belt is nice and wide, and the shape of the shoulder straps helps prevent any unwanted pressure points or hot spots. The orange loops of webbing on the top and the side of the rear panel are also a welcome touch – they make it easy to grab and lift the pack to move it down the trail. The square base also helps keep it standing up when not in use, rather than collapsing into a puddle of fabric.
The pockets are well thought out and easy to access, and the fuel bottle storage on the outside is especially handy. There's no rain cover, which builders in wet climates may find themselves wishing for, but although the zippers aren't waterproof, the fabric can stand still withstand a fair bit of precipitation before beginning to soak through. A smaller backpacking rain cover would be an inexpensive investment to help keep everything dry during soggy build sessions.
The pack's durability has been excellent so far, without any rips, tears, or blown zippers to be seen. Trail building is hard on equipment – all those sharp tools like to dig in any chance they get – but the Builder Pack has held strong.
The vertical tool carry could be improved with the addition of straps to prevent tools from shifting forward.
Issues
The Builder Pack's vertical tool carry option is clever, but it could use some further refinement. The lower pouch works to hold the tool handles, but the side straps allow them to slide forward and backward, and they'll knock you in the head if you're not careful. Even when the compression straps are wrapped once around the tool handles before buckling there's still more movement than I'd like to see. I'd recommend buying some extra buckles and webbing and running it through the two accessory loops on the side of the pack – that way the tools can be cinched down more securely, and you won't need to worry as much about getting smacked by a shovel
Pinkbike's Take
 | The Builder Pack is a great option for any trail workers looking for a tough, rugged pack with enough carrying capacity to haul everything from a chainsaw to a six pack of beer deep into the woods (just make sure to use those items in the correct order). The vertical tool carry isn't perfect, but the rest of the pack is well thought out and ideally suited for long days of digging. |
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we are in love!!! (here at Isla Bruja Lodge)
cheers from the Chiloe Island, Chile
www.ospreypacks.com/nz/en/product/high-visibility-raincover-HVRC_719.html
Or make one which what I did, got a friend to sew up some rain material with similar elastic bandy material, waterproof done!
I've seen rain covers, garbage bags, all that stuff, they simply don't cover the entire bag, and if you are regularly opening / closing your bike to grab snacks / lunch / water etc, then you are taking that cover off, and every time you do that your bag is once again exposed. The only real solution in my eyes is a fully waterproof and tear resistant bag
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I rode this bike in person at Access4Bikes (Marin County trail advocacy group) Ales and Trails Festival. This thing is burly as all get out, but that levo "motor" sure did help it scoot along.
Chainsaw on top the rack; small hardware (hammer, nails, etc), sandbags (empty ofcourse), fuel and oil in the rack sack; rake and shovel strapped all along the top tube. If needed i could swop the saw for a 20l water tank.
Before that, somehow i managed to place all that staff in an old army backpack, but my lower back was in full pain when I reach the building spot
I think for building a trail mule, a lower end fat bike would do wonders, especially pulling a trailer. Especially any of the ones that have multiple fork rack mounts. A KHS FS1000 for example.
khsbicycles.com/bikes/2017-khs-models/4-season-1000-17
forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/2016-khs-four-seasons-1000-probably-one-best-bargains-model-season-998622.html
When I ordered the 456 evo2 there was a 'fatty' frame on sale to, probabily a better option, but that would mean a new fork, cranks and wheelset.
Very cool tool, Trail Boss trailbossusa.com.
Always such a pain to carry heavy tools to the different, far away trail locations. Thank you to all the trailbuilders for what you do.
Someone should create
A box with tools., pump , etc
To install in some trails
A nice compact service station
Honest people can be carefull and colaborare
Like leaving a tube , for someone else
Or adding tools etc
Some comunity oriented
Rough that can last the climate
Park tool maybe???
Ever worked a while on multiple trails, raise your head up, look around and have no clue where you last dropped off your pack or where a friend left it?
Panniers contain 2 bottles of fuel, 2 more bottles of bar oil, and the bikepacking gear. My wife carries the food and stove. Bike is a fat bike with 27.5+ wheel set on it.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/14936198
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A friend has one and I've used it, main problem I found was that the fuel pockets were too short so you couldn't close the zippers completely. I have the black model with the longer fuel pockets.
We need more options marketing people.
It also seems weird to use a regular riding helmet for trail building?
I like the way the tool is positioned on the pack... ready to strike the head.
Solid back frame, easy to toss a chainsaw on, good belt and support for carrying heavy weight. waterproof fabric.
can unstrap the main pack bag and carry logs or other things strapped to the frame.
WIth the major players in the industry having moved to battery powered tools (chainsaws, trimmers) soon the need for fuel bottles will be obsolete...
Already battery packs (heavy, large and expensive for the time being) for chainsaws are available which allow for 14 - 18 hours of work before recharging - more than enough for a day or two of trail building.
I think their approach should be to develop a pack that would integrate battery packs and room for storage...
and i have yet to see a 7hp electrical chainsaw for cutting slabs