presenting illumination equipment

[Samski360]

Hey Mags -

I just recently launched my own little cottage industry ski pack company: illumination equipment. After years of being largely dissatisfied with ski pack offerings, I learned to sew and starting making my own. About seven prototypes later, I have something that I'm happy with. Frankly, these packs aren't for everyone. They are light on features and simple in construction. I have learned that some people love that approach, and some people prefer something more complex. If my packs appeal to you, place an order or get in touch, and I'd love to help you out. Use the code MAGSALE for 10% off at checkout. I wish I could do a bigger discount for mags, but since I'm already pricing below market, that's the best I can do while breaking even.

You can see what is available at www.illuminationequipment.com IG @illuminationequipment



A few highlight features:
- Options for exterior fabric: Ultra 200, 400, and 800
- Three torso lengths
- removable hip belt with padded and simple webbing options (27L comes with a webbing hip belt; 35L comes with a padded hip belt; they are interchangeable and eventually I will add aftermarket hip belt options. All my packs are cross-compatible with HMG hip belts too)
- multiple avy gear stowage options depending on the style of objective --internal for good stability mountaineering; external zip for powder skiing
- stash sleeve with drainage for skins, layer, etc. The bottom of the stash pocket is reinforced with Ultra fabric so you can stow your ice axe without shredding the bottom. I do recommend you have a tip protector on the pick of your axe/tool when stowing an axe in the stash pocket.
- two externally accessible pockets and one internal pocket.

A full breakdown of features with images is available here: https://illuminationequipment.com/features

27L weighs 630g in a size medium (Ultra 200)
the 35L weighs 790g in a size medium (Ultra 400) put

I have a larger pack in development intended for multiday traverses and yurt trips that I am hoping to put through its paces this spring, and have available for the fall.

I'm hoping these packs can meet the same needs for other folks the way they've met mine. If you're interested in a custom, I can do that too. Or if you'd like to offer feedback on design, construction, or just tell me how shitty they are, feel free to do so below!

[Hopeless Sinner]

GLWS!

[halliday]

^^Good eye.

[Samski360]

Fixed!

[ktoor]

any relation to apoc equipment? pack looks strangely similar to the sac.ski.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[sb]

Good luck!

[Samski360]

any relation to apoc equipment? pack looks strangely similar to the sac.ski.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

No relation. We both use similar gear tabs for ski attachment. And the same exterior fabrics because Challenge ultra is pretty much the best fabric on the market for backpacks right now. But the similarities largely end there (other than both being high quality cottage industry ski packs). Apoc and Illumination use totally different construction methods.

The same tab layout has been used by many pack companies over the years (arc’teryx, mammut are the first two to come to mind).

The reason those gear tabs are great is they allow for use of voile straps to carry skis. IME the two most common points of pack failure are the front panel and the webbing that carries skis-both due to interaction between ski edges and the pack. One of my design goals was to minimize the damage ski edges will cause on a backpack. Voile straps handle ski edges well, and if it eventually fails, it’s a cheap fix rather than having to replace a sewn-in part of the backpack.

[Samski360]

Hey folks - I just launched a new model of the 35L. Updated Avy Pocket and Ice Axe Carry. Still made with some of the most durable fabrics available while staying under 1kg

A new version of the 27L will launch in early December. I’m hoping to launch the 45L by January.

For any folks in the PDX area, I’m happy to have you over to the shop to check out packs, try on sizes, or talk about custom features!