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PRODUCT REVIEW: Nimrod Packs

by Larry Haftl
First published in Wildland Firefighter Magazine, July, 1997

Every once in a while a new product comes along that is so outstanding in design and manufacture that it changes our standards of excellence. The Nimrod backpack system is one of those products. It's not just a backpack, it's a modular system of packs and accessories that can be tailored to suit almost any outdoor requirement. The system was originally designed for hikers and hunters, but it's evolved into an ideal pack system for firefighters.

"It's a versatile, compact unit that allows us to take everything we need for initial attack in roadless areas," said Dewey Lumpry, assistant fire management officer for the Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, in Montana. The Missoula District uses the Nimrod pack system for its helitack crews and for trail construction and maintenance crews in roadless areas.

The Seeley Lake District of the Lolo National Forest also uses the Nimrod system for its helitack crews. "We're set up so we can put a chain saw in them," said Greg Jacobson, crew supervisor. "The head goes in the pack, and we have a scabbard on the side for the bar. We can also strap all sorts of other gear to the outside of the pack because there are plenty of straps. I can go out for 14 or 21 days or whatever and have all my gear in one unit. You get to the fire, pop the top pack off, and the lower pack has everything you need on the fire line."

The foundation of the Nimrod system is a combination padded lumbar shoulder harness and spacious fanny pack called a lumbar pack. Several different-sized backpacks can be easily snapped onto the web harness above the lumbar pack for additional storage. The lumbar pack comes in 650- and 1,000-cubic-inch capacities. The 1,000 is preferred by firefighters, and the upper packs range from 1,750 to 3,650 cubic inches. Nimrod also makes hose packs specifically for firefighters.

"With all the options, it is a little complicated to get it set up right," said Lumpry, "but once it's there, it's very easy to use. It can be adjusted to a person's size and is very comfortable to use." Nimrod makes a wide range of accessories that integrate directly into the pack system. Several different utility bags and pouches, water bottle cases, radio cases, binocular/camera cases, telescope cases, pistol holsters, and rifle scabbards are just a few of the many options. There is even a two-liter collapsible water bottle that fits into a pocket in the lumbar pack; it has a hose that routes over the pack harness to a conveniently located bite valve near the shoulder. Nimrod also makes several accessories and pack modifications useful to firefighters, including fusee holders, fire shelter mount, chain saw scabbards, and pack inserts for chain saw power heads. "The fire shelter holder has a rip cord that is one of the better systems we've seen," said Jacobson.

The source of the system's excellent design is Doug Snider, designer and president of Nimrod Pack Systems. Snider has been an active outdoorsman for more than 25 years, and he was never completely satisfied with the gear he had to use. "I saw a lot of design problem with gear over the years, and lot of things I didn't like," he said.

Five years ago he decided to do something about it.

Using his experience as a building designer and outdoorsman. Snider set out to design a modular pack system that would solve all the problems he saw over the years. The result was the Nimrod Pack System, the only completely modular and integrated pack system on the market. "I've had a lot of excellent input from professionals in the field," he said "They've let me know of ways to make the system even better and I've incorporated those ideas into the system."

The pack system was originally designed for use by recreational hikers and hunters but two years ago several firefighters at a Missoula, Mont. recreation show saw the system and recognized its usefulness to firefighters. Snider was interested, and began developing modifications and accessories to fit their needs. "We'll do whatever they want," he said. "The hose pack is one example. It is currently set up for a single 1-inch hose, but if they want other types, we can do that for them."

Nimrod is able to quickly respond to customer needs with a high-quality, fully integrated solution because of the system's fundamental design and Nimrod's attention to detail. All seams are doubly sewn and bound on the inside with nylon webbing. Fasteners are matched and color-coded throughout the system, and all have a urethane coating on the inside that makes them extremely water repellent. The packs can be supplied in several different fabrics, from wool to saddlecloth to Cordura. The most practical for firefighters is black Cordura with red patches. "We recommend the black," said Snider, "because firefighters are in contact with so much black from the char. The bottom and back are black so that when they set the packs down, they stay reasonably clean-looking. The sides are red for visibility, and we have 3M fire-reflective tape on the packs as well."

Nimrod gear carries a full warranty on defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. A full service department will repair damage caused by accident or abuse, and typical turnaround on service is one day.

"The Nimrod packs cost a little more than other packs, but others only last us two or three years," said Jacobson. "We can get five or more years of use out of the Nimrod packs, so we come out money ahead."

"This is the third season our gear is being used by firefighters," said Snider, "and I haven't had so much as one call on problems with the gear. If anyone does have a problem, I hope they call, because the last thing we want is someone not satisfied with our gear."

Current Contact Information:
Nimrod Pack Systems
6359 Kimber Drive
Cashmere, WA 98815
(800) 646-7632
www.nimrodpacks.com

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