Update on the panel loader quest: I have just returned from a 300 km walk on the Francés, in hot weather, with my supposedly 25L Osprey Escapist. I have dared myself to do it many times but this is the first time I have actually done it. And it performed great! Not too full, just enough organisation, and she even sits up by herself so no falling over and no dusting the floor in the packing process.
I didn't miss the pole stowing thing, mostly because I use my Pacerpoles all the time so no need to stow them, but when I did, I just opened the waist belt and clipped them in there.
I had my water bottle in one side pocket where I could reach and replace it myself, my Birkenstock EVAs in the other, and layers and wet stuff in the mesh stash/kangaroo pocket. Small and frequent use stuff in the zipped sunglasses pocket, general stuff in the main compartment, urgent stuff like first aid, poncho, umbrella/parasol in the larger organising pocket. Hardly used the sleeping bag compartment opening, but when I did I was glad to have it. Clothes, sleeping bag and toiletries/laundry stuff was all separated in drybags and easy to get to without lifting everything out.
The back panel is the same as the Talon/Tempest and Kestrel/Kyte models and kept me cool enough without getting the pack soaked. Harness and waist belt very comfortable and the velcro adjustment helped get the perfect fit. And when I came home I just folded her into the washing machine!
I did cut the shoulder strap pocket off though, as it was too small for my glasses and mobile, instead I put a velcro strap around that part of the strap with a drinking tube clip to attach my umbrella/parasol to shield from the blistering sunshine. I also removed the helmet holder and cinching bungee to make it easier to use the front zip, since I would fill the pack anyway.
All in all I am very happy with her and still amazed at the capacity for such a small pack!
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