At the 2013 ATA Show I was able to chat with Tenzing’s lead pack designer about their new CF13 Pack System.  This system consists of a 100% aerospace carbon fiber frame, a fully-adjustable harness system, and an impressive collection of panels, pockets, and a gear bag, which enables you to customize and build a modular pack system.

If you don’t see the video above, please watch it here.

I was extremely impressed with the build quality, materials, and forethought that was put into the design of Tenzing’s CF13 system.  The bare carbon frame weighs just over 1lb, the frame and harness weighs 3lb 8oz, and the fully-outfitted system,with all compartments and pockets, weighs just 5lb 8oz.  Tenzing has performed extensive testing on the frame, including loads of up to 300lbs.

The frame itself is impressive, and the adjustable harness was extremely comfortable, but what really has my interest peaked is the modular use of the pack system and panels, which feature a total of 11 compartments and pockets.  I could see myself using this system to load mineral blocks and treestands in the Midwest.  Or, for a trip like my upcoming elk hunt in September, this pack system could be used to haul camp into the backcountry, and then stripped down into a light daypack while hunting, and then be used as a meat hauler when I put an elk on the ground.

This is just the beginning of a platform that Tenzing will be building around this frame and harness system.  I am sure we will see more packs and accessories release that will integrate into Tenzing’s CF system.