When Rivendell Mountain Works introduced The Jensen Pack™ to the climbing world in 1971, it quickly became one of the most widely imitated packs of all time. This is the classic design that launched the soft pack revolution. In the years since then, most manufacturers have settled on designs using internal frames. The Jensen Pack™ instead utilizes internal partitions that give the pack its characteristic shape. It is manufactured in 5 sizes to achieve a superb, individual fit.
Don Jensen’s ingenious design uses the load to support the pack, and molds itself to your back to afford unmatched stability and balance when backpacking or climbing in mountain terrain. We have always loved what this totally “soft” pack is able to do without a rigid frame. The Jensen Pack™ and its larger cousin the Giant Jensen™ are considerably lighter than most packs of equal carrying capacity.
“Shire” Clay Giant Jensen
It’s hard to improve on a design that approached perfection to begin with, but in reproducing these Heritage Backpacks we couldn’t resist adding a couple of minor improvements, based on the lessons we learned from a lifetime of using these packs ourselves.
This just in: I had the opportunity to get interviewed for the Carryology newsletter/blog, please check out the link: http://www.carryology.com/bags/eric-hardee-interview-rebirth-jensen/
First, we added a compression strap to the lower compartment to make it easier to pack a sleeping bag and reduce stress on the zipper. Note: The Jensen Pack™ was designed in the heyday of goose down mountaineering bags, and a large synthetic-fill sleeping bag will not fit into this compartment. If you have such a sleeping bag, we recommend either packing it in the top compartment, or purchasing a Giant Jensen™.
Second, we’ve lengthened the left side of the hip belt and attached the buckle with a slide. This allows for a much greater adjustment to accommodate people with wider hips. Also, should the buckle ever be damaged, it will be easier to replace.
Third, the corduroy piece is “serged” so that the raw edge is bound and will not unravel.
