Info page only – see pack availability elsewhere

6 WEEK LEADTIME Some pics currently show prototypes with slight differences to production models. Contact us if you have questions

Here’s a pack designed specifically for big trips on the Colorado plateau, aka the Four Corners Area

The name is the Plateau Pack. Beyond The Hayduke it could well have been called

It’s for the folks savoring Allen’s long routes. Those that see the hidden potential in Kelsey’s map overload and walls of text. For the few dreaming to camp at Cliff Benchmark for the sunrise over the unique pothole Allen’s dog found for him on a hot and dry August evening so many years ago

It’s for the packrafter who gets it when dragging their boat 40 miles down the Dirty Devil as 118 cfs just wasn’t enough; or planning a week long canyon circuit knowing well that there’s one launch and it’s just to cross the Green. And there will be a tamarisks jungle on the other side

The Nunatak design team have done those trips and felt how the desert dishes it out. On us and the gear.

These are overbuilt, fully repairable framed packs with thought out modular attachments. The feature set is unique and useful, stemming from the challenges of hard, semi technical hiking in and above the canyons. Capable of big water carries and balanced hauling and lowering between scrambles in no-fall zones

Definitely overkill for trail hiking, even the Duke. With a specialist audience in mind we hope not to sell too many of these, lol

The Plateau Pack comes in four sizes from 45 to 75 liters and two levels: Basic Burly, and the EO Version. The latter will last all the trips in the book

Exiting a canyon via a steep slog up broken Kayenta benches usually also means leaving that lonely pothole behind. So the 10 day load is now increased by a gallon of water. Or two. The Plateau pack is built with a burly, yet simple suspension system with a focus on durability. The stiff aluminum frames connects directly to a 3 part hipbelt/lumbar pad area using a unique exterior frame routing. 3″ wide S-shaped shoulder straps guides the top-to-bottom load lifters, making it possible to completely remove the weight from the shoulder curve when on easier terrain. Dual hipbelt buckles allow independent upper/lower belt edge tensioning, and will get you home in style if one buckle is crushed in action. All foam in contact with the user’s body is genuine medium density Evazote EV50

Water carry. The Plateau accessory system is specifically geared towards this: The hipbelt will take up to two conveniently accessible bottles in holders that does not drop them. Behind those you can choose between two low-rider pockets for more bottles; or two slim bladder pockets; all with real closures. Bladders tend to leak so the pockets are designed to not let this trickle get to the interior of the pack. And every single water/stash pocket can be removed/replaced by the user

Daisy chains allow attaching a large front pocket (on the rear of the pack – for us older users) which can be a daypack with its own shoulder and waist straps when needed. The bottle holders fit on this as well. The biggest version will hold a packraft paddle broken down

The signature sandstone slab butt scooch, performed every few minutes dropping into canyons does a number on the bottom of any pack. The Plateau Pack features an outer expendable fabric bottom that’s user replaceable

Lowering and hauling, often on low angle stuff, gets pocket mesh and shoulder straps caught, and quickly abrades fabric with anything harder than a Probar poking thru from the inside. The Plateau hangs balanced by tying into multiple well placed haul loops; ie you decide how it slides. With an optional smooth lid rocks glance right off when hauling

While down climbing face out the normal shoebox shaped pack bottoms push you off tiny ledges while allowing stone repeatedly to rub on that one outside fabric corner. The Plateau’s rounded one piece bottom design with a steep upswept curve is durable and cushions butt scooching instead of hindering it

Pack materials for trail hiking are a race towards the lightest option with adequate durability. Pack materials for continued abuse on advanced routes in the canyons are not the same. ‘Adequate durability’ will shred quickly, while high denier, non-laminated traditional weaves with a soft hand goes the distance, especially if they are pared with thoughtful features

Even with precautions things will rip and tear. So the lid, all pockets, the shoulder straps, hipbelt, lumbar pad and bottom cover piece are all replaceable. The vulnerable lower frame-end seats are built with bomber TPU coated webbing and placed out in the open for easy repair

Those are but a few of the simple features we have learned to include. Combined with the right balance of materials we successfully carry this pack Beyond The Hayduke

Plateau Carrying System:

Featuring the same supportive carrying system in all sizes even the 45 liter can haul fifty plus pounds. The 65 and 75 gets wider and stiffer frames.

Details:

* S-shaped shoulder straps with soft corners, ie no flat binding tape along edges. ½” thick

* Three part dual density hipbelt with removable multi-sized wings

* Top to bottom load lifters working independently of shoulder straps

* Central lumbar assembly with direct connection to frames and shoulder straps

Capacity:

The volumes of 45 – 55 – 65 – 75 liters are internal volumes, ie not including pockets

Pockets can add as much as 20 liters depending on needs

Packrafting notes:

Modern whitewater boats and their accessories are bulky. 90-100 liter packs are typically needed to carry these into the backcountry. Nunatak recommends taking a look at the Bad Larry Pack from Sockdolager

Classic boats, undecked and stripped down for calm water and small creeks, are much more compact and can fit in a 65 liter pack together with UL supplies and food for a week.

The vid shows the 5 different pocket options:

Materials:

Basic Burly – 210d GridStop with 420d Robic and 500d Cordura

EO Version – 500d Cordura with 1000d Cordura

These packs cannot be made with laminates such as Xpac and Ultra Weave

7075 T6 aluminum bar frames

Weight:

Size M/L 55 liter Basic Burly with foam frame sheet, one bottle holder on hipbelt, sternum strap and a few other things: 40 oz

Sizing:

Small/medium – 22.5″ aluminum stays (lower edge hipbelt to load lifters) – 16.5″ torso (mid-hipbelt to shoulder strap attachment point)

Medium/large – 25″ aluminum stays (lower edge hipbelt to load lifters) – 19″ torso (mid-hipbelt to shoulder strap attachment point)

Large/extra large – 27.5″ aluminum stays (lower edge hipbelt to load lifters) – 21.5″ torso (mid-hipbelt to shoulder strap attachment point)

Extra large – 30″ aluminum stays (lower edge hipbelt to load lifters) – 24″ torso (mid-hipbelt to shoulder strap attachment point)

The use of frames connected to load lifters allows for some overlap in sizing

Choose a smaller pack if desiring a tight, snug fit and more clearance for wide desert hats/bushwhacking

Size up to get a traditional fit with more volume and increased comfort near load limit

Use this chart for sizing; or measure an existing pack and relate the numbers to the ones above

Diable Intégrale

This home-brewed overland hiking adventure is a semi technical point-to point route following benches above a major Utah river for 125 miles and was one of the several outings where we tested the Plateau Pack.

The going is slow with scrambling, some climbing and step to step route finding. Finding drinking water is a major issue over the length, but especially for the last 50 miles.

On our 12 day traverse in late March 2024 we saw no one else until the end of day 11. Resupply or caching food is not a practical option. This is a serious undertaking due to the remoteness, difficult navigation and very few escapes along the way. Carrying lots of food and constantly hunting for water adds to the commitment and strain. Scrambling on loose rock with exposure require familiarity with the Utah desert to perform safely

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