Imlay Mystery 28L Pack
Imlay Mystery 28L Pack
Simplicity. Durability. These were the attributes I had in mind when making this little pack, originally for guiding activities at Zion Adventure Company. Turns out to be a pretty good narrow-canyon pack - kind of like a larger, top-opening Leprechaun.
The updated Mystery is 2” taller than prior versions, making it more of a ‘real pack’, only 1” shorter than the Kolob. The three-point shoulder straps fit and carry better, and are easier to sew. They allow a wide fit range, from 5’4” to 6’2” (ish). The hipbelt is the traditional Wing Style as before, but adjusted for better function and easier sewing. The back frame is lighter and better at providing vertical structure.
Otherwise, the standard Mystery features apply - small enough to bring through narrow canyons, large enough to bring… well, stuff. On the approach. Not so much IN-Canyon. No lid. Armored sides with moderate drainage. Padded bottom for durability, with the Swoop styling that works so well for downclimbing. Quick-release shoulder straps. Water tube exits for those foolish enough to bring tanks into canyons. Inside Rack to hold your gear. Stout handle on the outside. Over-the-top strap to pull the whole thing together. Sidewinder handle on one side, for when it really gets skinny. Helmet pocket outside. And a non-pocket on the lower part of each side.
Total Weight = 2 lb 9 oz. Volume is 28 liters for the body, plus 5 liters for the Helmet Pocket on the approach.
Features:
Comfy 3-point shoulder straps, and a few hidden things to make it more durable.
Made from 1000d Air-textured Nylon, with padded bottom.
Holey PVC-laminate bottom side panels with mesh behind.
Volume: 28 liters - 33 liters including the helmet pocket.
Weight: 2 lbs 9 ozs (907 grams)
You may also consider…
A replacement lid that fits Imlay Heaps, Kolob, and Spry Packs. The lids are 3 different sizes, so order by size. Heaps includes the Shinumos; Kolob includes all sizes of Kolobs plus the Shenanigans and Pandora; Spry is its own thing!
Let us know what color your pack is, and we can maybe match to it. Or not. Usually we pick one of these from the packs we have in stock - but if you want a reasonable color match it might take making one special which is on the order of 6 weeks delay.
The zippers on the lids are very very difficult to replace… but the lid itself snaps on and off.
The Kolob Standard Pack is a great 37-liter pack for canyoneering in wet canyons. The Kolob is our most versatile pack, and the most popular.
Now available in 4 sizes, each as a separate item - This being the Kolob Standard, the size we have made for 15 years, optimized to fit men 5’7” to 5’11”.
Also available:
Kolob Medium to fit men 5’4” to 5’8”
Kolob Tall to fit men 5’11” to 6’3”
Kolob Stretch to fit men 6’3” to 6’8”
Thirty-seven Liters is a good size for carrying a lot of gear on day trips, and frugal individuals can do an overnight with it. Carefully shaped for optimum performance in canyons, with the slanted bottom that helps stay out of the way on downclimbs.
If the color you have your heart set on is not listed, you can suggest we make it via email.
The updated Spry is 2” taller than 2018 version, making it more of a ‘real pack’, only 1” shorter than the Kolob. The three-point shoulder straps fit and carry better, and are easier to sew. They allow a wide fit range, from 5’4” to 6’2” (ish). The hipbelt is the traditional Wing Style as before, but adjusted for better function and easier sewing. The back frame is lighter and better at providing vertical structure.
Combining the best properties of Cordura and 'Vinyl' packs, Imlay ‘Hybrid’ backpacks are sophisticated, comfortable and feature-rich, plus are canyon-durable and drain well. The Spry is a nice size (32L) for quick day jaunts. Tough PVC-laminate armor on the outside - the bottom and the sides - make it canyon-resistant; an expanding back pocket has enough space for a helmet; the side-winder handle works great in the narrow stuff; and we put in a plastic framesheet plus 1/2" of foam so it has enough support for carrying loads without twitching out the back. The Insta-Drain design lets water drain from the pack quickly when exiting a pothole.
Sneak through canyons, amaze your friends!!!
The Leprechaun is a streamlined little number for slipping through those tight little squeezes in skinny slots as in North Wash.
We are sewn here in Utah using a tuned-up design and at a price roughly twice what the 2018 Shanghai ones went for. Such is life in 2025. Making them locally allows for better quality control. The revised zipper sewing is sleek - and more durable that before. These are the best Leps we have ever made!