Our favorite thing about the Sassafras and Shrike is how configurable they are for different use cases. They both offer variable volume, folding down small enough to use as a running vest or expanding out to carry a lightweight kit. Also, the shoulder strap storage — we love how much we can fit in the pockets.
Here's a look at both and an example of how I use each one.
Same pack, different volumes.
Shrike
I like to ride my bike out to the Rattlesnake Wilderness, about 15 miles on dirt from the house. I wear the pack collapsed down with most of the gear on the bike. At the Wilderness boundary, I stash the bike and switch to foot (or snowshoes depending on the time of year), expand the pack, load everything in, and keep going.
Sassafras
With the Sassafras, I'll set off on a Friday evening to set up basecamp far back in the mountains, spending the rest of the weekend doing trail runs or scrambling peaks before heading back for the work week. I'll carry everything I need for the weekend on the way in and collapse the pack down for the miles out from camp.
The Sassafras and Shrike run in limited production a few times a year. If you're interested, check availability or get on the list for the next run.