DIM: Folded size: 5” x 5” x 4”, Main: 16” x 12” x 2”
The Rollypoly Extreme takes the basic idea of the backpack version, but added on more bells and whistles to make a deluxe, or in this case, "extreme" version.
Like the normal the backpack version, most of the pack is made of 420 D material while the base (PALS area) is 1000 D. As usual the main flap uses a velcro closure and the back has PALS for 2 short malice clips with a sleeve for belt mounting. A siamese clip is on top for extra mounting options. A simple carrying handle has been added that is accessible when packed or deployed. The backpack straps now include a sternum strap and are connected to the pouch in a manner to allow expansion when filled. The other big addon is the smaller external pockets. Once expanded into a backpack, there is a lower square-ish zippered pocket and a higher rectangle zippered pocket. The lower one actually has another thin zippered pocket on it and a loop velcro area. The larger part of the lower pocket has a divder sleeve close to the front and a plastic lanyard. The higher rectangle pocket doesn't have anything special inside, but has loop velcro on the exterior which is what the main flap attaches to. Speaking of the main flap, a loop velcro area was added so one can easily get the flap out of the way when putting items in and out of the pack. I hope someday this feature is added to all Rollypolys. Moving to the interior, there is a webbing loop up top for hanging items such as hydration bladders and a built in hydration sleeve to hold up to a 100 oz bladder. On the other side of the interior is a slim zippered pocket. When totally filled up the whole pack holds about 500 cu.
For the fairly featured backpack this turns into, the Rollypoly Extreme packs up pretty small. Re-packing isn't quite as easy as the Lochsa, but is still manageable. Although not really a con, I thought I would note that with all the extra pockets, once you start putting things inside, it will take more time to take everything out to go back to packed mode. Of course nothing is forcing you to use all the pockets, but you might as well be using the 1 main pocket Rollypolly Backpack if you aren't. The main use I see the RP Extreme fulfulling is situations where holding many items is possible, but not guaranteed, with a high chance of varying item size and count. A semi-random example would be taking one to a trade show. You can store it all nice and packed up in your cargo pant pocket, but if you start to score a lot of swag, whip it out and carry whatever comes your way. The Rollypoly Extreme makes for a solid medium size option in the latest foldup line being larger than the Rollypolly Backpack, but smaller than the Lochsa. Currently available in Black, OD Green, Khaki, and ACU.
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