Scramble Tower V2 PAX 11L Pack Extender (X-Pac, Ecopak)

Lightweight, Extremely Weather Resistant, Durable Protection For All The Gear You Need to Hand

Note: We're expecting weekly deliveries from now into the new year, so if your Tower of choice is currently sold out, please check back soon and we'll likely have it back in stock.

The Tower is a full-zip, detachable, large capacity, vertical (side pod / side pouch) and horizontal pack extender designed to hold all the gear the long distance trekker may need to quickly access between packing up in the morning and setting up at night.

The Towers come in a range of weights, from the lightweight HIT, PAX and limited edition models (120 - 140g) to the ultra-tough DURAs (made from 1000D Cordura and weighing in at 200g). All of the Towers, regardless of weight, are made from the kind of material generally reserved for high stress / high abrasion areas on good to high-end packs and all provide excellent protection from rocky terrain and stormy weather alike. As long as your pack of choice can handle the additional load, the Tower will seriously extend its capacity and in so doing extend your range.

For a deeper dive into the V2 Towers (as well as higher resolution images and a useful "Attributes Table"), see Scramble's product release, their full review and their post on design & materials.

The PAX Towers

The PAX range used to be called "X-PAC", but Scramble have added to the range of high-end laminates with the inclusion of Challenge Sailcloth's Ecopak EPX200, which features a diamond 45° CrossPly sandwiched between a 200D face fabric and a 70D white ripstop inner. In terms of performance the EPX200s are practically identical to the X-Pac VX21s, though the VX21 offers slightly more abrasion resistance and is a fraction lighter.  As such the X-Pac Tower remains the Rolls Royce of the range (but only just).  All PAX Towers are ideal for mountaineering as they combine all the best elements of the other Towers while being only marginally heavier than the lightest limited edition 120g HEX and NEO-Lites.

Scramble offer a high visibility option in the Ecopak "Electric Peacock" model, for those who may need / want to remain visible in the mountains. 

Dimensional Polyant's X-PAC VX21HS high performance pack laminate features a similar multi-layer construction but uses a more abrasion-resistant 210D nylon on the outside, a thin layer of polyester tafetta on the inside and strong X-PLY-fibers in between. This makes the fabric very tear-resistant, highly durable and 100% waterproof and gives it very good structural stability. The fabric has been used by Arcteryx, Black Diamond, Klättermusen etc. in their high-performance-backpacks.

Quick Summary

All Towers provide:

• meaningful additional capacity without overly extending the user's width profile or adding a good deal of weight
• a high centre of gravity (to not compromise pack stability / agility)
• a high degree of protection from the environment (being extremely strong, abrasion and weather resistant)
• universal and secure attachment (will work with any pack that can host a closed cell mat via its compression straps)
• full, quick and convenient access to the gear you need while on the move

Version 2:  Upgrades

The Version 2 Towers have had some minor upgrades: 1) extended lower side loops to ensure perfect centering when strapped in a horizontal position and 2) a much better (removable) carabiner for the top loop when attaching to packs for added stability.

General Features

• Square Base Low Profile Packing Cell: The square base cuboid design maximises capacity and reduces width profile and at 50cm tall, spreads the load vertically providing a higher centre of gravity than many other options, accommodating packable tent, tarp and trekking poles.
  
  
• Abrasion Resistant: Even the lightest Tower is made from the kind of materials generally reserved for high stress areas on many packs (from X-Pac's'VX21 laminate to 1000D Cordura).
  
  
• Water-Resistant: All the Towers have an inner PU (or Acrylic) waterproof coating as well as surface DWR treatment. Attachment point stitching and roof section is PU seam-sealed.
  
  
• Waterproof Cap / Pull Tab: Directs rain water / run-off away from the zip enclosure.
  
  
• Attachment Points (x6): The Towers have 4 attachment loops for the top compression strap (though are designed to use only one) to a) adjust the height at which the Tower is secured to the pack, b) to provide additional security should compression straps loosen, and c) to ensure the compression strap is easily available when re-securing the Tower to the pack. The other attachment points are at the top and base to provide additional support and security.
  
  
• YKK Zips: High quality, easy glide YKK Vislon zips ensure easy, no fuss access.

PAX Specification

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 15 x 15 x 50cm
• Capacity: 11.25L
• Weights: 130g (X-Pac), 140g (Ecopak)
• PAX Attributes: ultra-light, extreme strength, abrasion and weather resistance (hardcore across the board without the added weight)
• Designed & Manufactured in the UK (England)

PAX Materials & Treatments

• X-Pac Main Material: VX21HS high performance 3-layer pack laminate (200g/sm)
• Ecopak Main Material: EPX200 high performance 3-layer pack laminate (200g/sm)   
• Inner Treatments: none required   
• Seam Sealing: Stitching on all attachment loops and roof section is seam sealed
• Thread: Heavy duty bonded rot-proof nylon
• Zips: YKK Vislon (plastic molded, water-resistant)

Warranty & Aftercare

1. Warranty & Repair

Scramble's 11L Towers all come with a 3 year warranty should they fail and that failure is Scramble's fault (i.e. due to manufacture / workmanship). Depending on the nature of the problem Scramble offer a simple repair, replace or refund policy.

Note: Using the Tower in any way other than its intended usage, i.e. using it as a bag, hanging it fully loaded via its attachment loops etc. will void the warranty (we know you wouldn't do these things, but some people aren't so smart). The attachment loops, though very strong and likely capable of handling such loads, are there as guides for webbing straps and for cinching the Tower to a pack to aid stability.

2. Aftercare

Washing Instructions

Do NOT machine wash. The Tower will last much longer if it never sees the inside of a washing machine.

To wash simply wipe down with a sponge and lukewarm soapy water. Then rinse off with cold water from a tap, hose or shower.

Leave it somewhere to hang and dry naturally (it will dry reasonably quickly even indoors). Do NOT tumble dry or dry next to a heat source !!!

Re-Proofing

The occasional spray of Nikwax's Tent & Gear SolarProof and/or Nikwax's TX Direct will help to keep the Tower UV and water-resistant. Once or twice a year is generally sufficient, but of course this depends very much on usage.

Always use the spray on versions NOT the wash in (that's more applicable for garments and we want to avoid washing machines).

For the HEX models we recommend brush coating with Fabsil or Fabsil Gold.

Home storage

Simply make sure the Tower is dry before long term storage. Obvious, but hey.