A quick look at some ace-looking new packs from the Swedish outdoor brand.
haglofs 2009 packs
Haglofs clothing has been making waves in the UK for a couple of
years now, but in its native Scandinavia, the brand is best known for
its hardware and for spring 2009, the company has some interesting
new packs we thought you might like a quick scoop preview of.
Sumo 75 and 90 - big packs for big loads...
The new Sumo packs are due to replace the current Topo ealy next
year and while they're about 500 grammes lighter than the Topo
equivalents, what they're really about is hauling big, big, multi-day
loads in comfort.
They're not light - 3.4kg and 3.15 kg respectively - but if you've
ever tried hauling,say, a selection of food, camping and winter
climbing hardware in a lightweight pack, you'll appreciate why.
The packs are built big and sturdy with an adjustable length back
system that features twin anodised alloy rods feeding loads directly
into a hip-belt which can move independently of the rest of the pack
for better hip mobility when, say, making high steps on technical
terrain. It can also be locked off when necessary.
Perforated EVA foam back should resist sweat-induced soakings, the
lid converts to a bum-bag for day use and a wide-mouthed sleeping bag
compartment allows easy stowage along with multiple big pockets.
Looks like a real contender for anyone after a serious,
heavyweight load hauler.
New Matrix 30
The lightweight Matrix already exists in 40, 50, 60 and 70-litre
versions, but as of early next year, there'll also be a
1.25-kilogramme 30-litre day version using the same lightweight
fabrics. Supportive construction with a removable framesheet,
aluminium stay and glass fibre rods meaning it can still haul decent
loads - climbing gear for example.
It should make a good, traditional-style all-round mountain day
pack for walking, climbing and scrambling. Oh, and it looks rather
nice too...
New Crag Sacks...
Last but not least, there's going to be a pair of new climbing day
packs in the shape of the Roc 25 and Roc 35. They're based on the
Matrix chassis, but the fabrics have been beefed up with some serious
Ballistic Polyamide reinforcement and heavy duty body material
designed to cope with rock abrasion.
Otherwise it's a simple design with the ice-tool attachments, haul
loops, rope carry system and compression straps you'd expect, plus a
removable hip-belt and tuck-away floating lid for stripped down
summit days. The Rocs are slightly heavier than the Matrix at 1.4 and
1.5 kilos, but should be a fair bit tougher.
More information
The packs above will be in UK shops early in 2009. For details of
the current Haglofs range see www.haglofs.se.
