Berghaus's airy BioFlex back system gets a makeover for spring. Can we tell the difference?
Berghaus C7 2 70+10 - Quick Look
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Price:
£130
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Weight: 2860g
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Features Second
generation BioFlex 2 back system, EVABREATHE matrix foam
technology, dry fusion lid plus rain cover, Gripper breather
hip-belt, zipped side entry to main compartment, bottom
compartment with zipped divider, two side expansion pockets,
wand pockets, lid pocket. 3-litre hydration system
compatible, mesh front pocket, side and bottom compression
straps, two walking pole holders, attachment points on lid,
40mm Bergbuckle, removable, height adjustable chest harness,
grab handle.
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What's It For? The c7 2 70+10 - the main body is 70 litres
plus 5 litres for each of the side expansion pockets - is a classic
all-round backpacking sac with the added bonus of Berghaus's second
generation BioFlex system.
BioFlex is intended to allow the pack to move with your body
rather than splinting you tightly in position making for better
mobility and comfort as well as good load transfer to the hips.
The Techy Bits When we used the first generation of the
BioFlex back system, we were blown away with how well it carried with
light to medium loads and, in particular, the added mobility that
allowed more natural walking, easy high steps and real ease in, say,
crossing stiles. However the original back system looked a tad
complicated, plasticky and fragile - we never broke ours though - and
we know that some potential buyers were put off by the idea that the
pack would be hard or impossible to bodge if it broke in the
field.
For this year, BioFlex has been substantially reworked. The lower
section with the pivoting and elongating hip-belt mount, fingered
hip-belt and EVA perforated foam all stays much as before, but there
are changes higher up. New shoulder straps lower the profile
of the shoulder harness to give a claimed better fit. New
aluminium bars are curved to bring the pack closer to your
body for added stability and a one-piece shoulder pad replaces
the previous adjustable twin-pad arrangement 'for extra stability' it
says here.
Other technical highlights include a Dry Fusion taped lid pocket
which is nigh on waterproof - the zipper is water-resistant and
protected by a flap as well - and a built-in rain cover that sits in
a pocket in the lid.
How It Works We liked original BioFlex a lot. It was a little
quirky for sure, but the massive mobility made walking feel like a
'Singing In The Rain' style dance along the trail. We had
reservations though, with heavier loads, stability seemed to suffer
with almost too much movement and the back system looked fragile,
though we didn't break it.
To be honest, Bioflex the second coming, actually feels very
similar. The changes to the upper back system are claimed to make
things feel more stable, but the loose hipped sway of the pack and
the ability to bend forwards without restriction were instantly
familiar, which we liked.
The changes may make the pack slightly more stable, but as with
BioFlex one, we reckon that when loads get really heavy, the movement
can feel excessive and the big load luggers from Osprey and Lowe
Alpine are better for really big carries.
With light to medium loads, Bioflex is superb giving really
impressive mobility. The rest of the pack isn't bad either. We like
the use of perforated EVA foam in the lumbar pad - it doesn't absorb
water like more traditional foam and mesh combinations, though the
upper shoulder pads don't use it. If you want that option, you'll
need a C7 Pro instead.
The welded taped lid construction is a nice touch, you can stick
electrical items in it and not worry that they'll be soaked if it
rains, and a fold-away rain cover looks after the rest of the pack if
that worries you.
Traditional side bellows pockets work okay and we liked the option
of getting into the main compartment by a zip-entry on the back of
the pack as well as the normal top opening. Great for grabbing stuff
on the
run.
We still like Bioflex for its easy mobility though we were
hard pushed to detect a massive difference between new and old in
use. It does look less space age thanks to the single shoulder pad,
which may encourage more buyer confidence.
The free and easy walking motion has to be experienced to be
believed, but for really heavy loads we'd look at other options.
Still great for light to medium carries though. Otherwise it has all
the features you'd expect from a capable backpacking sac and the
waterproof lid construction is a neat touch.
Trying is believing. If you're in the market for a medium load
carrying pack, then get one loaded up and feel the motion.
Know more or want to?
If you'd like to add your own experiences of this
product check out our user review system and post your opinions to
the world. If you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try a posting to our
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