Craig H
Reviewed: 13 October 2008
GOOD QUALITY FOR THE PRICE
Strong material, Wide padded hip belt, ventilated and adjustable back system. Integrated rain cover. Price (less than £50 when bought)
Mesh side pockets too small for a drinks bottle. Bit on the heavy side.
I just needed a larger pack to take the extra bits you need when you're taking the kids out with you, so didnt want to pay a fortune.
In the shop (Go Outdoors)this pack shared several features of the more expensive brands such as Lowe Alpine, but for 20-30 ponds less.
I always suffer sweaty back syndrome, so a ventilated back was a big plus for me. Although it may not be as ventilated as some, it has made a big difference and reduced my discomfort by a considerable amount.
There are sufficient pockets to keep most frequently needed bits and bobs easy to hand, but the mesh pockets could have been a bit wider, or elasticated to take a bottle.
The first time I used the pack was in torrential rain and after pullling on the raincover, the pack stayed dry as a bone. In lighter showers, there has been no hint of leaks yet without the raincover on.
Last weekend I ended up carrying most of the families waterproofs etc so had to use the full 43l capacity. After a bit of fiddling to get the pack adjusted properly I have to say it was really quite comfortable, and I hardly felt like I was carrying half our outdoor wardrobe.
All the straps and buckles seem good quality.
All in all I'm very pleased with it.
