Hiking Backpack Review

Gregory Wasatch 12 Daypack Review

2012-07-03T19:57:00.001-07:00

My first surprise with this daypack was its size, smaller than I imagined. It was my first purchase of daypack, so it was difficult to judge if this backpack has the right size: the 12 liters (720 cubic inch) capacity information is little informative, I would prefer a width x height measure next time.

Perfect size for me… 5’6″ thin woman. I use it daily to hold what I need for me and my 2 small children. It is also great for hiking. So I use it for basically everything. I like it much more than my bigger bulky backpack that would hurt my back. Plus I like the looks of this one.

The Wasatch 12 includes 720 cubic inches of storage. ATS stands for Active Trail Suspension, and includes a set of f

BioSync Technology system
Aero-Mesh backpanel
Internal on-the-fly compression system
Hydration port and sleeve with tube management system on the harness
Webbing loop for securing bicycle light or reflector
720 cubic inches of storage; weighs 1 pound 5 ounces
Expandable front stretch-mesh pocket; dual waist belt pockets
Flexible harness and waist belt move with the body while in motion
Hydration sleeve and exit port; webbing loop for bike light or reflector
Men’s 12-liter daypack with BioSync ATS technology system

Yet, the wasatch 12 is a good daypack. My intended purpose was to bring small tools with me in my field work: digital, camera, knife, tally counter, small notepads, even a little mallet; and for that purpose is excellent, I especially love the outer compartment, with the two anchor options but dislike the lateral meshes (bottle meshes) because doesn’t keep the bottles in place.

Another piece of information I wanted was the size of the hydratation that fit the pack and the size of the raincover. I expected information with the backpack telling me that… but I’m a newbie in the daypack purchase so maybe I’m the problem.

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Asolo Backpacks Reviews

2012-07-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Asolo Switch 35-Liter Technical Daypack

I have an old Samsonite backpack which is very comfortable and I was looking for a new backpack which had a similar level of padding and comfort. I tried the highly rated Samsonite tectonic and the Swissgear 1592 but found them not as comfortable on my back as my old Samsonite.

Then still searching, I found the Asolo switch which had pretty much the padding in the back I was looking for, and turned out to be the most comfortable of the 3 packs I tried. I also liked the fleece lined electronics pocket as well as the water resistant section that can be used for wet/ or to protect dry items.

Product Features

Two large zippered compartments
Water-resistant zippered front accessory pocket
reflective accent strips
Hydration and Audio ports and pocket
Durable 450D Honeycomb rip-stop fabric

Something I thought I would remove and never use when I first got it was the raincover that folds out of a zippered pocket on the bottom of the pack. However, the first time I was in a heavy rain I used it and it was great having it; a feature I now wish I would have had in previous backpacks.

The only negative which is minor is the small leatherette or vinyl triangles that have cords coming out of them on the front of the bag seem to scuff easily and get faint white markings on them.

Otherwise I am very satisfied with this purchase.

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Salomon XA 25 wp Backpack Review

2012-07-03T07:56:00.003-07:00

This pack is advertised as a multi-sport pack. It had many features I found appealing for endurance adventure racing such as the built in whistle, waterproof compartment, waste belt compartments for easy access to gels and bars. I was able to adjust the pack so that it fit well prior to the race. The weight was lower on my back which I also liked.

When I put my mandatory gear in it for the race and started the trail run portion, the side straps would not stay tight which resulted in the pack moving on my back. I felt it not only made running more difficult but it rubbed under my arms leaving two inch long brush burns which later turned to scabs.

It was very frustrating while racing to have to keep tightening the pack. The pack was fine mountain biking and trekking. I only had issues running with the pack. I was very disappointed with my experience with this pack and would not recommend it for adventure racing

The Salomon XA 25 WP Pro backpack is ideal for all weather conditions thanks to the roll-top construction and waterproof main compartment.

CustomSystem attachment points on the shoulder straps allow quick customization of the backpack to fit your specific needs, with Custom Front Pocket, Bottle Holders, Flask Holders, or Zipped Pocket (sold separately).

Side and rear mesh pockets provide quick access to gear. Main compartment is seam sealed to ensure waterproofness. Large secondary pocket with water resistant zipper allows for gear organization.

External reservoir access makes changing your hydration faster. On the backpanel of the backback, a zippered pocket gives you fast access to the very large hydration sleeve. Hydration sleeve is large enough to use two hydration reservoirs. Velcro loops keep hydration reservoirs from sagging.

S-shaped shoulder straps are lightly padded and have adjustable load lifter straps. Safety whistle is incorporated in to the left shoulder strap. Sternum strap moves up or down 3.5 inches to where it is most comfortable. Airvent Agility backpanel pads protect your back and allow crucial ventilation. Side compression straps and a roll-top system enable you to adjust the volume to perfectly fit the contents of your pack.

The ergonomic waistbelt is more stable due to two adjustable webbing straps on each side that wrap around your waist, and pull from the top and bottom. Two large zippered pockets are built into the waistbelt. The right waistbet pocket has both a mesh open pocket, and a zippered pocket.

4°D Pole Holder system gives you quick and easy access to your trekking poles while on the move. Two adjustable, quick release cords at the left hip and right shoulder hold the poles across the back of the pack. Reflective strips and a tow loop on the rear of the pack add versatility.

Features

Super Comfortable
Versatile & Efficient
Waterproof Main Compartment
Custom System Attachment Points
The Standard for Multi-Sport Activities

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Osprey Daylite Pack Review

2012-07-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

This Osprey Daylite a very nice pack. It is one of my favorite bags! I have had mine for about 4 yrs now and it is holding up great! The only “damage” that it has is where the water bottles are, some of the mesh broke apart, but not to where the bottle doesn’t hold, just one or two small stitches, probably from me bouldering, and rubbing against rocks.(and some scuff marks, easy to clean dirt off bag.)

Other than that, this bag is able to fit a ton in it and is super light! It also doesn’t puff out, so even though it is packed tight it doesn’t look it, and that is best when hiking or climbing and need to squeeze through some spaces. On normal day hikes I am able to pack the following into it: (It takes a little practice to fit the items in correctly to where there isn’t a lump forming on the back of the bag, so that it sits flat on your back for when you secure it with the waist and chest strap) I have a thin long sleeved shirt, a medium sized first aid kit.

A roll of duct tape (since it fixes everything), a medium sized flash light, a small camera, a small journal with pens/pencils, small bottle of bug spray, small bottle of sun screen, cell phone, keys, hand wipes, water proof matches, chapstick, bandana, sunglasses case, power bars, roll of crackers, granola bar, string cheese, compass, climbing gloves, and a few other small items. I then have a light rain jacket put through the bungie cords on the outside, and two water bottle containers in the side pockets.

The Osprey Daylite pack is a nice 750 cu.in. pack perfect for mountain biking. It’s a good size for some snacks, spare parts, rain jacket, etc. I really like the external hydration sleeve. Other manufactures require one to go through the hassle of opening one’s pack to access the bladder, removing the hose through a too small slot in the packbag, and then putting a potentially wet bladder back into the packbag.

Osprey demonstrates that a 3 liter bladder fits nicely between the pack bag and the padded back panel, which allows one to easily remove and replace the bladder hassle free. After my experience with this little Daylite, I’d love to replace my adventure racing pack with something like an Osprey Talon 35.

The only thing “wrong” with this pack is that the lightweight mesh straps (which are really plenty substantial for the pack and its probably contents) often get twisted and rolled as one attempts to put it on. Other that, the Osprey Daylite is a sweet little pack.

A hydration bladder can be placed in this bag, in a seperate area, not inside the bag, which is great and it seems like it has good lining to keep it cool. I prefer water bottles, but I bet the bladder would work great on this bag too. This bag is great for day hikes, and probably some bike riding/ mountain bike riding, among other activites, I have taken it to festivals too and other day activities and it is great! I love this bag and recommend it!

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Camelbak BFM Hiking Review

2012-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

This Camelbak BFM pack is awesome for a weekend hike of 2-3 days, any more than that and you will need a pack that holds something in the vicinity of 4000-5000 cubic inches. I own the desert camo version and I love it because it is rugged, durable, and has so many pockets to carry and organize gear. This pack will hold 3 liters of water and can expand as your cargo expands. I find it to be very comfortable around the shoulders and torso with a heavy load.

It has plenty of space for ammunition, magazines, data book, hat, sweatshirt, lunch and the other smaller items we generally store in the shooting stool. It does not fit the Creedmoor hardback shooting jacket without more folding than I felt comfortable doing. Mats can be attached to the molle points on the bottom, so the only things you need to carry in your hands are rifle, spotting scope and shooting jacket. It's probably possible to attach the scope and jacket to the exterior, I just haven't figured it out yet.

It carries at least 50 pounds easily (I haven't tried more), belt works well and takes the weight off the shoulders.
The best part about this pack is it has enough space to fit two 3-liter reservoirs plus a 1-liter bottle in each of the two large side pockets, which is more than enough for me for on a hot day. I used to keep running out of water about 2/3 through the match. Note it's not a good idea to drink large amounts (1 gallon+) of pure water because it washes important stuff like potassium and salt out of your body; I usually fill them with half-strength Gatorade or equivalent.


Empty Camelbak BFM

The molly attachments are great for lashing other smaller items to it. I have used it as a day pack in urban settings with large crowds and it probably looks funny to some because it expands outward and can look really thick. You have to be careful as you turn as to avoid whacking people with it (just looking at the pictures of it will tell the story).

This pack is military spec and is made of the 1000 denier cordura material that is super tough and it is the largest pack camelbak makes. I called camelbak to ask what the BFM stands for and they told me “Big FxxxxxG Motherlode, A pretty bold name coming from such a large company. I give this ruck sack 5 stars because it deserves it and is well worth the money.

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