Berghaus Freeflow 25 + 5 Pack

I've had a freeflow pack for a long time. In fact it was one of the first generation versions and I used it for a long time. It's still in the gear cupboard it's just been superseded by my gear obsession.

The current version has changed slightly but the concept hasn't changed. The mesh grid along with the curved panel allows the ''free flow" of air to the back meaning less material pressing on the back whilst you get hot during activity. 

 

The 25 + 5 version you see here has a lot of nice additions - netted pockets, vented "EVABREATHE" shoulder straps and a hydration pocket to name a few. 

The pocket on the flap has a bigger opening with a curved zip opening.

The biggest addition I can see is the BIOFIT system which is an adjustable back height. It has 5 settings from XS to XL allowing it to sit correctly around the waist which it does. It sits comfortably over the shoulders and around the waist. I did find the waist belt loosened off a bit but nothing too serious.

I find that between the mesh and the curved panel is good for stashing my map whilst walking.

The additional features do add to the weight of what is an already weighty system. Granted its not the lightest but it carries well, so a balance is struck.

There are walking pole attachments which can be bastardised to accommodate an ice axe.

I was a bit concerned about the white straps getting filthy but after several lanes on the hill it has returned still white. Obviously just aesthetics.

There's also a rain cover, which I always completely forget about.

I do have difficulty with the volume of the pack. the knock on effect of the curved panel is the main area has to curve too. lt doesn't however have an adverse effect on the packs centre of gravity. What it does affect though is how the pack holds its contents. To me it feels restrictive, the curve seems to impair access to the depths of the sack. Not majorly but enough. And it doesn't feel like it's the full 25 litres.

It doesn't make it a bad pack. Actually its very comfortable which is the main thing. It makes a good summer and pre-winter pack.The side pockets, which I assume are the + 5, are really handy. Normally I keep a water bottle in one and water proof trousers in the other so they're handy.

This model isn't in production anymore it seems. There is a 25 litre and a 30 litre version on Berghaus's site along with all their other products here www.berghaus.com

Osprey Everyday Use Packs

This is not something I am known for but the commuter/biking series from Osprey has been very useful to me over the last couple of years. I have had to do a bit of travelling in the UK and internationally for work. Living out of a bag and keeping things constantly packed, it's like camping, everything needs to have its place so you know where it is when you need it and you can make sure you haven't left anything behind.

For me Osprey are known for their functionality and these packs are no different. The Momentum has features to the extent of Alpine climbing packs! The Flapjack is simple and functional. That’s not a criticism, it's what makes it brilliant.

Momentum 30

Osprey says this pack is "born to commute". I tend to agree. lt has 30 litres of volume, it feels like it swallows double that! It has enough space for a long weekend in Holland or filing cabinet for a travelling consultant. It comes under the biking series on Ospreys site, truth be known I've never had it on whilst cycling. However I have used it in several guises. It has never let we down.

I’m not going to list its features, it has already been listed here ..... It has enough nooks and cranny's to tuck away all sorts of bits and bobs.

The laptop sleeve has a top opening has a water resistant zip. I wouldn't necessarily trust it to keep persistent rain out but it’ll defend the enclosed tech well enough in the short term. When there is a laptop in the sleeve, the back panel is obviously very flat and rigid. The Airscape system is not very thick so the comfort factor drops. Accepting this the shoulder straps, sternum strap and the minimal waist belt, which is removable, allows the pack to sit comfortably whilst carried. In with the sleeve there is a secondary pouch that will hold a 10 inch tablet.

The main compartment is cavernous and neat at the same time. There is a document sleeve, individual netted pocket along with the main void. On the outside near the bottom there are two pockets for small items, they have net barriers to catch/hold the items in. The issue I have with these pockets is when the main compartment is jammed full (which has happened) these pockets become redundant as they are squeezed shut.

 
There is a small organiser pocket on the front which is good for storing keys and other handy bits. Just above the zip of the pocket is Ospreys Lidlock bike helmet attachment, as I said this hasn't been involved in any 2 wheeled activity but with its elastic pull cord I'm sure it works just fine.

Stitched to the front is an elastic stretch panel, it’s good for stuffing a jumper or lightweight jacket in when it’s not needed.

Last but not least there is a highly visible rain cover tucked in the bottom of the pack - glowing! 

Does yellow and orange not clash?

Flap Jack

I have used this bag for nearly 2 years, it is with me every day with varying uses. Each time it's done what I have required of it. On a daily basis it carries useful stuff: chargers, note pad, tablet, water, a magazine, head torch, earphones.... The list could go on for the full blog. This should also give an indication of its carrying capabilities, Ospreys site doesn't give a volume but I'd estimate 18/20 litres with the usual Osprey doocots to keep everything separate but still together.

It could have many descriptors too: courier, messenger, laptop, go or man bag. Me, I just call it my bag. The colour of this pack is specced as black, well it’s not is it? Its graphite or grey. It was a bit of a sticking point when I was buying it but I'm not fussed now, well, I say that I would prefer it to be black!

Anyway, the shoulder strap has a padded slider on it which is obviously essential when the weight of the bag mounts up, the downside of it is there is a grippy rubber section that spells ‘Osprey’ on the underside. It's designed to help keep the slider in place whilst walking. It does this, what it also did was pull at the nylon shell of a down jacket completely ruining the shoulder. Fortunately now the rubber has pulled off with use, so no more destruction. My advice pick it off when you buy it.

The waist strap is useful for keeping the bag behind you. I've used it a couple of times when I've had to move hastily somewhere. Late for a train! It's removable but I've never felt the need as it doesn't cause any discomfort.

The flap has a little pocket which is useful for stashing small items quickly. The flap is mainly held down with the velcro panel and its strong! It hasn't failed to hold even at its heaviest when lifted by the carry handle. The clips, which are interchangeable with different colours provided, I only use when I've stuffed so much in that it's the only way to keep the lid down.

Once the lid is open the first thing that stands out is the green interior. At first it seems a bit garish, eventually it dies down, probably due to dirt but alongside this the light colour becomes a benefit. The depths of the bag don't seem so dark and it makes stuff easier to find. I don't think the underside of the flap needs to be green but it’s nothing major.

The main compartment is split into three. The rear slot will take a smaller lap top, mine has a travel wallet and a notepad with Sidetrack magazine for inspiration. The centre divider is a padded pocket which is padded with a zip closure. My 7in tablet lives in here on its end with room to spare. It's designed for 10in versions. The front part is the largest portion and holds all the bigger items.

The larger zip pocket has individual slots. I use these for earphones, usb sticks, a torch and a multi tool. There is plenty of room at the bottom of the pocket for dropping other nick nacks in to.

The front pocket is quite thin so it’s quite limiting to what you can put in here. It has the key clip which I use regularly. The pocket is however useful.

On the side there is a dedicated water bottle pocket, it fits my Camelbak Eddy bottle perfectly. Another casualty of time has been the zip pull loop snapping, I've replaced it with a bit of string which gets me by.

So, a different element to my gear closet. Both very useful bags, as a duo and individually. The Flap Jack is a great carry-on luggage bag but it just works for me every day. The Momentum could do a day hike and be very comfortable, without a laptop being pressed up against your back. For a daily cycle commute, even with a laptop, it would carry everything you need comfortably with the usual robust quality of Osprey.

Unfortunately I don’t spend the majority of my time in the outdoors, so this kind of kit is something I use regularly. I will continue to use the Flap Jack daily and the Momentum will be in support of it when required. So let’s go to work…

The full range of all Osprey's packs can be found at www.ospreyeurope.com There are a lot of new packs and updates to the existing range.

Edelrid Helix 25 Pack

Picture courtesy of Michael Thomson

Before now I knew Edelrid as a climbing hardware, harness and rope manufacturer. I had used their hardware but, to be honest, had never really dug too deep in to their gear. A sin with my gear addiction condition. Now that I have dug a lot deeper, not only is their hardware extensive they also have a wide variety of other products; cook ware, clothing and also packs. 

This 25 litre lightweight alpine climbing pack is an example of the gear they are introducing to the UK market. As far as I am aware it is their first full scale venture in to this type of product. It has a variety of alpine features and can be stripped down to a very minimilist pack. The lime green colour is Edelrids signature colour so as you probably noticed it sticks out, not a bad thing. I know my kit needs an introduction of colour.

The back system is made up with with dense foam in a mesh to allow air circulation. This is effective, initially it feels unusual but it is comfortable. Long term we'll see how the foam will be affected by absorbing perspiration and the odours that may linger. No issues as yet and I've been using it a few months. 

Once on the partially meshed shoulder straps are comfortable, the height adjustable sternum strap secure these in snugly. What I have noticed though is when the sternum strap is pulled in to where I like it the shoulder straps lift a bit meaning they don't sit flush on my upper chest. This hasn't caused any cutting in from the inner strap but maybe a contoured strap may prevent this. It may also not be an issue for a stockier person than me as when the sternum strap isn't done up they sit fine. 

The waist belt is designed to be lightweight. It is made from 'mono mesh' fabric reducing its weight. It does have a harness grade gear loop on each side and also slots for ice screw clips. The belt isn't sturdy so even without the weight of a partial climbing rack it hangs quite loose. Once it's clipped around your mid rift it keeps the pack secure. The hip belt is one of the removable components that can be removed to reduce the weight of the pack. 

The main compartment is like a chasm, this is a big 25 litre. Tucked up against the back is the removable back support, this is another of the removable items which will reduce the pack weight. I have left this in place whilst using it but playing with it the pack doesn't 'barrel' too much without the insert. I have had no issue carrying gear for a summer day hike or a cragging/sports climbing day. I've been told it will also take an overnighter snugly.

If you don't fill it or are wearing the contents there are compression straps to draw it towards the back. I think it could do with a couple of wand pockets to accommodate walking poles being stashed down or even store a water bottle. 

There is a discreet slot to allow a hydration straw to poke out, although there is nothing inside to take the bladder, ie a pouch or loop. There is the panel which houses the back support but I think it would be a bit tight especially when the insert is in there. 

The front of the pack has what you would expect, ice tool loops. Outdoorsmagic expressed a concern with these, they didn't think that the would accommodate a modern technical axe with the heavy curve of the shaft. I don't think it will be a problem but I am yet to try, my axes are pretty straight. 

Another issue OM highlighted was a lack of rope strap under the top flap, I would tend to agree with this one. Although it has a large capacity for a 25 litre getting gear, hardware and the rope inside would be tight. I have improvised for this one and used the grab handle to attach a strap and clip which has worked well. 

The top flap is the third removable piece. There are two buckles which have quick release clips for the lid to be removed, they are made up with compression straps to adjust the height of the lid; a floating lid. When the lid is opened and closed a few times the straps tend to ease off requiring re-tightening regularly. Not a big issue but if they loosen off too much it could get be annoying on the hill depending on the weather. The zip compartment on the lid has also a generous amount of room. The zip extends around the side of the lid allowing good access in to the pouch, handy if those gloves are tucked down the back corner when your hands are freezing. It has a little velcro sealed pocket inside that can house a phone or mp3 player. An addition I would like to see is for the zip to have a protective baffle/flap to shed any rain or protect the zip from the snow.

The lid is held down by a metal hook that I know as a snow buckle. I didn't think I was going to get on with this type of clip but it works remarkably well, I can see it being easy to use with big gloves too. 

Michael had this pack reviewed by a professional and it came back with the thumbs up, I tend to agree. Would I describe it as lightweight, probably not. It's certainly not heavy but the way this pack is built is designed to withstand a rock and ice life. Strap ice tools to it and hang ropes off it - this pack will cope with it! Without being too critical the pack is ready to go, a bit of fine tuning and it's a perfect little pack.