There’s always a tradeoff when choosing the best backpack for you. Do you go with a heavy-duty model that offers durability but is painfully heavy? Or do you go the lightweight route but worry about the pack not holding up under the rigors of the harsh outdoors? Well, luckily for you, you don’t have to make this head-racking decision, now that the Skyweight backpack in on the scene. This model offers the best balance around when it comes to weight versus durability. Even better for you, I put this gear hauler through the ringer to determine if it’s a must-have or a definite pass.
Skyweight — The Unboxing
My sample came to me sealed in original packaging as it would be received by anyone buying this item through 5.11 website. There are two options when purchasing this item. You can choose the 25-Liter or the 35-Liter version. For smaller framed users, the difference is minimal in volume, dimensions, and weight, but I would advise reviewing the specs to find the best match for your needs. Out of the box it was impressive, being larger than expected at twenty-four inches from top to bottom. Overall, the pack was visually appealing and once opened fully and handled, its lightweight feel was immediately apparent. With the larger version of the two weighing in at less than three pounds, this pack definitely is not the norm when it comes to weight versus size of traditional backpacks.
Fit & Design
If you’re going to carry a loaded pack for hours, it needs to be comfortable to the wearer. I loaded the pack with various gear, clothing and odd-shaped items to simulate a bugout event and strapped the pack to my back. The well-designed padded shoulder harness with integrated sternum strap snugly kept the backpack “glued” to me, all the while not constricting or impeding my range of motion.
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The added hip belt only further added stability and control to my load and kept the lower half of the pack from shifting during my movements. I took the loaded pack on a small hike with varying elevated trails nearby and it performed amazingly. There was no notable shifting of items, little to no strain on my back or shoulder and no off-balancing felt on my part as I traversed uneven terrain. Even when climbing a bit on large rocks and over fallen trees, the pack remained highly stable, as did I carrying it.
Storage Capabilities Of The Skyweight
A backpack has one main goal, and that’s to successfully carry your needed gear, equipment, and personal items. Ideally, it should also make accessing your items quickly and efficiently, and the Skyweight accomplishes this in spades. Naturally, the first area of inspection was its main body compartment. This voluminous cavity can make or break the effectiveness of a pack, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It offers a clamshell design which allows for easy packing of large items as well as quick retrieval.
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It’s definitely made to be used while on-the-go as it features two external stretch pockets on both sides for storing a water bottle, flashlight, or other gear needed while you stay in motion. There is also a front “shove-it” pockets, as it’s named, for easy access to your most essential items. A convenient second front pocket is your EDC organizer, where you can store your knife, baton, or other essential tools or weapons. A hydration sleeve rounds out this pack’s amazing storage capabilities, and it features all these nifty pockets without creating an awkward exterior design that so many other packs unfortunately do. The Skyweight maintains it’s sleek body that helps reduce snags on brush or trees as you travel through thick woodlands or dense foliage.
Durability & Construction
If a pack can’t hold up to constant use and harsh environmental conditions, then it will be more of a hindrance than a help. The Woodland Camo Skyweight, though lightweight by design, is constructed to hold up to repeated, everyday use. It features ultra-tough 330D nylon ripstop material for its main body and dependable double-stitched seams throughout its design. Its included orange rainfly is also tough-as-nails, sporting 200D PU coated polyester material to both keep the wetness away from your entire pack and it holds up well to the occasional snag or impact against obstacles encountered during your trek. The pack’s internal frame is both lightweight and durable to handle a full load. Side compression straps keeps overstuffed contentsheld tightly to prevent pressure against the main body.
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Wrap Up
There are numerous backpacks on the market today and it truly is difficult to sort the good from the bad, that is, until now. From construction to storage space, to durability and overall effectiveness in-the-field, the Skyweight Pack scores big in all categories. Trust this backpack to be your traveling companion today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
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