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Gear Reviews

Vango Sherpa

£50.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

This is a 41-50 litre rucksack that is better suited to backpacking rather than day walking. This is not a bad thing, as what it does, it does very well. The back system is not only fully adjustable, but it also lengthens for a more precise fit. The pack can be compressed from both the sides and the base, and you can also use the zip entrance to gain access to items packed at the bottom of the rucksack which is handy for hut-to-hut walking as hut gear can be stowed in this area. There are plenty of pockets to round things off, including compressible ones on the sides and two in the lid. So use this for backpacking and it performs well. The manufacturer’s stated capacity seems about right too. But the straps that provide the adjustment are stiff and tricky to use compared to some others. Features put on the pack for use while hill-walking are rather superficial, so for example there is only one elastic strap on the front of the pack to fasten both walking poles and an axe.

Sex: unisex
Manufacturer’s capacity: 50+10 litres
Trail tested capacity: 59 litres
Fabric: polyester/Excel combination fabric
Features: fully adjustable back and hipbelt, side and base compression straps, rain cover, bladder-compatible, walking pole or axe attachment
Weight: 2300g
Made in China
Stores in UK: no info provided

Verdict: Buy it if you can accept it for what it is and you won’t be disappointed.

Users' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

Doesn't BBQ very well

magicguppy

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I've had the 65l Sherpa for a little over 10 years, in that time it hasn't worn, frayed, faded or shown any signs of age. It's been all round Scotland with me as a general camping bag and occasional trekking bag, I found it superb. Only comment is that the side pockets seemed slightly too small for a 1l water bottle, but eventually the pocket stretched and a bottle would sit snugly in it. Sadly, an ancounter with a BBQ has melted the straps on it - I've bought an Osprey Atmos 50l now (because 65l was too big), but I'm going to try and find the strap backplate and get the Sherpa working again.

(Written by: magicguppy)

01 June 2011 14:37
Quality that doesn't cost an arm or a leg. (or ear).

jamesvolunteer

STOWMARKET, UK_England

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
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Value for money

I'm going to have to try and be subjective here. I'm just now getting back into walking/hiking and camping after a roughly 12 year hiatus due to marriage. The good news is, I'm now divorced and am available to get in a tent again ;) Anyhow, My old rucksack is/was a Gelert Exmoor 85. Think the number 85 descibes the size, year produced and the colour scheme. I've just bought one of these Sherpa fellas, and to my untrained eye, it was beamed down from the enterprise. Straps galore, bells, and (literally) whistles. Amazing. Mine is in black, which looks very sleek. I have the 60+10 version, which is perfect for me for anything from 1 to 3 or 4 nighters. The self adjusting back mechanism certainly makes for a snug and comfortable fit. The first fitting really was an ordeal though, just in regards to all the different options. Fortunately, it comes with instructions. I got mine for £60, but they can now be found cheaper on Ebay. I believe it's worth paying more to actually see and try these things out, as (hopefully) it'll be in the family for some time. Durable, flexible, and feature packed for those on a bit of a budget. I recommend! (even though I am quite easily pleased). Oooh, and it smells lovely new!

(Written by: jamesvolunteer)

12 October 2010 23:25