Review: Wilderness Experience Klettersack

I am a fan of the klettersack style backpack, and when I saw this kickstarter I backed it! Wilderness Experience was making these packs back in the day and the original owners started making the pack again.

Cool things are the one large main compartment.

Which closes with an easy to use cord lock.

The shoulder straps are nicely padded along with the back.

Now a few things that aren’t… perfect. The closure on the lid could really do with some sort of better attachment. They work by threading the webbing through each time you open the lid.  Having to adjust the straps every single time you go to open it is a pain. Maybe a G-Hook like those used by Kletterwerks or Topo would be good.

Also the zipper on the  pocket of the lid is on the outside facing down, which means if you forget to close it, then all your stuff will fall out. Lowe Alpine and Jandd move the zipper to the top so this is not an issue on their klettersacks.

And last the leather tabs are like 1/2 as thick as those used by other bag makers such as Topo, making thme feel cheap and also difficult to thread webbing through.

Other things you notice, the webbing ends are not doubled back with bartacks to prevent them from backing all the way out and the waist belt is cumbersome and not comfortable.

Ultimately this bag is just OK, for the cost I just expected  bit more attention to detail and a few tweaks since this is 2019 version of the bag. I would have preferred a better set of buckles and maybe a bit thicker leather for the money.

Wilderness Experience Says: https://www.wildernessexperience.net

The Original Klettersack™ (2019 edition)
is made using the original pattern, the same high quality materials and hardware, and is built to the same exacting standards.
Specifications:
Capacity: 28 liters (1700 cubic inches)
Foam Padded Back – Full Length, 6 inches wide for comfort while still allowing airflow
YKK® Zipper on Top Pocket
Weight: Cordura® Bottom Model – 22 oz
Weight: Leather Bottom Model – 24 oz

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