NEWS: Balanced chest pouch

Keeping access to cameras while backpacking has always been a problem with choices varying from chest mountain pouches that bounce around to hip belt mounted pouches that make it difficult to squeeze through cracks when scrambling. The innovative syncpack™ frontpack system could solve all these problems, as it is a chest mountain system that remains stable.



The patent-pending syncpack frame has innovative telescoping members that slide dynamically to match the bending movements of your torso, without compromising stability or weight transfer to the hips. The sliding frame members allow your upper body to move independently of the weight-bearing central frame structure, for complete freedom of movement during the full range of outdoor activities from hiking and skiing to tying your shoes.

The syncpack quick-release connectors strap onto the hip belt and shoulder straps of your backpack so you can attach and remove the frontpack in a "snap". The pouch makes a heavy load feel dramatically lighter and more comfortable as the patent-pending syncpack frame counterbalances the backward pull of your backpack and restores your natural upright body posture. The syncpack system reduces the strain on your shoulders, back, and abdominal muscles so you can go farther, go faster, and feel better at the end of the day. Best of all the system provides on-the-move access to frequently used gear. You don't need to stop and take off your backpack to reach your camera, map, sunscreen, snack, water, etc.



Currently the Sync Pack is only available in the US, but hopefully a UK importer will look into bringing it across the pond.

For more information go to Sync Pack web site

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NEWS: Vaude Versametric backsystem

Vaude's Versametric backsystem was designed for carrying heavyloads over long distances. The back system features a polycarbonate frame so that the back is stiff and supportive to reduce the energy use of the user. This frame is preshaped to follow the contours of the spine and pelvis. The backsystem consists of a pendulum hipbelt that pivots in the same place as your back twists, again to reduce energy use by the user. The result is that the load is distributed onto the pelvis without lateral pressure caused by a normal hipelt. The back length can also be adjusted on the move.



The new Versametric backsystem will be featured in a range of rucksacks with capacities from 60 to 70 litres. The Versametric Proof 65+10 also benefits from Ultra Seam Technology, which makes the seams the waterproof.

The new Versametric backsystem will be released in Spring 2008.

For more information go to Vaude web site

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REVIEW: Gregory Z30 rucksack £80

The Gregory Z30 is part of the brand's Fast and Light range, designed to strike a balance between weight and durability without sacrificing performance. It has the new Jetstream air sprung back system with a capacity of around 30 litres, so it should be ideal for day trips as well as superlight overnights. Trail reviewed a bunch of these sacks in the August issue, but here's one that missed the test, yet is well worth a closer look.

It's good: The Gregory Z30 benefits from a new Jetstream airsprung back system, which means it doesn't stick to your back like a wet flannel in hot weather. However it still fits reasonably close to your back so it remains stable when walking. I even used this for scrambling and found it great. As the back system is not too curved, it does not impede packing, unlike some other pre-curved back systems. You get a massive hip belt, which is unusual for this size of sack, but the result is a good close fit that is comfortable and not too hot and sweaty.
The main compartment of the sack is fairly conventional with a capacity of 30 litres according to the manufacturers. There is a zip around opening, which works well. A compression panel on the front is ideal for stashing a jacket too. You get a zipped front pocket that is large enough for OS maps, a OS map sized lid pocket, plus mesh wand pockets, that are deep enough to hold a waterbottle. Poles can be stashed on the sides quite easily too thanks to a pair of compression straps and those deep wand pockets. It is hydration system compatible and generally ideal for walkers.

But: Not everyone will like the zip around opening and I would prefer a single buckled conventional lid. Some may prefer side pockets, rather than a front pocket. So not a great deal to complain about here and it is really down to personal preferences when you are looking for drawbacks to this design. At 1200g there are lighter sacks if you want to travel light.

Verdict: Excellent well ventilated rucksack that is ideal for valley, hill and mountain walkers and it is fine for scrambling too.

Vital stats
Manufacturers capacity 30 litres
Fabric 210 D nylon
Features Jet Stream DTS suspension well ventilated sprung back system, lid pocket, front pocket, compression straps, zipped main opening, top tensioning straps, ice axe loops, hydration system compatible
Weight 1200g
Made in Far East

Reviewed by Graham Thompson

For more information go to Gregory web site

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NEWS: Aarn Packs in UK

Body centered load carrying systems specialist Aarn Packs will shortly be available in the UK through distributor Outdoor Elements. As reported in the September issue of Trail, a change in posture could be all you need to walk faster, for longer and with less fatigure according to scientists from Harvard University. Aarn Packs have incorporated this research and other similar research into their body centred load carrying systems, which they describe as ”FlowMo Bodypacks”. These packs are designed to disturb the body as little as possible under load, completely replacing backpacks as the most comfortable way to carry loads on the human body.

Aarn Tate's designs have been seen before in the UK, as his ideas appeared a few years ago in the Craghopper range of packs. Trail loved the packs and found the body centred load carrying systems superb for carrying heavy loads. We found it allowed the user to stand in a more upright position, which allowed a far more natural walking position that was stable, comfortable and unrestrictive. Sadly the range did not sell well into stores, despite numerous favourable reviews from users and the media and so finally Craghoppers dropped the ideas. Hopefully Aarn's latest developments will be more popular.



Normal backpacks tend to force a stooped forward posture, which strains the body. FlowMo BodyPacks allow an upright posture, relaxing the body, eliminating body pain & discomfort and reducing energy use. So if you fancy easing the strain of your pack, then Aarn Packs could be answer to your dreams.

Trail will be reviewing the Aarn Packs as soon as we can get hold of them!

For more information go to Aarn Packs

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VIDEO: INOV8 Race Pro rucksack

Not content with kitting out fell runners and adventure race teams with running shoes, Inov8 have added a range of ultralight rucksack's to their product range. The range is designed for travelling fast and travelling light and comes in a range of sizes from 12 to 30 litres. All the sacks feature Inov8's revolutionary hydration system, that stows the water bladder horizontally around the waist rather than vertically up the pack. The result is that running with a pack and hydration system may never have been so good.

This video will give you a feel for it. You can read the full review on page 16 of the September issue of Trail.



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VIDEO: The North Face Primero pack

Live from OutDoor 2007: The North Face's new Primero will hit the shelves in Feb 2008 and it features a new EVA backsystem and X-Radial suspension system.

See Trail´s gear expert Graham Thompson getting a tour of the new pack at OutDoor 2007, from The North Face's Product Manager from Holland Henry Hoogenveen.



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NEWS: The North Face back system - inspired by Crocs!

Live from OutDoor 2007: Hot news from OutDoor 2007: We´ve just seen the hottest new development from The North Face - a new back system inspired by Crocs sandals!

"We wanted to know what to do with these shoes and what better than to melt them down and use them for our new back system," says TNF gear expert Henry Hoogenveen.

The new Primero packs use the same hard-wearing EVA material as the multi-coloured sandals to provide a significant air gap and flow behind the back. It can also ´self-heal´if it gets damaged, washes easily and shares the same anti-microbial qualities that has made it such a hit in the world of footwear.

In addition, the rucksacks also feature a innovative X-Radial suspension which pivots to complement your body´s natural movements.




The Primero will be available Feb 2008 and will cost 180 quid for the 70lt pack and 170 British Pounds Sterling for the 60lt version.

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