Make Macpac your next pack (Macpac Torlesse 35L)

Member Name: LaptopAcidX

Product:	Macpac Torlesse 35L
Date:	02/07/09 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable, tough, cheap for a Macpac

Disadvantages: Odd "unique" front pockets.

The Macpac Torlesse 35 is marketed as "Technical day touring pack for recreational mountaineering or day hiking" although as it seems bigger than 35 litres I find it has enough capacity for overnighters.

I have quite a long back and broad shoulders and found it very difficult to get a rucksack which was long enough for the hip belt to actually reach the hips, whilst still having some adjustability in the shoulder straps. As Macpac make the majority of their packs in a variety of back lengths I was able to resolve this particular issue with their large size 3. Notably Macpac also make there packs in womens specific models and none of them come in patronising pink. To further fine tune comfort and fit there are also shoulder (and hip) stabiliser straps as well as a sternum strap with a quick release buckle.

When stuffed full with my tent, sleeping bag, cooking stuff, thermarest, first aid, change of clothes and insulated jacket I had to resort to carrying my two litre bladder in one of the outer pockets instead of the internal hydration pack pouch. This was the only concession to accommodate the amount of gear I needed for an overnight camp and I'm sure with a bit of rejigging I could have got it inside. The "lung" pockets on the outside are a bit of a strange over and under design which I find limits the use of the bottom pocket to flat objects such as maps. Anything of a more irregular shape (stove, first aid, bag of nuts), forces its way upwards into the upper pocket making it difficult to zip it closed. However the elasticated side mounted mesh bottle pockets are quite big, easily accommodating a 1 litre Sigg bottle or a variety of fruit, jelly babies (big bag), hats and gloves. Further storage is provided in the lid features a large "necessities" pocket easily big enough for a waterproof and hat and there is also an under lid valuables pocket. Supplementing the storage is a six loop daisy chain for external gear attachment, two axe loops with webbing axe keepers (I keep my walking poles in these) and finally two side compression straps to secure and stabilise the load.

Despite being constructed of nylon (420D Nylon Twill/630D Nylon Fabric) as opposed to the waxed cotton Macpac's heavy duty mountain and globe trotting rucksacks the Torlesse is incredibly durable. At 1.65kg it's by no means a light pack, but it is very hard wearing and most importantly very, very comfortable even with a heavy load.

If you're struggling to find a pack to fit you comfortably that will probably last the rest of your life try a Macpac Torlesse and unusuallly for a Macpac it won' break the bank.

Summary: Macpac's "budget" sack is better than other manufacturers top of the line offerings.