Review by Tony Lourens
In my experience, a daypack is a bag that has to be a multitask animal. It must be comfortable – of course. Comfort is first and foremost in all outdoor clothing, packs and footwear. But it also has to be a ‘nice’ size (not too big and not too small) – can fit all your goodies for a day out on the hill – snacks, water, a stove for those oh-so-welcome tea stops, warm clothing, cameras, small first aid kit, etc. And, very importantly it has to have features that make it super user-friendly.
Let’s take a look at K-Way’s updated favourite, the Kilimanjaro, which I used on the same trip up Bloupunt Peak when I tested out the Kilimanjaro boots. Before I even slung the pack on my back, I inspected it for features and was impressed with the amount of smaller pockets and pouches that are so useful for stashing all sorts of goodies. Besides the main top-loading compartment, which can be used for packing your larger items, and is conveniently accessible also from the bottom, via a half-moon zip and divided in two with a removable diaphragm, the front of the pack is fitted with two pockets, one large one for easy access to your windbreaker, beanie and gloves, etc, and a smaller one which is ideal for snacks, maps, route descriptions and the like. The large front pocket also has two small zip compartments, which is perfect for car keys, cell phone and other important documents, like passports, etc. Then across the front of the pack is my personal favourite – crisscrossed bungee cord, which is super convenient for stashing anything that you may want to use frequently, like a light fleece, hat, or even a camera. And for those who like their water bottles easily accessible, the Kilimanjaro has an elasticated mesh pouch on each side for just this, or for keeping your sunglasses, etc. It also has two zip pouches on the hip belt, a stow-away rainproof cover and trekking pole loops, and is hydration system compatible.
The Kilimanjaro is fitted with padded shoulder straps and a very comfy hip belt, which makes for a very pleasant and cosy carry, with a sternum strap that cinches across your chest and two side straps that compress the bag and stabilses the pack even further if necessary. To add to the overall comfort, the pack is also fitted with an air-vent harness system, which keeps your back well ventilated.
Truth be told, it seems that K-Way have really thought this one through and have produced a pack that is ideal for any form of hiking, whether it is up Africa’s highest peak, slack packing a multi-day trail, or a peak bagging day on the hill.
Specifications
Weight: 1.25 Kg
Volume: 35 litres
Material: 600D polyester, 1000D polyester
Gender: Unisex
RRP: R 1499
Available at: capeunionmart.co.za
