Stuff Review: Wingnut Adventure Pack
Writer: Karen Brooks
Publication Title: Dirt Rag
Publication Issue: 114
Publication Date: Sunday, May 15, 2005
The Adventure pack by Wingnut was designed specifically for adventure races, those crazy team events that involve running, biking, kayaking, or other human-powered, gear-intensive travel. This 1,600cu.in. pack is made of waterproof, abrasion-resistant sailcloth and weighs only 22oz. It features Wingnut's Lowrider system, similar to an internal frame camping backpack. A smaller sized harness is available (which is what i used). Wingnut sells a variety of bladders separately, but any bladder up to 3 liters will fit. An unusual under-the-arm hose routing puts the bite valve pointing up instead of down, which I found easier to use after some fiddling with the position.
I used this Pack primarily for commuting and found it worked quite well. The overall low weight was really nice, and the Lowrider system made the bag fit well and feel comfortable, even stuffed full of heavy junk. The main pocket expands at the bottom and narrows at the top, making it easy to arrange so that heavy items stayed underneath and delicate things diddn't get squished. There is a "wing" on the lower part of each side of the bag, with a zippered pocket and a mesh drawstring pocket on each; These are readily accessible with the pack still on and came in handy for carrying my wallet, phone, small extra layers, etc. There is also a mesh pocket and a small zippered pocket on the top of the pack, which Scott from Wingnut calls the "team" pocket. Its intention was to allow teammates to access your pack for adventure racing needs, but it works well for storing commuting essentials such as blinkie lights and reflective gear. The Zippers are waterproof, which saved my stuff from rain several times -- ask Mikey what happens when your cell phone gets drenched on the way to work. An extremely long shock cord graces the outside for strapping down a helmet or extra clothing, and the sternum strap buckle is also a whistle - cool.
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