Iain t. from New Zealand, WAIRARAPA Public Profile

I bought this for a minimalist day pack - but something that would do for winter conditions, and also as a sole luggage piece for a weekend/conference that I could carry on a plane and beat the 7Kg limit.
I really like the simplistic design - just one big bag - with a little pocket in the lid for a few vitals you don’t want to have to rummage for. For a pack this size you don’t need a padded waist belt - just a simple belt to keep the pack snug. It also has an easily adjustable chest strap. The back is lightly padded but no ventilating absorbent padding - just the plain nylon the rest of the pack is made of. Personally I think they are a bit of a gimmick - your back will get sweaty - whatever. The value of the plain nylon - there is nothing to dry off.
The shoulder straps are nicely padded and should be adequate for anything you can cram in the pack - unless you are carrying rocks or gold bars!
Two ice axes can be carried and with a bit of shock cord you can add walking poles too. No space or provision for water bottles or hydration system - but I find I usually just chuck my water bottle in my pack anyway so no changes there for me. Adventure racers may not like that as you just have to stop - for me these days thats a bonus!
Genuine downsides are really not there - I would suggest using a dry bag - no seam sealing so stuff could get wet. I do think a minimalist price would go well with the bag - I get that miniaturising electronics is expensive - I don’t think the same

Very light, seems very fragile - so look after it well! Don’t expect to go bashing through thick bush in it and come out unscathed. Super warm for weight. Its a comfortable fit for size - not baggy but room to layer underneath if you want to. The down is very light and will collapse very easily if you sweat and it gets even a little damp - but on the plus side dries very quickly.
I think you need to have a specific use in mind for this - to my mind works best as an emergency warm layer when you have stopped for a break - rather than a hard use outer layer. Oh and keep away from open fires - with that super thin fabric one spark however tiny is going to go straight through!