Bergans Rondane 65 L Multiday Backpack Review
It’s as light as some daypacks, but the Rondane has the muscle to carry weeklong loads.
Brand: Bergans
Model: Rondane 65 L
[light and organized]
Why we like it It’s as light as some daypacks, but the Rondane has the muscle to carry weeklong loads.
Lightweight stability After a week of camping, climbing, and hiking at Castle Rock State Park, Idaho, one tester reported that “the pack rode super-well on long approaches, even with a 45-pound load.” He credits the lightweight, dual-density hipbelt and foam-and-mesh shoulder straps for providing great load support without adding excessive weight. Ounce-shaving details include thin webbing (¾-inch) and lighter, hollowed-out buckles.
Fit The fine-tunable torso length has ample adjustability (the men’s fits 16- to 20-inch torsos, the women’s fits 15.5 to 19 inches), thanks to an easy-to-use Velcro panel that locks into place on the soft, molded foam backpanel. A single perimeter stay extends into the lumbar pad for excellent weight transfer.
Durability This is a potential weakness in big-load, lightweight packs. But the Rondane held up to more than 30 days in the field without showing any significant problems (the mesh on the inside edge of the shoulder straps did begin to pill).
Packability Everything is at your fingertips with three packbag openings: a traditional top-loading drawstring closure, a sleeping bag compartment with an optional divider, and a U-shaped front zipper that flays open like a clamshell. “It’s easy to find my gear and move it around for optimum weight distribution,” says one tester.
$199; 2 lbs. 11 oz.; 65 liters; 1 size each for men and women; bergans.comSleeping bag compartment, U-shaped front zipper, adjustable torso length