The Coleman Company, Inc. Chinkapin(TM) X65

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

Photo: Chip Morton

Brand: The Coleman Company, Inc.

Model: Chinkapin(TM) X65


Bells and Whistles

If you like luxe features and don’t mind carrying extra weight, consider this fully outfitted mountain pack. It has a comfortable, supportive, stay-reinforced backpanel; broad, memory-foam shoulder straps and hipbelt; and an easy, secure torso-length adjustment. (But testers noted you need to bend the aluminum X-stays for a custom fit.)

The packbag has a dizzying array of features, from stiffened mesh bottle holsters to a front pocket organizer and reinforced, quick-release compression straps, all with Velcro strap captures to prevent flapping in high wind. You also get a large shovel pocket, rubberized gear loops, built-in raincover, a small organizer pocket near the pack bottom, a three-compartment top lid with clear vinyl map flap, a fleece-lined MP3 pocket, and Velcro lash-on points for poles and tools. The usable capacity is much higher than the numbers suggest. The tradeoff: It’s heavy. $249; 3,000 cu. in.; 5 lbs. 9 oz. Wengerna.com

The Chinkapin X65 is available in different three colors. White (model number provided, Black (model number 8540-603), and Red (model number 8540-606). It comes with a standard size hip belt (30in). Womens shoulder strap, and additional small (28in) and large (32in) hip belts are available at www.coleman.com.

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