Klättermusen
Raido 55L
£350 1.29kg
comfort, durability, pockets, elastic cord system, recycled fabric
only one size Capacity: 55 litres Materials: PFC-free recycled 210D ripstop polyamide, Kevlar base Closure: roll top with drawcord and strap Back system: rigid aluminium frame, adjustable shoulder harness Hipbelt: padded, pivoting Sizes: one, fits back length 42-54cm Compartments: one Pockets: two open side, one zipped side, one mesh hipbelt, one zipped inner Features: elastic cord system, multiple attachment points Recommended max. load: 17kg klattermusen.com
This is an unusual pack. It has a rigid external frame and more attachment points than I’ve ever seen on a pack before. Although the tubular frame has no give in it, the back of the pack can flex a little side to side so it moves with you as the two horizontal sections only connect at the base. Further freedom of movement is given by the hipbelt, which is attached to the bottom of the frame by webbing and which pivots easily. Klättermusen suggests 17kg as the maximum load. I carried 14kg and the pack easily handled this. On the steep, rough slopes I went up and down the back system was really tested and proved very stable. It was comfortable too, and my hips and shoulders were fine.
The packbag is made from a tough-feeling, slightly shiny fabric. Entry is via a roll top. The single compartment is narrow so access to items deep in the pack isn’t easy. I packed sleeping bag, mat, cooking gear, camp food and other items I wouldn’t need during the day here. Items that I wanted to be accessible went at the top of the main compartment or in the two massive side pockets. These just have drawcord closures, which makes access easy but does mean rain can go straight in. On this trip this wasn’t a problem but in wetter weather I’d pack water-sensitive items in dry-bags. On the outside of one of the pockets is a zipped pocket for smaller items. For attaching extra gear there is a long stretch cord on the back – I used this for my foam pad – and multiple loops down the sides and on the front of the pack for attaching more cord.
I wasn’t sure I’d like this rather different design but by the end of the trip I was impressed. This is a good pack.