It's twice as silly and incredibly fast as an ordinary person. After walking 50km, I walked 100km, and had a terrible stamina. Professional adventure racer Tanaka Hiroki has suddenly become a hot topic in the outdoor world with his longest through-hiking experience, which is perhaps Japan's longest through-hiking, as he completes the 100 Famous Mountains (2014) and 200 Famous Mountains (2015) scattered all He's quiet but friendly and playful. The challenge, which lasted approximately 8,000km (x2) over seven months, grew up in Furano, normally living at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, and loved hot springs, cutlet bowls, ice cream and potato chips, was regularly broadcast on NHK (BS), captivated the hearts of many people, not just outdoors, including me and the outdoor lovers around me.
This time we will be covering two new lightweight backpacks by the North Face this spring, including the models he used during his challenge. This is an ambitious work that not only has the "sturdyness" that was once used in the past, but also features delicate and bold tune-ups based on his valuable experience as a first-class domestic athlete. I'm sure that for those who know about that journey, this will become a rich model that you can feel with strange sympathy.
*Just to be safe, the model used by Tanaka Yoki in this introduction is Caelus 35.
table of contents
Main features of each item
Achieves drastic weight reduction without compromising comfort: Caelus 35
This is the model tuned with feedback from Tanaka Yoki. The major changes felt in this year's update are the fact that the climbing features that were found in models up to last year have been significantly removed, and instead, a clear fast packing concept has been pushed out.
This is a major change in the rear panel. It uses a soft trampoline structure, which is characterized by a comfortable carrying experience, called mesh on the back. Although this mechanism has already proven effective by many manufacturers, the phenomenon of this type of mechanism that is often referred to as a weakness of "the frame becomes cramped and narrowed" is not very noticeable in this model. Furthermore, cushions are casually placed on the shoulders and waist, and comfort is also sought-after, but it is a heartwarming consideration.
Looking at the pockets and attachments placed outside, which are essential for speed hiking, there are also plenty of practical attention to detail. In addition to pockets, the top lid (canopy) also has a rain cover pocket, and a large drop pocket on the front and a zippered pocket that is convenient for storing maps and other items. The pockets on both sides are stretchy and can accommodate large bottles. It also comes with two attachments for poles and axes, and I like the fact that there is no slight hint of this, such as "sacrificing usability to reduce weight." However, the hip belt pockets could have been a little bigger (just enough to fit a smartphone with a screen size of 5 inches...).
Furthermore, the zipper that allows direct access to the main compartment is also large (photo below), which fully responds to the desire of speed hikers who want to eliminate unnecessary packing effort.
Finally, the main point of this product is the drastic weight reduction of the fabric, with such comfort, ease of use and capacity, while still weighing approximately 1kg. The main body is made of 70 denier georipstop nylon, and the bottom that is prone to rubbing is made of 210 denier ripstop nylon. This wise decision certainly has made the pack more brilliant, but I am always worried about its durability. Of course, it doesn't seem to be just thinner, but the fabric is clearly thinner than other products, and to be honest, the feel is a little unreliable. It may be best to consider it to be sufficiently durable for fast packing purposes.
A fusion of standard structure and vest-shaped harness: FP (FP) 25
introduced under the catchphrase "multi-use pack" that can be used in a wide range of ways, from trail running to hiking hiking mountain huts, is a normal, lightweight backpack at first glance, but is actually the best-shaped running pack. It's a strange phrase, but the more you look at this pack, the more you can't help but feel a secret ambition to combine the ease of use for hiking with the athletic and functional aspects of trail running.
The basic comfort is the same as the vest-shaped shoulder harness that you carry on the upper back, with the wide shoulder, back pads and two sternum straps providing greater stability when walking or running (although it's not as good as a pure vest-shaped hydration pack). There are elastic mesh pockets on both sides of the shoulder harness that can store bottles, making it easy for people who don't like drinking water through the tube to stay hydrated.
It is very similar to a fast packing backpack , perhaps just by imitation, but there are two major differences. One has a waist belt (photo above, can be removed and changed to a simple belt), and the other has a top lid-type opening (photo below). These points can be said to have improved stability under heavy loads and ease of use for beginners. As a result, the concept behind this pack can be said to be that it can be used in an image that is very similar to a backpack as before, and that allows for comfortable speed hiking. As shown in the photo below, the richness of external attachments throughout the pack is at a level that is not found in an ultra-light backpack of this class.
The back panel is mesh-like and has excellent breathability and feel. However, it does not contain frames or hard panels, so it touches the back softly. Please note that if you don't pack your luggage properly, the back will become uneven and you won't be able to feel that comfortable (photo below).
Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?
The Kyle's 35 has been improved by repeatedly climbing a "normal" mountain range, which is a 100 famous mountains, and has become even easier to use for general hiking, including fast packing . The capacity is 35L, which is a bit large for a day trip, but this is a generic and easy-to-use size in the sense that you can stay at a hut from a day trip or for several nights (if you're limited to introductory use, the 28L variation model ). The weight, ease of use, and design (a wide variety of colors), it is recommended for all hikers who are just beginning mountain climbing or hiking, as well as for those looking for a lighter, more balanced backpack .
On the other hand, the FP25, which can handle both runs and hiking with just one, is recommended for beginners who are speed hiking who have never been able to afford an ultra-light backpack from a small garage maker, but who want to try out a lightweight ultra-light backpack . However, models with these general-purpose characteristics are also visible to the possibility that they could inevitably become dexterous and poor, and in that sense it is also a model that chooses who will use it. We recommend that you try on the bag to determine the unique comfort of carrying, including the back pads and shoulder harness.
We also recommend this article about backpacks
- How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
- Comparison test: [For beginners] Comparing mountain climbing backpacks (backpacks)
| item | Caelus 35 | FP 25 |
|---|---|---|
| This is ◎ | Comfort, lightweight, versatile | Lightweight, mobility, and comprehensive external attachments |
| This is △ | Durability | Comfort |
| Recommended activities | Hiking, trekking | Speed hiking, fast packing, trail running |
| Fabric |
|
|
| size | S, M, L | One size |
| capacity | 35L (30L only S size) | 25L |
| weight | S/990g, M/1,105g, L/1,160g | 700g + 30g (hip belt tape) |
| Weight/Volume | 32g/L (M size) | 28g/L |
| attachment |
|
|
|
|
|
| Hydration compatible | ◯ | ◯ |
| Included rain cover | ◯ | × |
| Variations |
|
We also recommend this article about backpacks
- How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
- 10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing
- From day hiking to everyday use, 10 latest recommended daypacks [Classic & unique]
- Comparison review: Comparing the best introductory backpacks for those just starting to climb
- Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing