I was able to carry a macpac backpack firmly on my back for the first time in about 20 years. the Weka 40 , which is synonymous with the brand, and has a rustic, clean look . the Fjord 40 , not only lightweight but versatile, and has been fully stubborn as an adventure racing powerhouse .
Both have completely different faces, so strong that they can be said to be "soft and soft," but what lies in both is a common philosophy that can only be born when you face the harsh, blessed nature of New Zealand. It is slightly different from the West and Japan, and allows you to enjoy the depth of diversity of outdoor culture. This time, we will look at the philosophy behind macpac manufacturing, and review two backpacks that embody this.
table of contents
table of contents
- A philosophy that runs through macpac, or an encounter with macpac
- Main features of Weka 40 and Fjord 40
- Detailed review: Weka 40
- Detailed Review: Fjord 40
- Summary of main specs and evaluations
A philosophy that runs through macpac, or an encounter with macpac
I really wanted a sturdy backpack
There was a time back in the past when I wanted a durable, waterproof backpack. This was when I was obsessed with climbing the river in the late 1990s, when I was a freshman in college, I said goodbye to the first backpack I had bought at the same time my senior said I was asking for my next partner.
At the time, I was what I meant to be called "Sawaya," and I would always climb streams during the snowy period. It is common for a backpack to hook into bushes or rock corners, and it is common for them to be submerged in water, dragging up mud or rock walls, and when there is nothing you can do, you can throw them from above the waterfall. We were in an age where we didn't have much brains thinking that lighter and thinner backpacks would be better.
While I was blinking around at my usual mountain climbing specialty store in Suidobashi, I suddenly saw a cute brand name that I had never seen before, a slender, slimy face, and a tasteful blue backpack.
Something was drawn to her unique face and when I asked her for details, she came across a backpack made of completely waterproof fabric (which she later found to be waterproof rather than waterproof). And you can easily see the fabric as strong as canvas, as you can easily touch it. This is exactly the characteristic I was looking for. Before I knew it, a few days later, the backpack was in my house. That's what I'm meeting with Macpac, which I'm going to introduce today.
That was when my long-term relationship with Macpac was supposed to begin. However, cruelly, perhaps because the models at the time were made to fit the tight fit of Western and Western styles, the shoulder straps didn't fit, and the shoulder straps didn't fit, making them feel rubbed if they were carried on a whole day, making them difficult to use for a long time. I really liked it as an object, but it was a very bittersweet memory that left a strong impression on me.
Utility created by New Zealand's nature, born from strength and simplicity
Macpac was born and raised in New Zealand in 1973. Many of you may know that this country is rich in nature, with mountains and glaciers over 3,000 meters above sea level, vast native forests, mountain streams, marshlands, lakes and fjords. This spectacular sight woven by the diverse nature continues to captivate people all over the world.
On the other hand, in addition to its complex natural environment, the weather is as complicated as "there are four seasons in the day" and does not accept us that easily. In order to deepen the natural environment of New Zealand, you need to be able to respond to all situations, including weather, seasons and terrain.
The concept of "simple and tough" was the conclusion we came to after continuing to face the harsh and diverse nature of New Zealand, which is different from the European and American continents. The answer they have established over 40 years of manufacturing, "Being concise beats complexity," exudes a brand's respect for nature and sincerity. And, even if this simple concept is a detour, it will ultimately satisfy the spirit of adventure around the world, as a result of my feelings being connected to someone like me who was climbing a stream in Japan.
Being durable can also last a long time, and inevitably leads to saving resources. It seems as if the straightforward sincerity towards nature is conveyed to us that, in the end, remains a universal value that remains unchanged in any era.
"AZTEC®" is a unique material that embodies simple and toughness.
The best embodies the macpac philosophy is AZTEC®, a material developed as a result of pursuing higher quality packs according to their concept. By woven a blended yarn of abrasion-resistant cotton and corrosion-resistant polyester in a special loom, weaving at a high density and allowing the waterproof liquid to penetrate, we have achieved a unique, strong fabric that is "robust, water resistant, and long life."
Typical nylon backpacks are made of PU coating to improve water resistance, but many people have experienced the lining falling off in pieces in about three years. In this regard, backpacks made with AZTEC® are durable, and their water resistance does not deteriorate over time, and they will stay with you for a long time.
Detailed review: Weka 40
we will be reviewing the Weka 40 , a typical medium-sized backpack from Macpac
Fabric, Materials, and Appearance
The base fabric uses ECO AZTEC®, which is lighter and softer than the AZTEC® material lineup mentioned earlier. AZTEC® is a fabric that tends to be heavy, but this model has been designed to reduce weight in other small details, and while still providing traditional features of durability and water resistance, it also meets modern lightweight needs. For this reason, it is not as heavy as a traditional Macpac pack.
Try pouring water over the AZTEC® fabric. The system is designed to be highly water-repellent, with light rain spilling out in an instant, and even if it seeps in heavy rain, the cotton expands to increase the density of the fabric, and blocks the sewing holes, further preventing water from entering the interior (photo below).
By the way, in addition to the functional characteristics of this material, I personally love the soft, flavorful texture of the cotton blend. This fabric has a mysterious charm that makes it look calm no matter how vivid the coloring is.
The clean surface with minimal external attachments such as pockets and straps, with as little switching as possible and less seams, bringing you a unique and sophisticated look that makes you want to have one.
Back system - comfort
The hard back snugly against your back, and both sides of the waist harness have straps that pull the pack closer to you, allowing you to firmly rest on your lower back.
However, the back pads are placed at the area where the load is applied, and the cushioning on the back and waist harness is slightly less and a little stiff. This was what everyone used to look like, but compared to the luxury packs these days, it gives a slightly more bulky impression. It's fine if it's just a regular weekend hike, but you'll need to be prepared to walk for long periods of time with luggage exceeding a dozen kg.
Storage (Pocket attachment)
The biggest storage feature of Weka is the large stash pocket with a zipper pocket on the front. What makes this pocket unique is that it is connected to the stretch mesh pocket on the sides. Thanks to this, in addition to the usual usage of the sides and fronts (photo below),
You can gently put large luggage or multiple small items in it (photo below. Is it difficult to understand?). You can throw it in without thinking about anything if necessary. The construction is simple, but surprisingly practical.
The main storage opening is easy to use, allowing you to open it with just a finger (photo below).
The canopy comes with a head pocket and a zipper pocket with a keychain on the back (photo below). This place is very simple.
There is one pole attachment on the left side, but it can properly store two (photo below). It also has hydration storage and attachments.
I'm curious about this
While maintaining the goodness of "tough and simplicity" that we have had up until now, we can see the desire to add modern lightness and smartness to many parts, but I felt that there are some parts of this balance that have been successful and some parts that have not been successful.
For example, a waist harness. The width of the strap and the size of the buckle itself were too small, which made me feel like it lacked stability and ease of use. Personally, I wanted this part to be bigger and more stable without cutting it off.
In addition, the two front buckles that connect the canopy and body were quite frustrating as they creep inside the stash pocket every time they were opened and closed. There is still room for evolution in these details.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
The construction itself is simple and tough, and it is fully illustrative to Macpac, making it a versatile model that can be used for all mountain trips at a wide range of periods. In addition, the weight, which was the drawback of Macpac, is not too concerning, so if you don't mind the stiffness with the back, I think it will be satisfying not only for veterans but also for beginners. This model has the essentials of the functions necessary for a backpack, and is a model that is worth considering if you've been struck by this unique appearance.
For official information and purchase, please visit this official online shopping site .
Detailed Review: Fjord 40
the Fjord 40 , a lightweight, multi-purpose backpack that's been created as another face that Macpac shows these days: the brand of adventure racing powerhouses, a lightweight, multi-purpose backpack that was born as a result of facing harsh nature .
Fabric, Materials, and Appearance
The body is made of 100 denier nylon material, making it easy to keep as light as possible, while the bottom is made of 500 denier Cordura nylon, which is durable enough. The shape is slim and versatile, and is a straightforward cylindrical shape.
Back system - comfort
The back panel, which combines wavy urethane foam panels with mesh material, is breathable and cushioned, and is designed to prevent stuffiness when paired with the shoulder and waist sections (photo below). It is comfortable even when you have a lot of activity or when it's humid and humid.
As this model focuses on weight reduction, it does not have a back frame. When you don't put your luggage in, your backpack will be soft.
However, when you imagine it from the usual lightweight backpacks, it's easy to think that you have to give up on stability, but the four hard urethane foam that pass through the body vertically, front and back, left and right sides of the body's handicap, and the urethane foam panel on the back support the handicap, and the wide waist harness and straps on both sides provide ample stability and comfort.
By the way, this urethane foam pad can also be used as a mat when sleeping, and can be removed if you need to make it even lighter (photo below).
The waist harness can also be removed to reduce weight (photo below).
The canopy can also be removed when there is less weight or when there is little luggage (photo below). You can freely adjust comfort, stability, storage, and light weight to suit your needs. It's amazing how the simplicity of the construction is maintained despite the incorporation of such complex elements.
Storage (Pocket attachment)
The main storage is a roll-top type that prevents water from flooding. Inside, there is an inner bag containing foam pads and a hook for storing hydration (photo below).
The mesh zipper pocket on the back of the canopy is a mesh zipper pocket with a keychain, which is large enough (photo below).
Zipper pockets for storing small items are located on the left and right sides of the waist harness (photo below).
In addition to a large stretch pocket, the front is also equipped with a bungee cord that can be used freely (photo below).
The sides also have elastic pockets and side compression straps that secure long items and compress them according to the amount of luggage (photo below).
This side compression strap is called "ZigZag Side Compression", and not only is it lighter with the round string, but it can also be tightened with just one action while carrying it on your back (photo below), making it extremely smart.
An attachment to secure the hydration tube is placed on the chest strap (photo below).
The straps that secure the poles are on both sides (photo below). It works with the side straps, making it a smart piece that combines both lightweight and easy to use.
I'm curious about this
The same point is also given to the Weka 40, but the two front buckles that connect the canopy and body are always hidden when opened and closed, making it a messy feeling. Also, when there are fewer luggages, this strap and the flap on the front interfere with each other, making it difficult to tighten.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
Although it is lightweight enough to withstand races, it also has solid basic storage and attachments, and the lightweight pack provides the incredibly comfortable carrying and comfort, making it easy to use, not only for light activities such as fast packing, but also for general hiking. Unlike Weka, it is a smart model that embodies the uniqueness of Macpac in a different sense, while being able to meet modern needs so closely, and is highly versatile, making it widely applicable in most outdoor environments on the planet.
For official information and purchase, please visit this official online shopping site .
Summary of main specs and evaluations
| item | Weka 40 | Fjord 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Official capacity (L) | 40 | 40 |
| Official weight (g) | S2=1130, S3=1160 | S2=1040, S3=1090 |
| material | ECO AZTEC® Canvas, 840D Nylon | 100D Nylon Titan Grid, 500D Cordura Nylon |
| Storage |
|
|
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ | ― |
| Mobility | ― | ★★★★★ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |