When it comes to fast packing backpacks that are lightweight and highly functional, these days, there is a wide variety of models from a variety of brands.
First of all, fast packing is an activity that combines the essence of "run" and "hiking." For this reason, unique models are appearing one after another from a variety of manufacturers with different personalities, from authentic Alpine brands to running and racing-oriented brands, and many fast packing styles have been proposed for each individual. In that sense, it is no exaggeration to say that it is the most interesting field right now.
the XA series , the latest model of fast packing backpacks, released this summer by , one of the most ambitious manufacturers in recent years to develop fast packing products, and the top trail running brand, SALOMON .
SALOMON released a groundbreaking model called the OUT series in this category last season XA series is a brother-like figure, and while it is also aimed at people who enjoy long hiking with agility, it can be said that they can meet different styles and types of needs in the smallest detail. I'll introduce what kind of backpack it is, along with my impressions after actually trying it out.
table of contents
- Key features of the SALOMON XA backpack
- Item appearance
- Main Specifications and Ratings for the SALOMON XA 25
- Detailed review
- A back system that combines quick drying and comfortable to carry
- Excellent fit and stability that will make you forget you're carrying it on your back
- Easy to put in and take out, evolved roll top type main storage
- A wide range of external pockets for easy storage
- There are many functions that allow you to continue running without stopping, no matter what the situation
- Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
- Details and purchase of each of the SALOMON XA backpack series
Key features of the SALOMON XA backpack
The XA series is a lightweight, running fast packing backpack that combines the comfortable carrying comfort and multifunctionality of the OUT series released last year, while also combining the high mobility of a running vest-shaped backpack with runner-friendly usability. The vest-shaped compression and strap structure fits perfectly to your body, providing a stable and comfortable carrying experience despite the heavy loads of movement. With a number of functionally arranged exterior pockets, including shoulder straps, and various ingenious attachments, you can put most of the gear in and out while you are on the move without lowering the pack, and it has the features needed by all speed hikers who want to continue running. The lineup includes XA 15, XA25, and XA35 depending on the capacity. (The trials are mainly performed on the 25L model.)
This is ◎
- (Even though it is extremely lightweight) A high fit and stability that can only be felt during intense activities.
- (Even though it is super lightweight) a variety of shoulder strap pockets
- Easy to open and close the cargo area and compress
I'm curious about this
- Despite its construction, the back is not as breathable as I thought
- There are too many drawstrings, which is a bit complicated
Item appearance
Main Specifications and Ratings for the SALOMON XA 25
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| capacity | 25L (21-30L) |
| Official weight | 443g (Includes 2 soft flasks) |
| Actual measured weight | 432g (S/M size 415g + 17g back pad) + Soft flask 37g x 2 |
| size | S/M, M/L |
| material | Body: 82% Nylon 18% Polyethylene Front insert: 86% Nylon 14% Polyurethane Back insert: 100% Polyester Lining: 100% Polyester Back body: 100% Polyester Pockets: 88% Nylon 12% Polyurethane Foam: 100% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA Foam) |
|
|
| accessories | Soft Flask (500ml) x 2 |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Mobility | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed review
A back system that combines quick drying and comfortable to carry
First, let's take a look at the exterior and overall comfort.
The shoulder strap is made entirely of 3D Airmesh, a honeycomb-shaped, three-dimensional mesh fabric. The pocket fabric is also almost mesh, so it is designed to allow air to pass through from anywhere, and therefore it is also designed to dry quickly (photo below).
The back of the shoulder strap is made of 3D Airmesh, which is breathable.
The back is also made of 3D Airmesh, just like the shoulder strap, and is made with great ventilation in mind (photo below).
However, the perfect fit on the back (described below) narrows the way out of moisture, which is a concern that it is not inevitably breathable when sweating too much. It might be a good idea to have a larger air-removing line between the back and the pack.
The back is made of 3D Airmesh, similar to the shoulder strap, to some degree of breathability.
The back is wavy EVA foam pads located behind the mesh, which helps to maintain moderate cushioning and shape of the back panel (photo below). Furthermore, this pad can be removed from the hydration pocket. Removing it will not only reduce the weight, but also improve breathability.
The back pad is removable
The actual weight was 432g (S/M size body). Incidentally, the removable back foam pad was 17g, so if removed it can be lighter to a minimum weight of 415g. This backpack has a maximum of 30L pockets, and is also seam taped, making it a classification of this weight quite light.
Excellent fit and stability that will make you forget you're carrying it on your back
This backpack not only has a stiff frame and suspension like a mountain climbing backpack that brings loads closer to the waist, but it also has a vest-shaped structure that holds the chest between the shoulder straps and the back, supporting gravity throughout the entire upper body. As this is a type that SALOMON has been good at, this model also fits the body so firmly that it would hard to believe it's a hiking pack, and is flexible in adapting to your movements, allowing you to continue moving comfortably throughout your carry-on. This comfort is achieved by its unique fitting technologies, Motion Fit and Sensifit, which are the true essence of SALOMON.
The shoulder strap is wide and voluminous, and the wide area gives it a gentle fit that envelops you. That's not to say that it's just flat, but rather has a three-dimensional shape that fits firmly from the shoulders to the front.
The left and right shoulder straps are fixed by elastic cords (photo below). This makes it very smooth when you pull one place and get tension on the entire chest. All that's left is to stop using the cord lock and the adjustment is completed immediately. This cord lock is exactly the same as the "quick lace" used in SALOMON shoes. It doesn't loosen when tightened, and when loosening, you can use a natural operation and touch.
The cord on the front is tensioned all over by pulling one point, allowing you to adjust it.
The joint between the shoulder strap and the main body is a two-forked design that has been inherited from the OUT series. This reduces the tightening force, not only distributes the load, but also acts as a suspension against left and right shaking, preventing shaking. The simple waist harness extends from below, but also provides a slick protection from the bottom of the bag.
The connection between the shoulder strap and the main body is split into two parts to distribute the load.
One of the two forks is made of stretch material, which keeps you up and improves the fit.
The stretchy fabric makes it more likely to follow the movement
The body shape has been designed to make it easier to place the center of gravity on the upper back.
The height of the fit is also dependent on the shape of the bag. When laid flat in an empty state, it is trapezoidal, or, to put it in extreme terms, V-shaped shape. This is because there are fewer luggage at the bottom, and as you go up, you will bring the center of gravity upwards. This high center of gravity allows the load to be placed on the top of the torso rather than on the waist, making the luggage stable and no strain on the shoulders. The entrance is large, making it easier to put in and take your luggage in and out.
When you lay it flat, you can see that it will become smaller as you go down.
Compression function that increases the adhesion of the pack while standing and dramatically reduces shaking
This is a compression function that I personally liked about the OUT series. This is still in good condition in the XA series Rather, it has become even more simplified and functional. When the contents are small compared to the maximum capacity, the luggage inside the backpack will often become wild, causing the backpack to shake. However, this bag compresses the pack evenly with drawcords that spread throughout the backpack, improving the fit and preventing it from shaking. Moreover, the compression method is very easy, just pull the cords on the sides (around both sides) while carrying them on your back.
The bag is compressed and more stable depending on the amount of content.
Simply pull on these cords on the left and right sides and the middle to bottom of the bag will instantly compress, preventing the contents from shaking.
When you apply compression, it compresses in an instant, even though you just pull the string.
As long as you know where this cord is, Kina can adjust the degree of compression, which is one of the things that don't let the bag go down. Simply use this compression to improve stability and fit, with little stress during your actions.
However, if there is one thing that is dissatisfied, it is processing a ring-shaped drawcord that has been compressed and stretched out to the outside. If you don't properly keep it somewhere to avoid strolling around and going outside, it will be easy to stumble in forest areas, and it will be complicated until you get used to it.
Even if you don't put it down, you can compress evenly just by pulling it over.
Easy to put in and take out, evolved roll top type main storage
From here we will look at the storage system and other features.
The entrance to the main compartment is simple and lightweight roll-top. The entrance is wide open, allowing you to take it out quickly, but it was inevitable that you would "set and tighten" the buckle at the entrance that was wrapped around. However the XA series , the opening is the same as the one that you wrap around the entrance, but you can easily "set" the buckle and tighten it with just one action.
The main compartment entrance is roll top type
Once you roll your mouth, simply pull the drawcord in the center in front of you (photo below). Both ends of the entrance are pulled, allowing the mouth to close easily and securely.
Pulling the drawcord will cause compression to suddenly tighten the entrance.
When opening, just open it with the cord lock and one side of the entrance. It's the same as normal opening behavior. It significantly reduces the stress that has occurred when opening and closing a roll-top backpack up until now.
The roll-top entrance opens and closes in an instant, greatly reducing stress.
A wide range of external pockets for easy storage
The entrance to the main compartment is large, making it very easy to put in and take luggage in and out, making it easy to see inside from above. However, there are no partitions and only one air chamber, so if you use it to throw anything in, you will have to take it out and organize it. However, basically, you can store most of what you need while taking action on the shoulder strap, so that may not be necessary.
There is another pocket and a large front pocket. It uses stretchy fabric, making it convenient for storing large items that you want to take out quickly, such as rainwear on top and bottom.
The front pocket is large and the stretchy fabric can hold bulky items.
The main compartment has a zipper pocket where you can hold small items such as keys and valuables. This sense of balance is impressive, as it cuts down and ensures a minimum level of convenience.
There is also a zippered valuables inside the main compartment.
Of course, the pocket for hydration is perfect. It is installed between the main compartment and the back pad, so you can put it in and take it out independently, and you won't be able to warm it up with your body temperature.
The hydration bag is located between the main compartment and the back pad
Shoulder straps that generously incorporate the convenience of running backpacks
The shoulder straps have four identical pockets on the left and right sides. First, the small mesh pocket on the top seems like it's useful for storing garbage. A whistle is stored inside the mesh pocket on the left (photo below).
The top pocket of the shoulder strap is convenient for storing garbage and small items.
The remaining three pockets include soft flask pockets , large mesh pockets , and zippered pockets The soft flask pocket is thin and deep, so the original 500ml flask that comes standard fits perfectly. The large mesh pocket can store plastic bottles and foods, as well as gloves, and other items that are slightly bulky. The final zippered pocket is convenient for storing things you don't want to drop, such as a smartphone (photo below).
When you combine the top pockets, there are 8 pockets, with four pockets on each side, making it highly convenient and easy to store.
There are many functions that allow you to continue running without stopping, no matter what the situation
The roll-top type is not easy to get into the rain, the fabric is weather-resistant and durable ripstop nylon, and seam sealing is applied to the seams, and zippers are omitted as much as possible, making it extremely protective. If there is a bit of rain or snow, the contents will not get wet (of course, the mesh fabric on the front pockets and shoulder straps other than the main compartment will get wet normally). The hydration pocket is not closed, and water accumulates inside when it rains, but there is a drain hole at the bottom to drain the water.
If it rains a certain amount, the water-repellent fabric allows you to continue using it without getting wet.
However, since it is not completely waterproof, when used in heavy rain, a waterproof stuff sack or rain cover will be required. As with anything, overconfidence is prohibited.
The back seams are reinforced with seam tape to enhance waterproofness
The shoulder strap has two drawcords, allowing you to secure one trekking pole on either side. You can work without having to remove the pack, so time loss and stress during your actions can be reduced as much as possible.
Foldable trekking poles can be secured to the shoulder strap
Furthermore, when not in use for long periods such as when approaching, there are drawcords on both sides to attach poles, so you can secure them here by clamping them in the compression cord at the bottom.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
Based on a trail running vest that can be carried on your entire chest and back and can be used to take out essentials without unloading them, it will maintain a high fit and stability even if you increase the amount of luggage you need for hiking or trekking. Last year's OUT series is also for fast packing purposes, but this one is overwhelmingly more convenient when storing the shoulder strap. For this reason XA backpack SALOMON specializes in, and the fast packing backpack OUT series released last year. Even though it's called fast packing, you want to continue to operate comfortably for a long time with carefully selected lightweight luggage, focusing on speed! Recommended for those who are: If you try to put it on the XA 25, you can put up to about 30L in your luggage, but if you're thinking about staying overnight, it's probably better to choose the 35L size. Conversely, the 15L size seems to be the main use for day trips rather than fast packing.
Self-restraint tends to stifle your breath. In such cases, grab a new gear and wait for the moment with excitement, imagine what you'll actually use, plan and plan.
Details and purchase of each of the SALOMON XA backpack series
For more information about each of the XA backpack series, please check the official online shopping site for each of the XA 15 SET / XA 25 SET / XA 35 SET