A 20L (liter) daypack is perfect for a variety of occasions, from everyday use to traveling, hiking, and cycling. Of course, the structure and convenient functions for comfortable transportation have been an important factor for a long time, but for modern mountain lovers who live in cities, the same point that cannot be compromised is the "sophistication" that blends in with the city without any discomfort.
If you're looking for a daypack that has the authentic features necessary for hiking and will fit in with the city, we would definitely recommend THULE Capstone Sweden-based THULE is a brand that is well known for its car-loading racks and carriers. On the other hand, PC bags and camera bags are also famous, and I personally used them even before I started this site. In any case, it is certainly a brand that is not yet well known in the outdoor field in Japan.
That's not to mention, THULE only recently began offering backpacks for outdoor use in 2015. However, even though it has only just recently entered the market, there are actually many unknown and great works. What innovative products have the leading car carrier brands tested to the world with outdoor backpacks? Let's start a review right away.
table of contents
General features
The tension mesh back panel provides excellent breathability effectively removes heat and stuffiness from the back. The main storage area is a main pocket that is easy to open and close with a zipper, and there is a zippered pocket on the top and hip belt that can store small items. Furthermore, the hip belt also comes with VersaClick accessories that can be replaced according to the purpose (standard comes with a VersaClick Pole Holder that allows you to attach a trekking pole to the hip belt without lowering the pack). It also comes with a rain cover and a hydration-compatible reservoir sleeve, providing a simple and stylish body with plenty of comfort and functionality needed for a hiking backpack.
Recommended points
- Back panel, shoulder and hip belt with excellent breathability, comfort and load stability
- It can be used for everyday use and authentic hiking, and combines design and versatility.
- VersaClick accessories with excellent functionality and customization
Points that interest me
- A bit of effort is needed to store poles and axes.
- The hard frame is intrusive and low storage capacity
Item appearance
Front
Back
Main Specifications and ratings
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| item | Thule Capstone 22L |
| material |
|
| color |
|
| Size (back length) |
|
| Capacity (liters) | 22 |
| Weight (actual measurement) | 1,003g (M/L size, VersaClick Pole Holder, rain cover included) |
| size | 23.87 x 26.92 x 53.08 cm |
| Variations |
*All female models available |
| Main Access | zipper |
| Rear system | A tension mesh back panel that provides excellent breathability. |
| Rear length adjustment | Not available (models above 32L are possible) |
| Hydration compatible | ◯ |
| Rain cover | Included |
| Pocket attachment |
|
| evaluation | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| General | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
The rear panel, shoulder and hip belt provide excellent ventilation, comfort and stability
The back of the Capstone series is a tension mesh (trampoline structure) type. It's no longer uncommon now, but the gaps for air to pass through the back prevent stuffiness, and the tight mesh back is not only breathable, but also soft to the touch, allowing you to carry it comfortably without worrying about sweating even in the hot summer.
Thin mesh shoulder and hip belts that emphasize breathability seem to lack cushioning at first glance, but the thick cushion placed on the part that hits your waist significantly reduces damage caused by load, making the overall load stability very high.
The back has a mesh trampoline structure. The shoulder hip belt is made of thin, hollowed out EVA material with mesh, making it extremely breathable.
A trampoline-structured backpack tends to be heavy, but this model is not that heavy. By the way, models over 32L can even be adjusted to the back length, and even including these, it can be said that they are technically quite mature.
The curve on the back is not too tight, and there is no feeling of the so-called center of gravity being pulled back.
It can be used for everyday use and authentic hiking, and combines design and versatility.
Of course, I think there are some people who like it. However, I've never seen a simple, minimalist form that has been eliminated so much from the waste, and the calm and elegant coloring that I've never seen in a full-scale climbing daypack (although the model I tried this time was the only flashy colour in the lineup).
It's certainly convenient if there are lots of pockets and attachments. However, on the other hand, it is also true that the subtle weight gain and design are taken away. In that sense, it seems that this model has been completely overwhelmed by its design at first glance. However, it was studded with various ideas to maintain high design while maintaining convenience in order to balance the needs of city users and mountain users.
Access to the main storage is not a canopy, but a zipper access that is easy to open and close. Not only does it reduce the number of parts such as buckles and make the design look neater, but it's also more convenient if it's a capacity of this class. The zipper has a handle, making it easy to handle with gloves. The zipper pocket for storing small items is also in a clear position, and the hydration tube position is easy to put out and separate from the left and right, making it easy to separate.
The hip belt on the right has a stretch mesh pocket that is large enough to hold a smartphone of less than 5 inches.
Both sides have mesh side pockets that are stretchy and durable. It also comes with a plastic bottle and a thick Nalgene bottle. By the way, models over 32L have additional side straps and wide front pockets.
The bottom is made of 420D nylon fabric, making it durable. You can easily set the rain cover by pulling it out from here and covering it.
At first glance, the front of the pack has buttonholes and webbings in two vertical rows, allowing gears to be installed by passing shock cords and carabiners. It can be used to make it neat in town and sturdy in mountains, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
VersaClick accessories with excellent functionality and customization
Another thing we'll look at THULE's unique attachment system, the VersaClick System, which is an excellent idea to achieve maximum ease of use in a simple body. In short, this is a variety of interchangeable storage adapters placed on the left hip belt, and when you purchase the Capstone series, for example, you will receive a trekking pole holder as shown in the photo as standard. Open and close the strap to hold the pole without having to put the pack down, which is useful when you want to temporarily allow both hands to be free in a chain area that suddenly appears.
Remove the strap and set the pole with just one touch. In addition, you can also hook a Nalgene bottle (though I personally don't like it as it blew around).
Furthermore, there is a wide range of options available to this attachment, and by obtaining new items, you can add the storage you need.
The example below, "Rolltop Safezone Pocket", is a completely waterproof and shock-resistant pocket that allows you to safely store electronic devices. In addition, including highly versatile pouches, SLR camera holsters, and drink bottles with insulation properties , allowing you to build your own pack to suit your needs and preferences. Personally, I'm really attracted to camera holsters for SLRs.
Things to be bothered
A bit of effort is needed to store poles and axes.
So far, I have mentioned only good things about the fact that the functionality has been removed, but the part that I wished was left behind is the attachment of the trekking pole. In a normal mountain climbing backpack, a loop is attached to the bottom to secure ice axes, etc., but since this is omitted, side pockets must be used to install the pole outside. However, if left as is, the part that sticks out of the pocket is hanging and can be dangerous. A strap or something similar is required to secure it, but this model doesn't have one either (models over 32L come with side straps for poles).
For this reason, as shown in the photo, it seems that it can be fixed in a slightly forceful way, such as by passing the pole through the carabiner attached to the buttonhole webbing, but in any case, a separate carabiner or shock cord is required, and this is not a completely fixed, so to be honest, it cannot be said to be a good method. I thought this might be a bit too much.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
Though THULE has only been in the field of outdoor backpacks, which are highly advanced and competitive, Capstone has shown high level of perfection that doesn't make you feel like you're lacking in experience. This is an exquisitely balanced daypack for those who enjoy the lights and outdoors, with a solid standard feature that is kept down for hiking, while also adding modern sophistication. Although simple, it is carefully crafted in detail, making it perfect for everyday work, travel, and casual day hiking and cycling. This should be the best option for those who are thinking of starting mountain climbing but don't think it's too rough from the start.
On the other hand, the attachments are kept to a minimum, so it may not be enough for technical activities such as climbing. In that sense, even though it is said to be highly versatile, the range is broad, not just from "outdoor activities in general" but from "light outdoors to the city." Additionally, the sturdy rear frame makes the pack itself less easy to store, making it difficult to use like a sub-back.
Outdoor gear was once a specialized tool needed by a limited number of people. In today's world where all people have come to enjoy nature casually, it has been acutely felt that there is a need for tools that are more compatible with people living in cities, or bridge the boundary between cities and nature. We will continue to look forward to this "new" brand that will firmly tackle these trends and bring new people out of the future into the outdoors.
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