![]() The shoulder straps are wide and distribute weight well, and there is an adjustable (or removable) sternum strap to help keep the pack in place. In the style of many “fastpacking” packs, the weight is born by the shoulders rather than the waist or hips, but the design of the shoulder straps allows for this comfortably. On the shoulder strap is a mesh zippered pocket where I like to keep items such as my inReach, cell phone, or Epi-pen. These pockets cannot be cinched closed so they won’t work for valuables. The two side pockets, likely intended for water bottles, also can hold extra items like bike tubes and tools, a spare jacket, sunglasses, bug spray, or sunscreen. ![]() ![]() When the pack is full, I found that this pocket didn’t work for large items and instead I used it for smaller items like trail maps. To me, it would make more sense to have a means of closing the opening, though that likely would add weight and complexity to this ultralight pack. This is unfortunate, but the designers did add a small drainage hole to reduce the chances of water pooling. Though somewhat helpful, in severe weather the flap is not entirely successful in keeping the elements out.ĭown the length of the pack there is a “shove-it” pocket that closes with a snap but cannot be fully closed. There also is a flap covering this cinched closing that opens and closes with a hook/loop system. The pack opens and closes with a cinch cord that, even with cold and tired fingers, can be opened with one hand in a single, fluid motion. Within the compartment, a dedicated sleeve for a hydration bladder easily holds 3 liters of liquid with an opening through which to feed the bladder’s hose for easy drinking access. In the end, this probably is a good thing for the Stir’s durability-super stretchy materials seem to develop holes more quickly and generally don’t last as long. ![]() Therefore, you won’t be squeezing in an extra liter or two by stuffing it full of gear. Everything fit and the pack holds its shape extremely well, but it isn’t as stretchy as some other models (the Osprey Talon 22 comes to mind). I stuffed it to the gills with camera gear, bike tools, spare clothing, food, and surprisingly, a large bike helmet. The main compartment basically is a cylinder that holds the majority of the pack’s 20-liter capacity. Despite the Stir’s simplicity, great attention was paid to the details. However, it soon became apparent that Thule’s designers did their homework and managed to include many well-thought-out features while keeping the pack’s weight at just over 1 pound. Out of the box, the Thule Stir 20 appeared overly simple: its frameless design looks like a tube with shoulder straps. We've also tested and written about backpacking packs for overnight and extended trips. The pack is impressively lightweight and minimalist yet rugged, and kept surprising me with its features. To see how the Stir 20 stacks up, see our article on the best daypacks. As promised, it held up admirably in all situations. I had the opportunity to test the Thule Stir 20L, using it for a variety of activities including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, bike packing, and bike commuting. In 2016, they have expanded their line of packs to include smaller (15L, 20L, and 30L) daypacks. The Marmot Kompressor Plus day pack is available in your choice of color options.Thule, the Swedish company known mostly for their car rack systems, recently ventured into the world of backpacking with the successful introduction of their first technical packs. Other features include a zippered front exterior pocket, a trekking pole attachment loop, a reflective safety light attachment point (safety light not included), and an internal hydration system hanging clip (hydration system not included). A zippered pocket in the lid lets you stash small essentials and the entire pack can stow inside that pocket when not in use. The main compartment of the top-loading pack provides 1220 cubic inches of storage. Compression straps allow you to secure the contents of the pack or compress unused space. A minimalist webbing waistbelt helps to stabilize weight and it can be removed entirely if you're traveling really light and don't need the belt. Lightweight Airmesh shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap improve comfort and fit without adding unnecessary weight. The sleek, versatile Marmot Kompressor Plus pack can serve as a stand-alone, ultra-lightweight 20L day pack or as a secondary pack for backpackers or travelers to cover days when you don't need to have all of your gear in tow.Ī removable foam back panel gives some structure to the pack and you can leave that panel at home for an even lighter set up.
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