38L Litehaul Backpack from Kathmandu – product review
Luggage and backpacks are big business these days. We are confronted with increasingly rigid weight and size restrictions for both carry-on and hold bags. Airlines find any excuse to charge more and there are even rumours that one might be required to pay to use the restroom/loo/bathroom. It pays to keep weight down to forestall such measures. Yes, we will endeavour to be subservient and compliant passengers of airlines that do us the favour of carrying us.
A light bag is essential but it also needs to be one that’s easily carried, and that for me at least is often a backpack. I travel thousands of miles every year as a food and travel writer. Yes, it probably is the best job in the world but it does have its inconveniences. Waiting for a bag at Heathrow for an hour and a half gave me time to ponder the wisdom of only taking hand baggage in future.
The 38L Litehaul pack from Kathmandu has been a revelation. Didn’t think there was a backpack made that would fit my specific needs but this one does. I want a backpack as I find it’s a more comfortable way of carrying a moderately heavy weight, and I always like to have my hands free without the need to put the bag down.
The facility that has been missing with other backpacks is the ability to morph into a rather smart shoulder bag. This is an asset when arriving at high-end hotels, where the staff tend to take a dim view of anyone looking like they might require directions to the nearest camp site. The Litehaul in shoulder-bag form looks slim and sporty and will have a warm welcome at any hotel, and particularly those with a tennis court or gym.
The pack has a front zip opening giving access to the main internal space with its integral zipped mesh compartment. There is a small zipped pocket on top of the bag for keys, phone and the like. There is another pocket for larger items on the front of the bag and then a further padded compartment designed to accommodate a 15” laptop. At last! The days of wrapping my computer in my PJ’s are past.
The back straps are hidden away behind a zippable flap when not in use. The hip belt detaches to become a shoulder strap when it’s in shoulder-bag mode. The unique design keeps the bag looking neat with no trailing webbing when straps are packed away.
Overview:
External access 15″ padded laptop sleeve
Lockable main compartment
Dual-purpose hip belt/shoulder strap
Zip-away harness
Bottle pocket
2 further organiser pockets
Fabric 840D Ballistic Nylon, 420D Nylon Check, Polyester lining
Approximate Measurements:
Height 55cm x Width 31cm x Depth 23cm
Weight 1.44kg
The 38L Litehaul pack from Kathmandu is multi-faceted, practical, attractive and high-spec. It’s not the cheapest option but it represents excellent value for money.
Have a look at other Kathmandu products here
Product review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
