Berghaus Verden 65 + 10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Verden 65 + 10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack Vital Statistics: Colours: Treetop/Peridot, Red/Castle Rock, Eclipse/Shadow Yellow, Jet Black/Coal Sizes: 45+8 litre, 65+10litre unisex plus 45+8 litre, 65+10 litre women specific models Weight: 2.36 Kgs (claimed) SRP: £100.00

Verden 65 + 10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Treetop/Peridot, Red/Castle Rock, Eclipse/Shadow Yellow, Jet Black/Coal

Sizes:
45+8 litre, 65+10litre unisex plus 45+8 litre, 65+10 litre women specific models

Weight:
2.36 Kgs (claimed)

SRP:
£100.00

Features to Note:

Back System: Height Adjustable via Berghaus' own BioFit
Removable chest straps
Cinch straps on belt
Zipped entrance to main compartment and front pocket
Draw cord bivi closure - base compartment with bivi divider
Raincover
Size (65+10): 79cms x 36cms x 30cms
Fabric: Esdura 600 D RS/Esdura 600 D
Updated for 2011

In-use Test:

The Verden features Berghaus' Biofit system - a simple (and relatively cheap) way of enabling that a one size backpack can be adjusted to fit most body lengths and/or loads. And this does seem to work quite well; it is quick and simple to make the adjustment by simply pulling down on a simple webbing pull located on the right hand side of the pack. I'm 5'7'' and managed to get the back height right for and me quite easily. When I then gave the Berghaus Verden to the tallest person in the office (6'2") to try - he managed to quickly and easily adjust it to suit him without taking it off again.

It's possible to gain access to the front compartment quickly by means of an additional zipped section on the front of the bag.

The other features are pretty well what I'd expect to see as standard on a backpack of this size. The adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt are pretty well padded. There's an extendable lid which includes a zipped pocket which houses the rain cover but does have room for other stuff as well. There's another zipped pocket on the front - big enough for an OS map plus a separate base compartment which can take a sleeping bag. There are also 2 compressible side pockets which can be flattened if not in use. It's hydration system compatible (room for a 2L bladder); there are anchor points on the front for walking poles plus 4 gear loops.

I've carried the 65+10 litre size with a sleeping bag, one person tent plus additional items for one overnight stop. The back system seems pretty stable and when adjusted correctly the weight was transferred onto my hips well. There was a good gap between my back and the pack to allow for plenty ventilation. Overall - it was pretty comfortable to carry.

The Esdura 600 D farbric feels reasonably sturdy plus there is reinforcement on the base.

A minor annoyance is that the zips did have a tendency to catch on the fabric (particularly on the side pocket).

Buying Advice:

Berghaus' Verdern is a good value, entry level backpack. The Biofit back system is what sets this aside from other packs of this type. A good all-rounder for back-packing, gap year travel or trekking.

What do you think?

Have you got a Berghaus Verden 65 + 10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Berghaus Verden 65 + 10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack - so we can publish your important views below.

• I've used a Bio-fit 65+10 at the start of the year & can't fault it in any way. I carry a fairly large & heavy load when walking including full camping gear & cooking tackle but always find the bag very comfortable to wear at all times. The bag is more than big enough to accomadate all my equipment without any problems, also i walked in some very wet & windy weather in the Lakes earlier this year, the cover which is supplied is quick & easy to fit & more than up to the task - even large enough to cover both the bag & also some other equipment i have fastened to the side. Can't fault it in any way & find it great value for money.

Steven Gill, Guiseley

• Great bag. First outing was 3 day trek in snowdonia, carrying 2 man tent, sleeping bag, food and all cooking equipment. Rain was horizontal for all 3 days - bag was comfortable and reliable through all 3 days. The rain cover tightens snugly around the bag and keeps it dry and clean; the pockets are all practical and useful, and the bottom compartment was great for stashing wet gear, with the tent attached to the outside. I have owned several similar sized bags and this is the best i've had....

Ben

• 10 out of 10 great kit used for coast-coast also weekends away lots and lots of times didn,t know it was on my back most of the time

Richard Manning, Saxtead/suffolk