Kathmandu Voltai Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack for Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Voltai Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack for Women Vital Statistics: Colours: Aqua Sizes: 40 litres = volume, 55cm (H) x 23cm (W) x 27cm (D) Weight: 1.2 kgms SRP: £99.99

Voltai Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack for Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Aqua

Sizes:
40 litres = volume, 55cm (H) x 23cm (W) x 27cm (D)

Weight:
1.2 kgms

SRP:
£99.99

Features to Note:

Fabric: 420D HD Ripstop Nylon, 420D HT Oxford Nylon, 840D Ballistic Nylon Base
Women's specific, breathable, airLT harness
Configurable conpression straps
Internal and external pockets
Walking pole attachment point
Men's variant also available
Made in Vietnam

In-use Test:

Kathmandu's Voltai is one of the lightest backpacks I've tried recently. It has one main compartment which is accessed via a zip (which has glove-friendly toggles). The zip runs all around this - in theory making access very easy. (I always pack my stuff inside a black bin liner so I can be sure it's going to stay dry - which does reduce the benefits of this unfettered, front access.)

There's also a second smaller - but full length, zipped compartment on the front plus a third much smaller zipped compartment (for keys, gps) on the back. Unusually - there is no 'floating' lid. So - it's easily big enough for a sleeping bag plus some clothing and certainly big enough as a winter daypack.

Shoulder straps are reasonably well padded as is the hip belt.

There is only one back length available - it's not adjustable. I'm 5' 7'' with a longish back and I found that the overall pack length was just about ok for me but I would have preferred it to sit at little lower. Initially I found that the chest strap fastened too high - however, with a bit of investigation I found it was possible to move the chest strap anchor points which helped a lot with this.

In use with a reasonably full load, I found that the backpack fitted quite closely to my back which made for a very stable load. However I did find that - despite the foam elevations on the back - perspiration didn't evaporate very quickly when the pack was on. (I do 'run hot' so this may be less of a problem for those who don't!) Overall, though I thought the Voltai was really quite comfortable.

The fabric density is that used in many other lighter weight backpacks and does feel reasonably robust.

Buying Advice:

Kathmandu's Voltai women specific backpack is a lightweight, relatively cheap backpack. The price point and weight has been achieved by use of a relatively simple (one size fits all) back system and a reduction in other features such as the lack of an extending lid. But if light weight is your thing then the Voltai may still appeal for winter single day walks or 1- 2 day summer trips. Check the fit - particularly if you have a long back/are over 5'7''

What do you think?

Have you got a Kathmandu Voltai Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack for Women?

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 Kathmandu Voltai Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack for Women - so we can publish your important views below.

• Bought this pack to walk 800km across Spain, with all my goods and shackles. I absolutely loved it and wanted for nothing. It took my daily tugging, zipping, cramming and dropping with never a complaint or rip. I added extra packs and clothing to the outside, dried my wet washing on it as I walked, threw it over fences before me and still it climbed onto my back and disappeared. It was and is my favourite thing in the whole wide world. It made me happy from Day one. I know there's probably better, lighter, more versatile ones around, but this mobile home is the one for me. Forever.

Regina Saunders, Coffs Harbour