Vango Nanga 60+10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Nanga 60+10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack Vital Statistics: Colours: Light Red, Black Sizes: 60 + 10 litres; Weight: 2.16Kgms SRP: £120.00

Nanga 60+10 Backpack, Rucsac or Rucksack

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Light Red, Black

Sizes:
60 + 10 litres;

Weight:
2.16Kgms

SRP:
£120.00

Vango says:"New for 2014, Nanga is the flagship rucksack in our backpacking range featuring our patented A3 back system. It offers optimal load transfer and carry comfort with front zip entry for quick and easy access to the main compartment. Its streamlined, modern design and light weight functionality make this ideal for mountain trips and long distance travelling."

Features to Note:

Pack Size: L25.0 x H80.0 x W30.0cm
A3 Back System - Based around Vango's patented 'chassis' frame - Bi-Radial®, the internal frame is built around modern lightweight and durable fabrics and alloys, composing of one vertical bar, for longitudinal shape and strength, a top stabiliser bar, and a mid stabiliser bar for advanced load distribution to the stable hip area. This is supported with Vango's Bi-Crescent dense foam hip-belt which helps prevent any single pressure points and aids overall balance when carrying the pack
Shaped Adjustable Harness for optimum fit and comfort
3D Ergonomic Hip Belt, shaped for optimum comfort and load carrying
AirMesh on rucksack straps to keep you cool and comfortable
Excel® 210D Double Line Ripstop Nylon, exceptionally high quality polyamide which is lightweight, strong and durable with a double ripstop weave for additional tear-proof strength
Excel® 1680D Polyester Base Faric. A sturdy PU coated 600 Denier Polyester creating a strong and abrasion resistant fabric
Top Lid Access with buckle closure for quick and easy access to pack contents
Zip access to main compartment gives easy access to pack contents
Top Lid with Zippered Pocket for easy access and safe storage of small items
Additional Zip Pocket Under Flap opening for safe storage of small items
Floating Lid to expand the packs capacity to carry larger loads
Extendable Gaiter Under Lid allowing for additional pack space and protection from the elements
Expansion Side Zip Pockets for extra storage capacity if required
Twin Mesh Pockets for easy access and storage
Easy to find and operate shaped zip pull
Hydration Compatible with most hydration reservoirs
Dura-flex buckles renowned for strength, quality and durability
Sternum Strap with Emergency Whistle for a secure fit and easy to reach safety feature. Note: whistle is positioned in a downwards direction to prevent water entering and freezing in it
Detachable Rain Cover Included in the base of the pack to keep gear dry and aids visibility in low light
Side Grab Handle for easy transportation
Side Compression Straps to secure your load
Webbing grab handle between the shoulder straps
Recommended for use by DofE Award Association and The Scout Association

In-use Test:

New in 2014 the Vango Nanga 60+10 is a full-on trekking pack perfect for backpacking that retails at a very competitive £120. The 60 litre capacity body is made from lightweight, durable ripstop nylon and can be extended to a further 10 litres via expandable bellows pockets and a floating lid and the straps and harness are made with Airmesh

Tested with a full-load day walk in the Brecon Beacons, I found the A3 Back System was easily adjustable to suit my height (5ft 10") and was comfortable throughout. There is plenty of padding on the shoulder straps and plenty of padding on the wide hip belt with added padding where the pack makes contact with my lower back area which made the load carrying really quite comfortable.

There is a sternum strap across the chest between the two shoulder straps, something I find essential for maximum comfort, and there is an emergency whistle. That said, the emergency whistle is not very powerful or loud and I wouldn't want to be relying on it in times of need.

There are two ways to access the main compartment; via the lid - to get at the items stowed near the top of the pack - or via a large zip on the body of the backpack that completely opens the main compartment of the pack - so it acts and looks more like a holdall when placed straps down. Note: there isn't a separate compartment at the bottom of the Vango Nanga 60+10 (e.g. for my sleeping bag) like there is on some packs so this main body zip system is the only way to quickly get at items stowed in the bottom. Also, in order to open this compartment completely, it is necessary to unclip the compression straps. This, squeeze to release system is very small and stiff and was difficult to complete in our offices - and virtually impossible on the hill with cold wet fingers. Thankfully, this is not something you would have to do often and the clips securing the lid straps are much more forgiving.

On the outside there are twin ice-axe/walking pole loops, two elasticated mesh side pockets (for water bottles, fruit, discarded packaging) and two internal zipped side pockets for your important nick-nacks. The lid has a large zipped pocket (where I kept my gloves, hat, mini-tripod and other must-have-quickly items) and includes a keyring fob.

Inside the main compartment is a holder for your water system and holes at the top are large enough to get your drinks tube through (not true of all Vango's Backpacks, amazingly) and there is a bright orange rain cover stowed in the base that easily covers the whole pack. Whilst the lightweight, durable ripstop nylon of the rucksack body and the rain cover are water resistant we found they are not waterproof during heavy rain - so you will still have to keep your essential items in waterproof plastic stow sacks if you want to keep them dry.

Finally, on the side of the pack is a hand loop so you can carry the Vango Nanga 60+10 like a suitcase. Useful at the airport or hotel maybe - but hardly essential.

Buying Advice:

The Vango Nanga 60+10 backpack is fully-featured Rucksack very competitively priced and large enough to carry everything you would need for an extended backpacking trip or trek. Recommended.

What do you think?

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