Karrimor Hot Rock 30 Day Pack
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

Hot Rock 30 Day Pack Vital Statistics: Colours: Black/Elite Grey, Elite Grey/Ghost, Amethyst/Ghost, Fire/Elite Grey Weight: 850gms SRP: £45.00

Karrimor says:"Designed with the urban adventurer in mind and packed with technical features the Hot Rock 30 boasts the perfect blend of performance and style."

Features to Note:

• Supercool padded back
• Easy access hydration sleeve
• 3-point haul system
• Easy grab haul loop
• Reflective safety details
• Side compression straps
• Wand/bottle pockets
• Sliding & elasticated chest strap
• Pocket in lid
• Front shock cord carrying system
• Ice axe/walking pole attachment points
• Key clip

In-use Test:

I've used the Hot Rock on a variety of day-walks now and have been very impressed.

The main compartment is easy to get at and there's a separate zipped hydration system stowage space.

There is a good number of pockets; there's a decent-sized one on the lid where I had my OS map, head-torch, first aid kit and camera tripod. There are also 2 elasticated side pockets (no closures) for drinking bottles, a flask or even an apple.

All the zips seem quite substantial and all have good sized toggles so they were easy to use with gloved hands. I haven't worn the backpack in heavy rain so haven't yet tested the water-proofness of the zips - or the rest of the pack. However - all the seams are taped and double stitched seams which will help in stemming the ingress of water. However - I always put my stuff in in black bags anyway - which I definitely recommend no matter what the manufacturer's claims.

Perhaps most importantly - the backpack was extremely comfortable all day.

The compression straps meant I could stabilise the load well.

I was particularly impressed with the hip-belt. Firstly - it stayed securely shut. Also despite the fact that it didn't appear to have a huge amount of padding - it really was comfortable. The relatively wide shoulder straps are also cleverly padded - but the hip-belt really did its job in keeping the load away from that area anyway.

As is increasingly common these days, the chest strap does include a gps holder - which is really handy.

The back system kept its shape well and did allow for a high degree of air circulation. It too is nicely padded. The fabric feels like it should be relatively tear-resistant - but time will tell.

Buying Advice:

Whilst it's not big enough for overnight wild camping trips, its light weight and all-round comfort means that the Hot Rock is rapidly becoming my rucsac of choice for all year round day walks.

---

What do you think?

Have you got a Karrimor Hot Rock 30 Day Pack?

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 Karrimor Hot Rock 30 Day Pack - so we can publish your important views below.

---

• I agree with the previous review of the technical aspects of the Hot Rock 30, with one exception. I wore it on a day which had a very light drizzle for less than half an hour and although all of the zips were closed properly, the water managed to penetrate the material, leaving the inside of the pack quite damp. This doesn't bode well for a really wet outing.

Steely Dan, Guildford

---

• Bought the hot rock 40 for £45 (reduced from £59) last week and it got first use in the Lakes on Saturday. I've been using a WWII german canvas rucksack until recently, as it was as comfortable as a lot of the smaller packs I've tried, however sweat even in winter was a massive problem. The hot rock was a revelation - fitted well (some of the other packs I tried on seemed to ride up), and I didn't feel the weight at any point on the 11 mile ascent to Scafell [Pike] and back. Top zip pocket ideal for OS map, gloves, etc. The side pockets fitted 750ml water bottles perfectly. The fabric feels pretty hardwearing. The day was clear, so weatherproofing not tested yet!

M Sercombe, Buckingham

---

---