Kathmandu Amphi Day Pack
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Amphi Day Pack Vital Statistics: Colours: Graphite Sizes: 30 Litre capacity; 51cm x 27cm x 24cm Weight: 820gms SRP: £89.99

Amphi Day Pack

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Graphite

Sizes:
30 Litre capacity; 51cm x 27cm x 24cm

Weight:
820gms

SRP:
£89.99

Features to Note:

Water resistant sonoTECH construction
Roll top opening
TPU coated fabric
Internal security pocket
Airmesh harness

In-use Test:

Kathmandu's Amphi has a relatively uncomplicated design. It's basically one large sack (the main compartment) plus the back system, shoulder straps, belt plus chest strap. There is a small zipped internal pocket for keys etc..

The closing mechanism continues the uncomplicated theme. The top closes with velcro which runs along about half of the inside of each side of the top. Once fastened together, the top is rolled down and secured with two straps which run vertically up and down the side of the pack. The top rolls down towards your back - so when you're wearing it, it's reasonably secure.

I found it easy to adjust the shoulder straps, waist strap and chest strap. The shoulder straps have a good level of padding - certainly adequate on a pack of this size.

Once on, it's really quite comfortable. It sits close to your back - which provides a good level of stability - however, I'd imagine the downside of this for me (as I 'run' quite hot) will be a rather sweaty back in warmer weather. Whilst I've not yet had opportunity to try it out in warmer weather, there has been ample opportunity to try it out in rain! - and it is indeed waterproof.

There's a couple of good features for walking (or indeed cycling) in low visibility - some reflective strips plus a loop on the pack that can be used to secure a bike or other light.

The main downside for me, though, is that there aren't really any 'walking specific' features - such as external pockets for items you need to access without opening the main pack (like an OS map, gloves, hat, drink etc), anchor points for walking poles; it's also quite difficult to use with a hydration system as there's no easy way to run out a drinking tube from the interior.

Buying Advice:

Ok - so the Amphi is interesting if you really need a waterproof pack. Although to be honest I usually solve this on more conventional packs for day walks by putting stuff I need to keep dry inside a bin liner and then into the main pack.

There are no walk specific features on this - so if you're looking for a daypacks primarily for walking then there are probably better options.

However, if you need a combination daypack to use frequently in wet weather and you need it primarily for leisure/commuting use but with the occasional day walking trip - then this is an interesting option.

What do you think?

Have you got a Kathmandu Amphi Day Pack?

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Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Kathmandu Amphi Day Pack - so we can publish your important views below.