Vaude SE Triset 25+4 2013 Day Pack
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	SE Triset 25+4 2013 Day Pack Vital Statistics: Colours: Blue/Anthracite, Marine/Meadow, Black/Red Weight: 1165gms SRP: £68.00

SE Triset 25+4 2013 Day Pack

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Blue/Anthracite, Marine/Meadow, Black/Red

Weight:
1165gms

SRP:
£68.00

Features to Note:

Fabric: 600D Polyester PU coated
Back system: Aeroflex
Hydration system compatible
Expansion side pockets, front stretch pocket, hood pocket
2 x ice axe/walking pole straps
Integral, detachable rain cover
Compression straps
Padded hip belt
Designed specifically for UK

In-use Test:

This is an updated, 'Special Edition' version of this established Vaude Triset 25+4 daypack; this new model has a slightly longer back and a more conical shape which means it's wider at the top. Other obvious changes are the replacement of the bungee looping on the front by a long elasticated pocket and the relocation of some of the pockets. See below.

The main compartment is reasonably easily accessed (even with gloved hands). The 4 litre extension has its own draw-cord, as has the main compartment; there's an additional strap to close the (new) front stretch pocket before fastening down and securing the lid with two adjustable, front straps. The straps which close the main compartment are a good long length ... so you can really fill the main compartment and close it easily. Rather unusually the keyring is in the main compartment; on many daypacks, it's in the lid pocket which I think I prefer as it's quicker to get at the whistle and penknife I usually attach. That notwithstanding, the wider top (one of the refinements in this 'Special Edition') does make it easier to pack than the earlier version.

It's hydration-system compatible and can easily accommodate a 2 litre hydration system bladder; however, there is only one exit for the drinking tube which is over the right shoulder.

This SE Triset has a good combination of pockets. There are 3 external, zipped pockets - a large one on the lid plus 2 long, thin ones at the front side which I found very useful for gear such as my camera tripod, gloves, hat, multi-tool, emergency beacon ... and (rather wonderfully) a small coffee flask. There is also a new elasticated (also long) front pocket, which can be accessed only after the lid straps have been opened; I found this particularly useful for awkwardly sized items or for other smaller items that I wanted to get at without having to open the main compartment eg hat, chewy bars, chocolate, banana. Unusually this SE version doesn't have the usual mesh side pockets for carrying drink bottles; however, I do prefer the rather more flexible side pockets that have replaced them.

The back system is one size only; minor adjustments to fit can be made via the adjustable shoulder straps. At 5'11'', I found it to be a pretty good fit. I've worn it on several long day walks around the White Peak and been very comfortable; whilst not overly padded, both the shoulder straps and hip-belt did their job well and didn't appear to compress at all. I was impressed with the Aeroflex back system which is comfortable and really does enable great air circulation between back and pack. I think this will be fine even in much warmer conditions than you find in the Peak District during (this) April. A minor inconvenience was that (on me) the hip belt came across my jacket pockets so I couldn't access them cleanly.

Apart from on the front elasticated pocket, the fabric feels pretty robust and the quality of the overall finish is very good.

Buying Advice:

The new SE version of Vaude's Triset 25+4 has some interesting features notably the slightly unusual pocket combination and the wider opening at the top. A very comfortable, flexible option if you need a higher volume day pack for all year round walking.

What do you think?

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