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

	Triset 25+4 Day Pack Vital Statistics: Sizes: 15 litres, 20 litres, 25 + 4 litres, 35+8 litres, 60+8 litres Weight: 1200 gms SRP: £58.00

Triset 25+4 Day Pack

Vital Statistics:

Sizes:
15 litres, 20 litres, 25 + 4 litres, 35+8 litres, 60+8 litres

Weight:
1200 gms

SRP:
£58.00

Features to Note:

Volume: 25 + 4 litres
material : 600D Polyester PU coated
Back system : Aeroflex ventilated mesh
2 x Ice/walking pole attachment points
Hydration system compatible
Zip-round hood pocket
Waterproof cover

In-use Test:

Vaude's Triset daypack comes in a variety of sizes - I've been using the 25+4 size for most of my walking in the last few weeks.

The good-sized main compartment is reasonably easy to access. However, a feature of the Triset's UK-specific design is that the pack is a little narrower than is the norm. This became apparent to me as I was loading in the kit I always keep at the bottom of my day pack in case of emergencies ie a bag containing my first-aid kit, spare fleece and torch. I certainly noticed that I had to compress this more than usual to get it in. I also noticed that my lunch box and flask didn't fit side by side as is usual. The net result is that the load is more central, extends a little higher and is more centred on the hips - which apparently we Brits prefer.

Whilst I found this narrower profile slightly less convenient when packing - the pack was certainly very comfortable to carry. And overall there is plenty of room for lunch, over trousers, light weight jacket plus emergency bag. Unless you don't mind unpacking and packing frequently - it pays to think a little more carefully about the order in which you pack things.

The back system is very good - it keeps its shape well when loaded and allows a good flow of air so your back is well ventilated.

There is a very generous, easy-to-access pocket in the lid big enough to take my mac back-up, mini-tripod, swiss army knife, whistle, torch, handy wipes, spare batteries, spare compass plus a note book.

The 2 mesh side pockets were perfect for my water bottle, sun tan cream and/or banana. There are also two other side pockets large enough for gloves, hat or light-weight waterproof trousers/light showerproof jacket. (And it is really useful not having to stow them inside.)

The big orange rain cover worked well during several torrential Dark Peak showers. (Having said that I always use a heavy duty garden waste bag inside any backpack anyway.)

The hip belt is partially padded - perhaps the rest of it could be a little more substantial. The shoulder straps, though, are well padded and hardly compressed at all in use.

Another nice touch is that the chest strap has some elastication which makes it a touch more comfortable than is often the case. This in part made up for the fact that there is no means of attaching a gps - which I've been used to on some other daypacks.

I'm starting to see some slight wear on the belt after 5 or 6 outings. However the material used for the main body isn't showing any sign of wear at all. Overall the build quality appears to be good.

Buying Advice:

Vaude's Triset 25+4 is a good value, very comfortable daypack. It's probably worthwhile trying it on in the shop to check that the narrower profile suits you.

The 25+4 size may be a little large for shorter summer walking - but will be useful for the person who carries all the extras for the rest of the party. It's certainly big enough for my standard winter walking kit.

Overall a fine option for general day walking.

What do you think?

Have you got a Vaude Triset 25+4 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 Vaude Triset 25+4 Day Pack - so we can publish your important views below.

• I have used the Vaude Triset for the last nine years and found it to be excellent. I did have to make a repair once to the zip in the top cover pocket. I had at the time used the bag for around seven years. Recently, back in April, I gave the bag to a friend but having used an old spare kit bag over the summer months I finally had to admit I missed my old Vaude so I went to my local Campcraft in Bolton to purchase another one. " Yeah !" The only fault I ever found with the Triset was that the side pockets could be a little hard to access - this is still the same with the new bag. I have to say the older bag is still being used by my friend and is a veteran of hundreds of outings being used on Hill Walks and Scrambles�in the UK and on much bigger days in the French Alps.

Ray Pugh, Bolton

• I've been using a Triset25+4 for a few months now mainly on challenge walks where additional food and drink can be picked up at checkpoints. I have found it really comfortable, light and robust. I particularly like the rain cover being in the base so you have access to the top without taking the whole thing off. I use the two bellows pockets for water bottles or easy access items such as camera, gloves etc. My only niggle is that once you fill the bellows pockets the outer mesh pockets become almost useless. I can jus about get a compass or small tube of sweets in. They need to be wider and deeper to remain useful when the inside of the bag is full. Compared to the other bags of this size I think that this is the bench mark and will soon buy another for my daughter.

Willvend, Shrewsbury