Camping tips and tricks

Oftentimes when shopping we are so focused on certain name brands that we overlook the offerings of other companies. By happy accident I stumbled upon one of REI’s excellent backpacks: The Lookout. Extremely well-designed and low-profile, the Lookout fits most of my criteria for the perfect carry-on travel backpack; all for a great price as well. In this two-part series I discuss some of the features of this model (and the current model) of the Lookout with some comparisons to other packs I have reviewed.

My review model of the Lookout features:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) framesheet and a single aluminum stay (current model is also padded with mesh covered foam padding for softer/grippier support)
- Panel-Loading design
- Main compartment capacity of 40 liters (2,441 cubic inches) in the Medium Size Pack (shown in review), 42 liters (2,562 cubic inches) in the Large Size Pack
- Front pocket with zippered compartment on inner flap
- Soft cloth lined top stash pocket for fragile items like sunglasses (current model has larger pocket with bigger opening)
- 2 side stretch-cloth/mesh pockets (current model uses regular mesh pockets)
- 2 low-profile, expandable side pockets
- 2 valuables pockets on the waistbelt (current model has a single, larger, zippered mesh pocket on right side of waist belt)
- 2 ports for either right or left-handed hydration pouch use
- Bottom compression straps can be used to also strap on gear such as sleeping bag/bedroll/etc.
- Low-profile attachment points on back of pack and Ice Axe Loop that can be stuck into hidden sleeve
- NOTE: current model also features a built-in rain cover
- Materials: Constructed of 630-denier nylon oxford (current model uses thicker, heavier cordura-type material)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 11 oz. (1.22 kg.)
- Fits Torso Lengths: Medium (17-19 inches/43.2-48.3 cm), Large (18-20 inches/45.7-50.8 cm)
- Retails at REI for $60 (current model $90)

Things I would change:
- Wish the top stash pocket had larger opening
- Would like to have an integrated rain-cover
- Wish there were compression straps over the mesh pockets
The current model fixes these things but at the cost of several features I liked in this version.
Too bad you can’t mix and match:(

All in all, a great pack at an incredible bargain.

For more information read the other online reviews on REI’s website, or better yet, visit your local REI and see for yourself.

Duration : 0:9:55

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