Pack to the Future: Rab Provides Comfort That Yacuri Can Count On

Ever since I was old enough to tie my shoes and carry my own sleeping bag I have joined in my family’s annual backpacking trip. In the early years, my brother’s and I would shove as many warm clothes, fruit snacks, bulky sleeping pad, and random accessories into what felt like a canvas bag strapped to an aluminum ladder.

I am skinny (aka boney) so it was never very far beyond the trailhead that my neck and back would experience lightning strike pains. It didn’t slow me down or stop me from being the first to whatever summit, high altitude lake or PNW wonderland we were exploring, in fact it felt like a rite of passage.

As the years ticked on, however, I realized that backpacking didn’t have to be book ended by so much suffering! Why didn’t someone tell me sooner?! For the better part of a decade I’ve tried a few packs with varying success so I know what I do and don’t like. They get piled on, stowed in overhead bins, shoved into tight spaces, overstuffed, used by friends, and most of all they get enjoyed.

Looks:

When I got the Lowe Alpine Yacuri 55L Trekking Pack my first impression was that Lowe Alpine nailed the aesthetics. The pattern and prints on the tempest blue edition are subtle and appealing. The red accents pop, and the gray straps contrast the blue really nicely.

Function:

Unloaded, the pack stores away easily, and is actually quite unassuming. There is a lower chamber for a sleeping bag, a main chamber for the bulk of stored items, and a lid for a map, lights, and other gadgetry which can be extended upward for those times when I need to squeeze in a fluffy jacket and warm sweats. This pack comes loaded with hooks, pockets, and tie down points.

It’s actually kind of impressive how many pockets they managed to layer and squeeze onto this. It makes quick access to a water bottle, granola bar, or birding book a breeze. And bonus, it comes with the rain cover which tucks away neatly at the bottom (in a hidden pocket!).

Overall:

Okay, so it looks great and has a place for every critical item for a long adventure, but does it pass the skinny guy comfort test? Emphatically, yes. This is my new go-to hike and travel bag. There are many ways to customize the fit, the back and hip padding is firm, and it contacts my full back without dreaded pressure points.

Because of the numerous adjustment straps the load can be pulled fore or aft, and positioned so that I don’t feel hunched over or like I could fall over from the smack of a swift wind.

Lowe Alpine crushed it with the Yacuri 55L. It looks great, packs well for a multiday trip, and feels good day after day. It’s the kind of bag that when I see it hanging in the closet, it sparks daydreams of future outings and memories of adventures past. I can’t wait to wear this one out, it’ll have some stories to tell when it’s done.