1

Have you read any threads on what pack to buy and what to pack in it ksagnew? A 70L pack is big, very big and this one is a 70 +20 = 90L!!! What makes you think you need one that size?

As for is this specific pack durable, read here for a start.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2297311

Asolo is a well known company albeit primarily for footwear. There is no reason to think it would not be as durable as any other reputable brand.

I suggest you start at the beginning unless you have some real good reasons for looking at a 90L pack. Scroll down this branch and read some of the threads.

2

I'm carrying for two. I normally travel with a 55L. This trip is for 12 months, includes the tropics in the Amazon and Africa and also the frigid cold in Russia and northern China and will be with my daughter. She will be hauling the daypack, I''ll have the 70L.

3

Also, from what I can tell, the pack is actually 50 L.

The 70L classification comes from a combination of the main pack PLUS the 20L daypack if I'm correct.

4

Umm, well carrying for two does change the picture.

This site refers to it as a 70 + 20. http://www.wildernesssupply.ca/travel-packs/asolo/navigator-70-elle

I checked several other sites and none were specific. That is none said, 70L including the 20L daypack. So it isn't clear to me at all. It LOOKS like it could be 70 +20 in pictures. Some manufacturers make it clear in the name and some do not. For example, Deuter has a 70 +10 model and call it that. http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/TravelPacks/PRD~5015-396/deuter-traveller-7010-backpack.jsp

The problem is there is no consistency across the board. So the only real way to know is to measure the pack without the day pack and figure out the cubic capacity from that. Then add the day pack.

The toilet bag/bum bag is a gimmick as far as I am concerned. All it does is add weight to your back. This Asolo pack is shown as weighing 7 lbs. That's heavy. Here is a 65L for example that weighs 5 lbs. and it is not a particularly light pack. http://www.rei.com/product/848326/deuter-transit-65-travel-backpack

If you are carrying for two, then every pound counts twice as much so to speak.

The problem of having to carry both warm and cold weather gear on a trip has no good answer. It is not likely you are going to be switching from one to the other every second month or anything. You are likely to be doing your cold weather travel all in one go right? If so, my advice would be to go without cold weather clothing and buy it just before heading into the cold weather. Charity shops are a good source of cheap cold weather clothing that you can then donate back after use. Carrying 10lb.s of winter gear around for 9 months to then use for 3 months makes no sense to me at all. Really, a trip should never be planned that includes both warm and cold weather. So at least just think of it as 2 trips and changing what you carry in between the 'two' trips.

If you don't want to risk finding andn buying cold weather gear when you need it, buy it at home, box it up and arrange for someone to ship it to you at the appropriate time to the appropriate place for pick up. Then throw it away when you're done with it.

5

Forgot to ask. Have you even tried this pack on yet to see if it fits? This is all a waste of time if it doesn't.

6

Yes pack fits well. And from looking at it, it appears the main pack holds about as much as my 55L pack so I think its a 50+20 pack.

I agree about the toiletry bag being a gimmick.

So, main question still remains... has anyone got any real world experience using this pack?

7

Well no one else is responding ksagnew so that should tell you something. It is not one of the better known brands really so I doubt they sell that many. I also note on several of the sites where I tried to determine size, that it has been discontinued. ie. REI no longer carry for example. So there might not be many out there.

That means nothing as regards its quality etc., just its popularity. If you like it, go ahead and buy it. They are a reputable company and I don't see any reason to worry about it.

8

Uh... no. Not even close. That pack is for playing Airsoft (think paintball but with smaller, solid projectiles).

There is no way it would work for a round the world trip.

9

Ksagnew, that comment is spam. I've reported it.

10

I have been using this pack for about 8-9 years and I absolutely love it. I travelled with it for a year around Australia and New Zealand, and I've used it for quite a few shorter trips around Europe, Asia, South America and several Canadian ski trips. I've dragged it around in all kinds of weather and temperatures and countless airports. I'm generally quite good at trashing my packs, ripping zippers, etc but this one has truly stood the test of time for me. The zips are strong although I somehow snapped the thing you pull the zipper with. I just put my lock on it and it works fine though. Overall it's in great condition still, although the webbing and some of the edges of the frame are starting to wear a bit.

I've also seen this pack being used by other backpackers (mostly Canadians for some reason) abroad who all seem to love the pack as well.

I wouldn't recommend zipping the toiletry bag to the outside though. It's so flimsy that I didn't trust it to not get ripped off by accident, or stolen, especially when it was full. It was a handy pack to keep all my stuff stored within the pack though, and made for a good shoulder sling/purse/bum bag.

Anyways, hope that helps and have a great trip!

11

Very helpful review. Thank you lilmizchris.