User Review: Macpac Cascade

Reviewed March 14, 2000 by Don Roberts

Rating:
Design: Internal
Size: 80 litres +
Number of Pockets: 3
Max. Load Carried: 35 KG approx
Height of Owner: 5' 10"
Price Paid: $530 (NZ)

Even though part of the harness disintegrated on me during a recent Tasmanian trip, I must say that this pack is one tremendous product. My mentioning of this failure is more as a surprise than as a negative comment (although I didn't see it at the time with two days of walking yet to come). Six years of hard use, canyoning, rock climbing, bushwalking, etc caused this unexpected collapse. Thankfully, this damage was replaced under warranty speedily by my local Macpac distributor.

Except for this problem, my pack has been problem free since its receipt. The base has been chewed up a little by dragging, but that is explicable, and the damage has been no more than a minor problem. The outer fabric is a canvas variant, so it's more waterproof uncovered than any nylon, cordura, or polyester rival. After using a canvas pack, and the Macpac is distinctive type of coated canvas, you will never revert to a "plastic fantastic" again. Besides waterproofness, the "Cascade" has a generous interior divided into two compartments (one for your tent and sleeping bag). The pocket space is large and flexible, a pair of 1.5 litre Sigg bottles can be stored in the external main pocket, whilst a convenient map pocket is in the upper lid. All pockets are compactable and water tight (as far as any pack's can be). The zippers are rugged. The harness is somewhat spartan around the hips, but load carrying is fine (I routinely carry up to 50% of my body weight in the Macpac).

All in all a top pack, heartily recommended.

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