User Review: REI Lookout Pack

REI Lookout Pack
Above: The current Lookout Pack, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 18, 2008 by paoconnell

Rating:
Design: Rucksack
Size: 42 liters
Number of Pockets: 8
Max. Load Carried: 15 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'9"
Price Paid: $80 list - 20%

I just bought this pack 3 weeks ago (early May 2008) and have taken it day hiking twice. This pack is different from the 2006 model in several ways.

This model has a horseshoe zippered flap to let you into the pack, instead of a strap down flap with carabiner loops (from looking at the pictures of the old model). It's easier to get into as a result. That flap also has another horseshoe pocket with loops to let you tie stuff on the outside of the pack, and three mesh pockets on the inside.

The main pack has a pocket for a hydration bag, with rubber flaps on either side to let the tube through the bag (not tested). There are water bottle pouches on either side of the pack, suited for liter water bottles.

The top pocket is still best suited for small objects like a tube of sunscreen or bug repellent. The zippered side pockets behind the water bottle pockets are suitable for snacks or other fairly small items. The zipper pouches on the pack belt will hold a small compass like the green Brunton or my folding Silva, but not a Garmin ETrex GPS (leave that on a neck strap). There are loops on the bottom of the pack suited for a foam pad or a jacket.

So far I like the back stiffener on the pack, which is light and so far isn't annoying. Might not be all that comfortable in hot weather, but my Lowe Vision 40 has a real frame which is better (but heavier) for that kind of weather.