Asolo Navigator 80l

[mads]

Hi i'm looking at backpacks right now and went shopping with my friend. we scouted out MEC and Europebound in Toronto.

first of all i'm tall at 6'5" so a lot of packs didn't fit well even witht he adjustments. I foudn the Asolo Navigator in which the sales rep raved about as the pack designed to go through europe with.

I have heard some good things about Asolo as a maker but as far as i can see on the boars here everyone enjoys the eagle creek backpacks.. anyone have any opinons on this one or why the eagle creek ones are so good?

[Eagle]

mads, I'm not that familiar with the Asolo line of Backpacks, so can't comment too specifically on these. I did a brief search of the net and found lots of Asolo footwear, but few Backpacks; consequently I wasn't able to look at the features of the Navigator.

Normally the design of those types of Packs is configured more for "trekking" rather than "travel", so I'm not sure if the sales rep. was entirely correct in saying that the Navigator was "designed to go through Europe with"? Usually the "trekking" packs are a top-loading design and while some travellers like these, many others prefer the panel-loading design such as used in the Eagle Creek designs. The panel load models use zippers which are easier to secure, and in some ways easier to access, as you don't have to dig through the whole pack to get something on the bottom. Many top loaders are starting to include bottom access panels, which alleviates this problem somewhat, but also means one more point to secure.

You'll have to decide whether you prefer a panel-loading design or top-loading; whether you want a detachable Daypack or not; whether having a "stowable harness" system is important (to keep the straps from being torn off by airport conveyor systems (many EC Packs have this feature - if you have an "open harness", you will likely have to "Saran Wrap" the pack each time you travel by air) and finally what size Pack you want (most travellers seem to function well with a 55-65 L. Pack, but that's your choice).

Your height is certainly a factor in choosing a Pack, but your torso range is a far more important concern (my Son is also 6' 5" so I know what the difficulties can be). In addition to Asolo, you might also have a look at Eagle Creek (the larger Packs with adjustable harness systems - they now include the torso ranges of packs on their website), Gregory Packs and Osprey Packs (check the websites for Gregory and Osprey for local dealers in your area - MEC carries some Gregory models). IMHO, I suspect one of these will be a better "fit" for you than the Asolo. Whichever Pack you choose, make sure you are properly fitted for your torso size, and if possible try it out while loaded up for an hour or two to make sure it works for you.

Hope this has been some help? Good luck and let us know which Pack you select.

[mads]

Thanks for the tips.

The asolo one i was looking at is a travel pack. The navigator has a detachable daypack (and a toiletry bag for some weird reason) the backpack is not top loading but rather side loading with zippers and compression straps and has a hideaway for the shoulder straps. It even has a raincover built in. I must admit i want to try the backpacks before i buy. I have had limited success finding eagle creek travel backpacks in the larger sizes even though the eagle creek website shows stores that carry their products near me they dont have the bigger ones.

i am trying another store this weekend so i will see what i can find.

[dougj]

Myself and my wife both have asolo packs that we really love. side zippers, hers has a detachable daypack, great fit, we use them for everything from hiking, camping and we took them to europe. they're quality packs.

[diana]

My bf actually brought the exact same backpack and he likes it a lot.