Gear Review
Mountain Hardwear Koa 35 Backpack - 2000-2450cu in
koa35 + bike = urban sport utility vehicle.
By Sam Reese
Ranked #54 - Overnight Backpacks (2000 - 2999 cu in)
March 23, 2009
I've had this for about 3 months now, and have started using it on a daily basis for bicycle commuting. The pack is surprisingly waterproof, and I trust it to carry my computer when I bicycle in California rain"storms" (read: showers). I've packed it up for an overnighter backpacking trip (that got aborted, ARRG!), and it sits extremely well with up to 25 lbs, about the limit of what you can fit into it without having gold bars. It's basically the best things of the Gregory Z30 RT and the Z55 put together, and surprisingly capacious for a 35 liter. Again, though, it is an exceptionally good pack for medium-to-large day trips on a bicycle. Trad rack+rope, swallowed, shoes on the outside. Computer, books, raingear, change of clothes for work? Perfect fit.
Six month update: Zippers in straight lines (like this bag and my BD bags) WORK every time. Zippers in curves and arcs (Gregory, Osprey, I'm looking at you) Do not zip well when stuffed! Thank you MHW for being sensible.
View Details: Mountain Hardwear Koa 35 Backpack - 2000-2450cu in
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- 210D Ripstop nylon, 420D HT nylon
- Volume:
- [S] 2000cu in (33L); [M] 2150cu in (35L); [L] 2450cu in (40L)
- Suspension:
- Alloy shaping rod, HDPE frame sheet
- Waist-belt:
- Yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- Yes
- Rain Cover:
- No
- Access Types:
- Roll-top, side
- Pockets:
- [External] 2 side, 2 hip belt, 1 side, 1 front; [Internal] 1 hydration
- Snowboard Carry:
- No
- Ski Carry:
- No
- Gear Loops:
- None
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 1
- Shovel Pocket:
- No
- Weight:
- [S] 2lb 15oz (1.3kg); [M] 3lb 2oz (1.4kg); [L] 3lb 5oz (1.5kg)
- Recommended Use:
- Hiking, backpacking, climbing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
Change me.