A BOMBER BRITISH BACKPACK
SUPER-TOUGH AND MADE IN CUMBRIA – IS THIS THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN-READY WINTER PACK?
After visiting a factory in China where packs were being sewn by 13-year-old children, Summiteer’s founder Ethan Thomas decided he was going to do things slightly differently. As a result, Summiteer sews its packs in a small workshop in Kendal on the edge of the Lake District National Park, where it retains strong environmental and ethical policies. But as admirable as all this is (and we genuinely do admire it), some of the shine would be taken off if the products being produced failed to perform. After all, the backpack market is a crowded one, and sub-standard packs are easily ignored and forgotten.
This, however, does not appear to be something Summiteer should worry about. The quality construction of the Togo is immediately obvious; it has clearly been built to shrug off the harshest environments. The main buckle is metal, rather than plastic, and the drawcord around the pack’s main compartment is made of thick 5mm DMM Accessory Cord, which can be removed for use as a prusik or abseil anchor in an emergency. Even if such uses are unlikely to be in your plans, these, along the other features described below, show that the Togo has been designed with attention to detail. And while we’re not about to start waving the Union Jack, the fact that it’s made in England does make us just a little bit proud.
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Super-tough build guaranteed
The Togo is mostly constructed from 1000 denier Cordura nylon, an incredibly robust fabric that’s also used in motorcycle clothing and military equipment. Summiteer’s confidence in the pack is so high that it offers a lifetime warranty; if a fault due to a manufacturing error occurs, it will replace or repair the pack. Not only that, but if it needs repairing at all within its first two years – even if it was damaged through the user’s own doing – Summiteer will do so free of charge.
Strippable options
A removable frame sheet supports the back and can be adjusted to fit the user. It can also be removed altogether to reduce weight if it’s not needed, as can the waistbelt (for use with a climbing harness) and the floating lid.
Comfortable padding
Unlike many climbing-focused packs, the Togo is comfortable to carry even when fully loaded, thanks to the dual density shoulder straps and padded hipbelt which use a nitrogen expanded closed cell foam for exceptional durability and comfort.
Good gear stowage
With dedicated ice axe sleeves and retaining straps on the rear, an extendable floating lid with rope loop, elasticated side pockets, and both internal and external lid pockets, there are plenty of storage options for your kit.
Burly buckles
The central buckle is a sturdy metal hook design, and the drawcord for the main compartment is similarly robust. In addition to adding toughness to the pack, these are convenient to use with thick winter gloves. Even the smaller compression strap buckles are reassuringly chunky.
TRAIL VERDICT
The Togo has been built to take a hammering in the toughest conditions. But unlike some packs of this type, it doesn’t sacrifice too much comfort in the process. If you want an indestructible gear carrier for winter, this could be the pack ‘togo’ for.
Serious stuff:
Price £160
Capacity 40 litres
Weight 1550g (920g stripped)
Fabric 1000d Cordura with DWR coating
Back lengths Regular (47cm), Long (52cm)