Our Kathmandu 28L Backpack Review researched the mid-sized packaging of this long-established New Zealand company. We really hope you find it useful.
introduce
A few years ago, on a trip to New Zealand, we met a shop in Kathmandu. This seems like an interesting name for a kiwi-based company. We browsed the store and were impressed by their products. We also found that the company’s name was loved by the owners of the Himalayas by chatting with the store staff. When setting up the company, Kathmandu’s name represents a mysterious and exotic place. It may have become a more mainstream visitor destination, but I would say that these descriptors are still with the capital of Nepal.
During that New Zealand trip we met many local walkers and climbers who used their products. There is a lot of good feedback. Kathmandu is not a widely used brand in the UK, but things are changing. As the UK network grows, you will surely see more and more products. I’ve used several clothes since my time in New Zealand. However, this is the first time I have been offered the opportunity to test one of their packaging. I seized the opportunity. So check out my Kathmandu 28L backpack review for more information.
feature
The courage is designed for top loading bags for hillsides. I tested the 28 liter version, but this is just one of the ranges. Packaging ranges from compact 20 liters to larger 58 liter models. There are male and female choices.
The main wrap plate is made of recycled torn nylon with insect repellent. The polyester mesh is then used for the cross-flow air XF wire harness. The seat belt is designed to effectively combine comfortable load-bearing and breathability. The ventilated shoulder strap combines the sternum strap and is combined with the mesh rear panel and an ergonomic hip strap. The belt utilizes the crossover egg yolk filling described by Kathmandu. This is designed to provide comfortable carrying when cup hips.
You open the 28 liters of courage with a thick 2 YKK lake clip zipper. Then, inside the main compartment there is a hydrated bladder sleeve and zippered with a key clip under the lid storage bag. There are compression straps on the sides to adjust the volume and allow for external accessories. These are combined with stretched mesh side pockets and mesh shoulder strap pockets.
The tested packaging is red, called the Red Earth. There is also a blue (steel blue) and a yellow (bell-shaped). It has a size and the weight is 1.03kg. The retail price in the UK is £125.
In use
I’m a big fan of top loading packs. I love the simplicity and ease of access they provide. No separate lids also tend to make them more streamlined and tidy. This is definitely the case with the brave 28 liters. It’s a comfortable back hug shape – I’d better describe this shape as gentle tears.
The highest opening
Unpacking a package is an easy task, and having 2 zippers makes it easier. A high-quality YKK zipper should ensure life. Once opened, the lid pocket flips over to easily access the main compartment contents and convenient zippered mesh lid pocket. There is also a hydrated bladder sleeve inside the main compartment which feeds through the outlet slot and is clipped to the shoulder strap. Storage options are simple and efficient.
The downside of this single top opening may be that you have to be quite organized through the packaging. You don’t want an item to be at the bottom for a short time. But, although I think it’s worth mentioning, it’s a consideration you need to consider anyway.
Carry a seat belt
Carrying a seat belt is key to the effectiveness of any packaging. With courage there are many positive factors. The engraved and padded shoulder straps are very comfortable. The mesh structure can also help with this comfort, making it very effective in avoiding heat and moisture. I’ve used some mesh panel packs that can be kept away from the back. This may affect stability. The courage is well balanced and feels stable and tightly installed in use.
The belt is fun. It takes advantage of what Kathmandu calls a crossover egg yolk filler. This refers to the Y-shaped part of the cup around the hips. I’ve never encountered a design like this before, it’s comfortable and supportive. Kathmandu also added belt filling, but not too much. This is a good call because a pack of belts really doesn’t require much filling. Overall, the belt design is a attractions.
Other features
There are other carry options on the outside of the package. The stretch mesh side sleeves can be used to carry everything from spare clothing to snacks or beverage bottles. When not in use, they rinse to the side of the backpack. There are also compression tapes. These jobs are usually jobs that reduce packaging volume if needed. They also allow additional items.
Durability
Although this is not a long-term comment, the brave 28 is effortlessly standing on all the adventures I have used so far. This includes general hillside walking and some competition. Also, to spend some time on weight, I have used some climbing days. I wouldn’t say this is the best choice for climbing, it’s not its intended use. However, it performs well when weighted with shelves and climbing ropes. Its weatherproof also left a deep impression on me. Although not intended to be a waterproof bag, I recently used it for navigation courses and even waterproof bags would have challenges! It retains a lot of weather.
The 28 liters of Courage are only one size and one long after. Therefore, it is important to make sure it fits your body shape and back length. I found it to be on my 5’8 inches tall. Its function is also impressive due to its functionality and the durability of the fabric, it is only over a kilogram.
Sustainability
Kathmandu takes sustainability seriously. They are B Corp Certified companies (if this doesn’t make any sense to you, check out what B Corp Certified means here). They also aim to use as much regenerated content as possible in their products. For example, in the fiscal year 2023, fiber usage within the Kathmandu range exceeded 35%. There is a lot of information on their website about their sustainability certificates and future aspirations here.
Summary
As this Kathmandu Brave 28L Backpack Review shows, this is a great mid-size bag. It is suitable for both the General’s mountain walk and other adventures. It is stylish, durable, very practical and offers a comprehensive set of features.
Courage also keeps sustainability in mind. It is actually the core of a company with responsible and sustainable manufacturing. Details about the 28-liter packaging can be found here. To learn more about Kathmandu’s wide product range, visit their website here.
I hope you find this Kathmandu 28L backpack review useful. We have a long history of reviewing technology mountain products and you can find our reviews here. Our regularly updated blog also contains many other suggestions and inspirational posts.. yYou can find them here. We hope they are useful.
