Review: Sierra Designs Flex Compactor 40-60
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 12:17 pm
I am returning this pack that I bought at REI. I wanted the pack to work because it has a really nice plush lumbar pad and was very comfortable and the bear can fits horizontally very nicely. It seems well made. Evidently Andrew Skurka had a hand in the design. Sierra Designs is known for taking risks on innovative designs. It weighs 2 lb, 9oz. The pack got a lot of good reviews from lightweight backpacker forums. The suspension system is supposed to work for up to 50 lbs- but that probably means 35-40, but that is all I need. However it was on deep discount in the REI winter sale, so reviews are suspect. Really great packs do not go on sale like that.
Deal breakers included;
1) did not fit well because it is only offered in unisex, 2 sizes. Ok for more average sized people.
2) Too much of the volume is in small somewhat useless pockets. The realistic capacity is more like 50 L.
3) Lid is useless. When fully packed the lid squishes so that you really cannot use it. Lid is not removable.
4) Compression straps are too short for tying stuff to the outside; their main function is to make the pack smaller when you have smaller loads. If I tied the tent to one side, there was not strap length to tie on Crocks and fishing pole on the other with my sit-pad tied to the back. Also way too many so it is very fussy to use. In addition compression straps do not work well for tie-on straps- separate straps for tie-on would work better.
5) main bag zipper closure - sticks and is fussy. Interesting concept if the flaps did not always get in the way of the zipper.
6) The final deal breaker was, at least on me, very poor weight distribution. Even when only loaded with gear but no food, it felt top-heavy. This may be due to the fact that it did not fit me well.
Perhaps with time Sierra Designs will fix some of the flaws. An actual usable, removable lid with more volume and separating the compression straps from tie-on straps would be big improvements. I packed it with what I use for a 10-day trip; it may work for shorter trips. UL hikers with more compact gear may find it adequate.
For comparison, my current packs are a Bergans of Norway 55 L (comfortable but worn out, held together by many repair jobs), and a Granite Gear Crown Victoria 60 (good pack except that the back is hard-as-a rock, and I have to put a foam sit pad between the pack and my back or I am rubbed raw). Both of these packs are women-specific. I do think that as a small woman, I need that. Unisex just does not work.
Deal breakers included;
1) did not fit well because it is only offered in unisex, 2 sizes. Ok for more average sized people.
2) Too much of the volume is in small somewhat useless pockets. The realistic capacity is more like 50 L.
3) Lid is useless. When fully packed the lid squishes so that you really cannot use it. Lid is not removable.
4) Compression straps are too short for tying stuff to the outside; their main function is to make the pack smaller when you have smaller loads. If I tied the tent to one side, there was not strap length to tie on Crocks and fishing pole on the other with my sit-pad tied to the back. Also way too many so it is very fussy to use. In addition compression straps do not work well for tie-on straps- separate straps for tie-on would work better.
5) main bag zipper closure - sticks and is fussy. Interesting concept if the flaps did not always get in the way of the zipper.
6) The final deal breaker was, at least on me, very poor weight distribution. Even when only loaded with gear but no food, it felt top-heavy. This may be due to the fact that it did not fit me well.
Perhaps with time Sierra Designs will fix some of the flaws. An actual usable, removable lid with more volume and separating the compression straps from tie-on straps would be big improvements. I packed it with what I use for a 10-day trip; it may work for shorter trips. UL hikers with more compact gear may find it adequate.
For comparison, my current packs are a Bergans of Norway 55 L (comfortable but worn out, held together by many repair jobs), and a Granite Gear Crown Victoria 60 (good pack except that the back is hard-as-a rock, and I have to put a foam sit pad between the pack and my back or I am rubbed raw). Both of these packs are women-specific. I do think that as a small woman, I need that. Unisex just does not work.