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Eastern Mountain Sports
Ridgeline Daypack
Field report by Lynne Durham
October 23, 2005
NAVIGATE
THIS REPORT
PRODUCT
INFORMATION
| Item
name |
Ridgeline Daypack |
| Manufacturer |
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) |
| Manufacturer's
Web site |
http://www.ems.com/ |
| Year of
manufacture |
2005 |
| MSRP |
USD89.00 |
| Color |
Tuxedo Blue |
| Manufactured |
Made in Vietnam |
| Made
of |
330-denier double-ripstop nylon with hypalon accents and a
1000-denier
Kodra nylon bottom, 3/4 in (2 cm) nylon webbing straps |
| Care
instructions |
Hand wash, cold water, mild powdered detergent, rinse
thoroughly,
line dry, do not iron, do not dry clean, do not use bleach |
| Claimed
and actual weight |
3 lb 3 oz (1.45 kg) |
| Claimed capacity |
1,900 ci (31.4 L) |
| Fits
torsos |
15-17 in (38-43 cm) |
| Manufacturers
suggested uses |
Hiking, skiing, climbing |
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FIELD
CONDITIONS
During the field testing phase
of this test, this pack has been used in a wide variety of conditions:
- Hot (80+ F [27+ C]), humid conditions in Michigan
and Kentucky, with and without rain
- Hot (80+ F [27+ C]), dry
conditions in the Grand Canyon and Nevada
- Very cool, windy conditions on the North Rim of
the Grand Canyon
- Cooler (65-75 F [18-24 C]), pleasant conditions in
Michigan, Utah, and Arizona
FIELD ACTIVITIES
Overall, during the field
testing phase, I have already exceeded the mileage I estimated this
pack would see over the entire testing period. It has seen at least 235
miles (378 km) of use across a wide variety of activities:
- Day hiking, the main use the manufacturer
intended for this pack. The pack has seen the most extensive use
during this activity, accumulating approximately 100 miles (161 km) of
day hiking during the field-testing phase
- Trail running, as a water bladder holder and to
carry clothing layers, food, and emergency supplies
- Bicycling, both on trail and on road, as a water
bladder holder and to carry clothing layers, food, emergency supplies
and bicycle repair items
- Walking commutes through small city streets as I
lug myself -- and my stuff -- to and from work
- Kayaking down a slower, easy river
Pack loads ranged from very light (extra light clothing layers and a
single, 20 oz [591 ml] bottle of water) to somewhat heavy for a
daypack (just about 17 lbs [nearly 8 kg]). Distances that the pack was
carried at one time ranged from 3 miles [5 km] to 30 miles [48 km]).
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IMPRESSIONS
Overall, I have found the Ridgeline very comfortable and capable for
carrying a wide range of pack loads and weights. I have encountered two
small issues that are probably related to my size. However, one
suggests that this pack may be pushing the limit by claiming to fit a
17-inch torso.
I had a number of questions that I wanted to answer during the field
testing period. I've addressed many of them here.
Comfort
My initial review of the Ridgeline found me wondering whether the hip
belt would be sufficiently padded for my comfort. I have found the
hipbelt to be very comfortable, even under the heaviest loads I've
carried thus far. I have worn the Ridgeline during long-lasting,
intensive aerobic activities, interspersed with short bursts of
anaerobic
activities. The hipbelt wicks sweat relatively efficiently and does not
make me rashy or uncomfortable under these sometimes extreme
conditions. The compression straps allow me to tighten the pack down
around a loose, bulky load -- like carrying extra fleece -- very
effectively.
|
| This shot
shows the Ridgeline packed with the heaviest load of I've tested in it
to date -- approximately 17 lbs (8 kg), carried for more than 16 miles
on the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails in the Grand Canyon. The
pack carried more than 100 oz (3 l) of water, extra socks, rain gear,
food, camera gear, monocular, emergency and first-aid kits, etc. I
think this shot gives a good look at the waist belt resting comfortably
on my hips. During this day hike, the Ridgeline rode comfortably and
the load was very well supported by its suspension system. There was no
excessive movement or bounce and the Ridgeline remained comfortable
through short bursts of running. |
South Rim Grand Canyon,
October 2005
|
|
|
Function
During this testing period, I was able to explore extensively a number
of functional questions posed in my initial report:
- How big
a bladder can I fit in the hydration sleeve? Thus far, I have
carried full hydration bladders ranging from 70 oz (2 l) to 100 oz (3
l) in the Ridgeline's hydration sleeve. All bladders have fitted in the
pocket easily and have been comfortable to carry.
- Is the fit
appropriate for my size and shape? Will these curved straps be an issue
on my upper arms? EMS claims a fit range of up to 17 in (43 cm).
However, from what I've experienced, I really think this is pushing it.
Although the ride is comfortable a couple of issues have arisen and are
addressed later in this report.
- What types of things can I
fit under the shove-it flap? Is there really a need to allow it to
expand out so far? The shove-it flap is truly ingenious in my
opinion. At first, I worried about how well this hugely expandable
out-of-pack storage would hold on to things. However, I've tightened
this flap around a variety of items -- mostly clothing, some biking
gear (including a helmet) -- and once I tighten the flap's straps,
things stay put. Period. I have yet to have one item fall out from
behind the shove-it flap.
- Would this pack be of
sufficient size for an overnight or weekend backpack? For a
single-night fast pack, yes. Volume-wise, however, and for the way I
pack, no -- the Ridgeline would not
be of sufficient size for a weekend backpack. But weight-wise, I think
it would. I plan to really push the Ridgeline's weight limit's over the
long-term testing phase to explore this issue further.
- Is there sufficient air
flow along the back panel? Does the wicking air-mesh fabric on the
panel do its job or am I left sweaty and clammy? All packs
leave my back slightly sweaty, probably due in part to the intense
activities I pursue while wearing them. The Ridgeline air-mesh fabric
effectively wicked sweat quickly and I did not feel excessively damp
while wearing or after removing the pack.
- Is the waist belt foam
really ultra-breathable? The hipbelt is breathable and
effectively wicks sweat away from the body.
- How well do the
water-bottle pockets work? Are they too shallow to carry Nalgene
bottles without them easily falling out? How about differently sized
bottle? The pockets are well-sized. However, the false pockets
behind the pockets are annoying. I had to pay close attention to where
I was placing a bottle so that it didn't fall through.
- Is the pack stable
enough to use while running? The Ridgeline's suspension system
creates a remarkably stable ride. I have been able to run while wearing
the pack without excessive bounce.
|
|
Durability
My durability questions will be more effectively addressed over the
longer-term testing. However, to date this pack has proven to be rugged
and durable. I have used it off-trail several times. It's been dragged
along stony, rocky trails. It's been tossed from one ledge down to
another. In general, like most of my gear, it's been subjected to some
rough use. Thus far, it shows no outward signs of undue wear. There
are no snags or worn areas. The zippers, buckles and straps remain in
great shape.
|
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Issues
that I've encountered
|
|
Although this shot does not give
a good view of the Ridgeline, it does offer a good illustration of my
opinion that the sternum strap is
much too high for my needs. Note how high the unused sternum strap
buckle is on my left shoulder (your right in this photo) and look how
high the strap itself is on my right shoulder. (These are positioned as
low as their track will allow them to go.) If they were buckled, they'd
fit right across my neck.
Although I've experienced no discomfort or issues because of the high
sternum strap, I really think my 17-inch (48 cm) torso size is pushing
the range on this pack.
|
Manistee River Valley,
Michigan, September 2005
|
In my initial report, I
expressed concern that my big arms may be a problem with curved straps
of this pack. This fear did prove to be relevant, but only one time. I
wore the pack during a walking work commute (6 miles one direction) on
a relatively hot, humid day (80s F [high 20s/low 30s C]). I carried
approximately 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and wore a sleeveless shirt -- I'm sure
that's where my problem arose.
If you look just above the word "caused" in the text in the photo, you
can see a quarter-size area of rawness on the underside of my upper
arm. Each arm experienced the same chafe issue. I've never again
experienced this issue, even with heavier pack loads (for example, in
the Grand Canyon). |
Benton Harbor, Michigan,
August 2005
|
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FOR FURTHER TESTING
As this test enters the long-term phase, I'll keep my eyes open for the
following issues:
- How does the pack hold up over the long run? Does the stitching
stay clean and tight? Do I encounter any worn areas or snags?
- Are the zippers affected by the cold? Do they continue to move
smoothly along their tracks?
- What is the outside weight limit of comfort for me with this
pack? I'd like to push the weight to its highest limits and see how far
I can comfortably take it.
- Does the chafing issue repeat itself?
- Am I able to solve the mystery of the "retractable" ice axe loop?
(The hangtag that came with the pack said it was retractable; I have
been unable to determine how this works.)
- If we get snow during the rest of the testing period, is this
pack comfortable enough to use while snowshoeing?
THIS IS COOL
- The Ridgeline offers a stable, comfortable ride, even under
heavier loads
- There is plenty of room to carry the types of loads I like to
carry when day hiking, running, etc.
- The pockets make it easy to help organize gear
THIS COULD BE IMPROVED
- The way the side mesh pockets are attached to the pack -- which
creates a "false" pocket opening behind the pocket -- is annoying. One
must pay attention while returning a water bottle to the pocket while
moving, for example, because if one hits the "false" pocket behind the
real pocket, the bottle will fall right through
- The sternum strap fits much too high for my needs
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REVIEWER
BIO
| Name |
Lynne Durham |
| Gender |
Female |
| Height |
5' 10" (1.78 m) |
| Weight |
153 lb (69 kg) |
| Age |
43 |
| Torso |
17 in (43 cm) |
Shoulders,
measured across the back
|
approximately 20 in (51 cm)
|
Biceps
|
Extended: 13.5 in (34 cm) /
Contracted: 14.5 in (37 cm)
|
| Email |
lynnedurham AT yahoo DOT com |
| Location |
Benton Harbor, Michigan USA |
|
Backpacking and day hiking experience
I've hiked and car camped all my life, mostly in Michigan, but also in
South Dakota, New England, Kentucky,
Florida, Ohio,
Indiana, and more. I have been backpacking since 2002. I put in
extensive mileage day hiking and trail running with
a pack, as I train for ultramarathons and adventure racing events. I
have
competed in both sprint- and expedition-length adventure races and gone
as far
as the 50-mile distance in ultramarathoning. I have day hiked from rim
to rim in
the Grand Canyon.
Pack-use
experience
I
choose from a variety of packs depending on my mileage, weather,
available support
and more. The day hiking and backpacking packs I use regularly include
Camelbak
Isis, Salomon Raid Race 300, Outdoor Products lumbar hydration pack,
Mountainsmith Ghost, Osprey Aether 60, and a Coleman fanny pack.
Thank
you to Eastern Mountain Sports and BackpackGearTest.org for the
opportunity to test this
pack.
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