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 long-term report phase of this test, the Ridgeline has seen
use exclusively in Michigan under the following conditions:
- Low 60s F (16 C), sunny
- High 30s F (3 C), drizzly
- Low teens F (-11 C), clear
- Low 20s F (-6 C), snowy
FIELD ACTIVITIES
During the long-term report phase of this test, the Ridgeline has seen
use in a variety of activities, including:
- Walking commutes from work to home (approximately 6 miles [10 km)
carrying a variety of work-related necessities (files, workout gear,
wallet, phone, etc.)
- Hikes along the North Country Trail, ranging from 6 miles (10 km)
to 32 miles (52 km)
- Hikes in my local Audubon preserve, approximately 5 miles (8 km)
- Snowshoeing through unbroken trail in the same Audubon preserve
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FINAL IMPRESSIONS
In my field report, I suggested that the following issues still needed
to be explored:
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?
Throughout the many miles of tough use this pack has seen, it has truly
proven to be bombproof. Stitching remains tight and even. No worn areas
are apparent on the pack. I did, however, tug on the sternum strap and
it came off of its track. It did not tear or break in any way that I
can see and it looks like it should easily snap back onto its track.
However, I have not been able to get it back on the track.
Are the zippers affected by the cold?
Do they continue to move
smoothly along their tracks?
The zippers are not affected by the cold. They continued to move
smoothly along their tracks, even on the coldest days.
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.
Thus far, the heaviest load I have carried in the
Ridgeline
to approximately 22 lbs (10 kg) weight. The suspension system was more
than adequate to bear this load. The Ridgeline rode comfortably on my
hips and did not put undue stress on my shoulders.
Does the chafing issue repeat itself?
In my field report, I mentioned that I had issues with chafing on my
upper arms when I used the pack in hot weather with a sleeveless shirt.
The chafing issue has never once reoccurred. It must have been a
one-time fluke.
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.)
I tried and I tried and I tried. I just cannot get this ice axe loop to
retract into the bag. I've pushed it up and it still shows at the
bottom (unlike other testers who said only the pull tab showed when the
loop was retracted). I think maybe I just got a defective ice axe loop.
If we get snow during the rest of the
testing period, is this
pack comfortable enough to use while snowshoeing?
I was able to use the Ridgeline while snowshoeing at a local
nature preserve in December. In the pack, I carried my hydration
bladder, extra layers to put on when I stopped and snacks. The pack
performed well for this activity.
Update on previous comments
BOTTLE POCKETS: The strongest objection I have to the Ridgeline
is actually quite minor. As mentioned in an earlier report,
the
way the water bottle pockets are constructed creates a sort of "false"
pocket behind the true pocket. If one tries to put a water bottle into
the pocket and accidentally slips behind the pocket instead, the bottle
will fall right through. This isn't really an issue once one
realizes the pocket is constructed this way, but it does require one to
be more careful when attempting to store a bottle while on the move.
SHOVE-IT FLAP: The shove-it flap expands greatly yet when tightened
down holds items securely.
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SUMMARY
The Eastern Mountain Sports Ridgeline is a well-made, heavy-duty
daypack, appropriate and comfortable for a wide variety of activities.
Its suspension system allowed it to withstand loads of up to 22 lbs (10
kg) without discomfort. The claimed torso range may be pushing
it, however. I am at the top end of the range given by Eastern Mountain
Sports (17 in [43 cm]) and the sternum strap rides much too high up on
my neck for comfortable useage.
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
- The shove-it flap tightens well and keeps gear securely in place
THIS COULD BE IMPROVED
- The sternum strap came off of the track and I was unable to clip
it back on
- The "false" bottle pockets behind the true pockets make it
difficult to keep moving and quickly slip a water bottle into the water
bottle pockets
Thank
you to Eastern Mountain Sports and BackpackGearTest.org for the
opportunity to test this
pack.
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