The Naja 70+10 is a pleasant surprise. Based on the information found on the website, I wasn’t expecting much. After researching the pack for information, I was left with the feeling that this was an example of a luggage maker trying to get into the backpack market. I wasn’t impressed with the website with respect to backpacking equipment and less impressed with the pack’s description. In fact, at the bottom of the list of features, the pack dimensions are given incorrectly!

To my surprise, when I reached in the box to pull out the pack, I was greeted with a well thought-out, quality constructed pack! At slightly less than six pounds (2.7 kg) I feel it’s a little on the heavy side, but much of that is due to the options this pack is loaded with!

Immediately beginning at the top, the pack is equipped with a non-removable top cover. On the top of the lid is an adjustable, neoprene sport flap measuring roughly 7 x 7 in (18 x 18 cm). It is secured at the four corners with adjustable nylon straps 3.5 in (8.9 cm) long. The documented function of the sport flap is for holding a helmet. I’ll have to see what other things this option is good for as well. Around to the backside of the lid, on the side facing the wearer’s back, is a little compartment with a 10 in (25 cm) zipper closure. This pocket is lined on one side with a soft, fleece-like material. I have not ascertained why yet. There is a strip of hook and loop closure (Velcro) along this backside as well. Its purpose is to take up the slack of the top lid "hinge" when the pack’s extension collar is not in use. Inside the top lid, looking in when the lid is removed from the pack, is another "secret" compartment complete with a 10 in (25 cm) zipper access. The compartment measures roughly 10 x 12 in (25 x 30 cm) and is lined on the inside with soft nylon backing. The side facing outward is made of mesh.

On the main pack body, there is an extension collar that increases the main body height by about 7 in (18 cm) if deployed. It contains a drawstring closure. Also securing the top of the pack is an adjustable nylon strap about 18 in (46 cm) long, complete with a quick release, duraflex-style one inch (2.5 cm) buckle. The strap is a nice, clean solution to allow the extension collar to act as a roll-top cover when not needed as a continuation of the pack body.

Opening the drawstring on the collar and looking in, we can see a nice, large, gear storage area. On the back wall of the pack - i.e. "frame side", is a hydration sleeve measuring 7.5 x 14 in (19 x 36 cm). The sleeve is capable of bellowing out approximately 3 in (8 cm), but held closed with an elastic top. There are openings on each side at the top of the pack to allow for a hydration hose. At the bottom of this main area is the zippered drop-bottom. The area below the drop-bottom can be accessed on the outside of the pack by a zipper extending to three sides of the pack, thus allowing storage and removal of a sleeping bag without emptying the whole pack. The drop-bottom can be opened up to create one, large, unimpeded storage area if that’s desired. Simply reach in and unzip from the inner wall of the bag.

Down the front of the pack are two vertical compression straps used to secure the top lid. They connect at each end with quick release duraflex-type buckles. Also running down the length of the front is an adjustable elastic shock cord, zigzagging over itself creating a nice place to store wet items or a shovel. The total run of the shock cord area is about 12 in (31 cm) down the front of the pack. Also on the front, near the bottom are two cable loops. They can work in conjunction with the adjustable lashing hardware located near the upper part of the front of the pack to secure an ice axe, hiking poles or even a fishing pole. The adjustable lashing hardware is an interesting combination of a heavy-duty plastic clip with an adjustable length shock cord. I’ve never had a pack with these locks or cable loops before and look forward to see how well they function. Two more compression straps continue around the bottom of the pack as well.

Each side of the pack contains two horizontal compression straps. Again, the straps are equipped with duraflex-type quick release clips. Each strap contains about 8 in (20 cm) of length for all sorts of lashing needs. There are mesh water bottle pockets on each side; big enough to hold a 1 liter (1.06 qt) Nalgene bottle, as well as a ski/ tent pole sleeve. The tunnel sleeve measures 4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm). On the outside of the sleeve is a small pocket with a 4.5 in (10 cm) zipper closure, and measures approximately 4 x 3 in (10 x 8 cm) that can hold small items. The pocket is gusseted, to allow for some over-stuffing.

Around back of the pack is the suspension system. The main parts of the ErgoFit adjustment system are two adjustable aluminum stays running the length of the pack. The ErgoFit system attaches to the stays by adjustable nylon straps, allowing the wearer to adjust the distance between the shoulder straps and the hip belt. The adjusters are easily located behind the padded back sheet. Below the padded back sheet is a large padded lumbar pad measuring 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm). Running through this pad is the padded hip belt. The hip belt is adjustable, with a two inch (5 cm) duraflex-type quick release buckle.

The well padded, ergonomically curved shoulder straps connect to the ErgoFit system at the top with connection points and load lifters. At the bottom, the load is dispersed via two contact points with the pack and frame, at hip belt level. The shoulder pads are equipped with d-rings, for adding additional gear or thumb loops (not included) and a piece of hook and loop closure for securing a hydration tube, among other things. There is a 14 in (36 cm) long adjustable sternum strap that can move vertically along the shoulder straps for 3 in (8 cm). The strap contains an elastic section, thus allowing the strap to expand and contract when necessary, allowing for easy breathing and improving comfort.

At the bottom of the back is a small compartment containing the stowable rain cover. The compartment has an 8 in (20 cm) zipper closure and measures approximately 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm). The cover is a rather unattractive yellow (in my opinion) with the High Sierra name silk-screened on in white along with a small, plastic window containing an information card to be filled out by the owner. The rain cover deploys easily and is secured with a tether strap to the pack.

The materials used, specifically the "Duralite" name, seems to be a proprietary material of High Sierra Sport. But, based on the standard weight designations of 1000 and 600 denier, along with the ripstop designation – plus by giving it a visual once over and handling the material, I suspect this material to be quite durable.

The nylon straps are all 1 in (2.5 cm) wide and of reasonable density.

None of the plastic hardware – i.e. the quick release buckles, anchor points, etc carry a name on them, but they all work satisfactorily under this initial test.

Durability of all materials will be tested as this test progresses.

The Naja 70+10 backpack arrived on 22 October 2003 via UPS. It was packed in a large cardboard box. Inside the box, the pack was securely padded with white shipping paper around the outside of the pack. The inside of the pack was also filled with shipping paper. The product arrived in perfect condition. Attached to the pack were various hangcards identifying the pack, materials used in construction, High Sierra as the manufacturer with promotional material on some if their other product lines, as well as the fact that the pack is hydration bladder compatible. Attached to the front of the pack was a rather large placard - approximately 6 x 9 in (15 x 23 cm), specific to the Naja 70+10 itself. It identified the pack as the Naja 70+10, listed High Sierra’s web address, listed the pack’s specifications and high-performance features, listed the pack’s volume capacity, as well as torso length and unladen pack weight. Also advertised was the full-zip rain cover "that allows pack to be checked at airport!"

Found inside the pack was a registration card advertising a free lost and found service. BoomerangIt is the name of the service, and is free for six months. After that, there is a fee. Along with the information is a small clip to be attached to the pack if the service is chosen. The clip reads that there is a reward if the pack is found.

The conditions for this test will be winter conditions in Northeast United States. With Old Man Winter blowing in, average daily temperatures are already in steady decline, hitting lows in January and February. It’s not unusual to see temperatures during this period hovering at or below 0F (-18C). The ground will have considerable snow coverage. Actually, snow is almost a daily occurrence

I have trips planned at least once a month throughout the testing period with the Boy Scouts. I also have some personal treks planned, as well as some cold weather training. The stomping grounds will mostly be in Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania, although my wish list includes a possible trip to Shenandoah National Park near the end of the test period. Elevations for most testing will be between 200 and 400 ft (61 – 122 m), except for Shenandoah – 1200 ft (366 m). I will also use this for day trips – snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, etc.

This is a large pack with lots of lashing possibilities. I should have no trouble pushing this pack, even in the winter conditions. With all the lashing options, I anticipate this pack would lend itself nicely when I’m out doing trail conservation work.

I have been an active backpacker for 28 years, with experience hiking in many parts of the continental United States and Canada. Most of my time is spent in the Northeast, especially the Adirondack region of New York. I’m a seasoned veteran to 3-season backpacking, and I’m beginning to expand my resume to include winter backpacking. This has naturally led me towards the Lightweight and Ultralight philosophies.

Along with my two sons – ages eleven and thirteen, I am very active with our local Boy Scout troop. I’ve been involved with Scouting as an adult for the past ten years. Besides being the Committee Chairman, I’m also the High Adventure Leader. As such, one of my responsibilities is to teach the young people about the "Great Outdoors". I especially love to teach them about hiking, backpacking and canoeing – my true loves!

The Naja 70 + 10 pack is much more of a pack than I anticipated from the website. It’s well made and well thought out! It has some fancy lashing gadgets that should be fun to test. I believe the capacity is less than advertised – more like 73-74 liters. It is heavy at just under six pounds (2.7 kg), but seems to ride nicely. The torso sizing information is very confusing, but if I figured correctly, it comes down to fitting a torso range of 16–21.5 in (41-55 cm).

The tested color is a combination of cypress, seafoam, evergreen and black – which to me is beige, light green, dark green and black. I like it. I prefer natural colors that blend, and these do.

The inner lining of the pockets in the extension lid are lined with very unusual materials. On one side, it feels like a fleece. On the other side, it feels like a silky nylon. I cannot figure out why. If the lid was detachable, I would try to see if it turned inside out to make a pillow, but alas, it is permanently attached. I will continue to search for an answer and report on it in future reports if one is found.

There were no adjustment directions of the ErgoFit adjustment system with the pack, nor did I find any on the website. I feel this should be included, especially for novice backpackers.

Tim