The 2002 Airwave BACKPACK

reviewed July 2002
By Greg Hamerton.

Everything about this bag made me go Aah! It displays thorough design work and an intelligent use of materials that puts the Airwave product ahead of the pack ;-).

When I stuffed it into the base of my harness, there was more space than usual left over - it has a smaller stowing volume than most. You'd think that something which packs away so small would be flimsy, but not so - the Airwave bag is made of lightweight but tough fabric, and the reinforcement and geometry make it very sturdy when loaded. In particular, the base of the bag, which will take most of the abrasion, is made of thick and durable material.

There is adequate padding on the back-area, within the wide waistbelt, and in the broad shoulder straps. The best thing about the bag is the position it assumes when carried - the narrow, tapered base, long volume and wider top give it the correct weight distribution for hiking. Because the base is curved (not flat as most bags are) the bag doesn't push an uncomfortable ridge against your butt, or hang out low and far back at the bottom; rather the bag sits snugly against your back in an upright position, leaving your legs free for easy walking. Two small wallet-sized pockets are all you'll find on the outside of the bag. This is another example of the underlying good design - you shouldn't be packing anything low on the back of the bag, but rather on top. Sadly, too many manufacturers seem to ignore this basic hiking principle, and spoil bags with big outer pouches.

To further trim the shape, Airwave have sewn two compression straps on either side of the pack and one across the front. These straps are often considered as cosmetic and overlooked. They are vital - the pack should be compressed to prevent back strain - you should get the centre of gravity of the bag as close to your back as possible. The Airwave straps can really be tightened, because the force is distributed by a tapered panel on each side, and the fifth strap spans the central zip on the front so it won't be strained. The geometry of these compression straps (angled down and away from the shoulders) ensures that when you tighten your shoulder straps, the load force will be brought close to your body.

As for packing volume, it offers a large space - with a SupAir Profeel harness (side protection and thick airfoam) and a loosely packed glider, the bag was tight and comfortable, so it will be adequate for just about everyone. The open-ended inner bag still had space for a pair of boots and a jacket before being closed by its drawstring and zip-saving buckle. The top pouch has ample space for a full-face helmet, clothing and waterbottles.

Carrying it over hill and dale, I found the thumbhooks on the shoulder-straps useful for varying the load, and the chest-strap transfers some of the load across the front of your chest. Overall it is very comfortable to carry. Although it looks waterproof with its gusset over the central zip and the waxy fabric, it isn't. In a heavy downpour the water came in through the upper pouch, but I'd presume that it's reasonably splash-proof.

The Airwave name is proudly emblazoned on the side of the bag, and rightly so. They have produced a great product here - if you are dissatisfied with your current bag, you should certainly consider buying this. It will change your walk-outs from a pain into a pleasure.