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Unpacking – Review : Boreas Lost Coast 45L Backpack
(please excuse the iPhone product shots)
I have a full 17 page PDF too (more pics) so if you want a copy drop me your email address by PM.
Shortened version :
I have to admit that prior to commencing my search for a Daypack (between 35L & 50L) to accompany my main pack (a Gregory Baltoro 85L) I had never heard of Boreas – and yet I found could order them here in China too (probably because they are made here – as most packs are) and mine arrived within 2 days.
Boreas are a very young Californian company that specialises in clever and innovative touches to their packs as well as having some of the best colour-ways I’ve ever seen ! At least to my eyes. The 45L coming in a Black/Grey/Blue model or a two tone Red, a Blue & Yellow or a Green/Yellow/Grey version. They also have, my favourite, a lovely Trukhee Green. The Lost Coast comes in 30L, 45L and 60L capacities.
As a keen photographer I had some key criteria for my Daypack :-
* Between 35L and 50L (45L+10L also good)
* Must have panel access (full U zip, J zip or side zip) – more on this below !
* Must be able to strap a tripod to the pack – preferably down the middle to maintain
balance.
* Must be able to be used as an Airline Carry-On. So not taller than 22” / 56 cms when
compressed (in case the airline staff want to measure it). Width / Depth not really an issue
unless you are over-stuffing it !
* Must have Hiking Pole holders and preferably more tool securing points/loops.
* Must have ample pockets, including hip belt pockets and preferably a large centre stuff
or zip pocket (so this rules out most mountaineering packs).
* Carry weight should exceed 14kgs / 31 Ibs, photographic gear can be heavy.
* Must have some form of airflow / breathing / trampoline suspension, as my back
sweats plenty when hiking.
* Must be able to carry a 3L Hydration Pack
* Must have a substantial length Hip Belt to ensure a good fit around my ample waist !
Some brands are inexplicably stingy in this regard, thereby excluding people of a certain size. The Osprey Atmos 50L (large) for example, was a tight fit, Gregory are the same. **I've lost a lot of weight the past 2 years so it fits even better now
* Can’t weigh more than ca. 1.5 kgs / 3.3 Ibs !
The Lost Coast 45L meets all of this criteria bar the panel access point. I was able to look past this because of the very large, elasticated pocket on the back (as you wear it) and due to it’s protective rain-flap at the top (another nice touch) or if preferred the very large Top Lid pocket - having maybe even easier access.
The pack lid showing 4 loops to attach items to the top of the pack, the large zipper pulls making it easy to grab with gloves on – or for those of us stricken with innate clumsiness.
And note in particular the 3 straps that when loosened, will enable you to detach the top lid, either for a weight saving, to keep your valuables with you perhaps, or just to reduce the size for an airline carry-on (though it should be fine without the need to do this).
The Lost Coast has an excellent suspension system, not as well padded, or heavy or difficult to stow, as those on some Ospreys and Gregorys (including my Baltoro 85L) but more than sufficient for a pack of this size and carrying capacity.
2 x Hip Belt pockets with same excellent zipper pulls as used elsewhere on the pack.
The pockets are wired to help maintain their shape and are amongst the most spacious on any pack I’ve seen.
Note also the belt Tension Looseners, also in the form of ring pulls, which immediately dramatically loosen the belt, as and when required.
The top of the main compartment also has a zipper that when opened shows the pocket contains the Frame Sheet, which can be removed to condense the bag, lighten the weight or to just use the bag for lighter tasks that don’t require such a powerful suspension system. It can now literally fold in half.
A brilliant bag that I’m so glad I ordered at the last moment, after having bought and returned the extremely well –built and substantial Osprey Atmos 50L, and also put a deposit down with a local retailer (which was returned without any issue) on the just as excellent and light-weight Lowe Alpine Sky 38L. The Lost Coast however, for my purposes, beats them both.
For photography I can easily fit my DSLR & WA 15-30 into either the large stretchy front pocket or the larger pocket in the top lid. A padded camera/lens container (another camera and e.g. 4-5 lenses) goes into the pack (with tons of space for anything else from an overnight tent/sleeping bag etc. to just spare clothing), anywhere in the pack is fine, though you might want to pack it properly (low, centre and close to your spine) for serious trekking.
The tripod can be attached by virtue of small carabiners and any sort of stretchy, or fixed length, cord, to the daisy chains on both sides. Or use the hiking pole loops and the compression straps or even the 4 loops on the top lid.
Specifications
Boreas Lost Coast 45L (Large)
As weighed at home : 1.245 kgs / 2.74 Ibs
Rain-cover included.
Removable Top Lid.
210D ripstop nylon body with UTS impregnated silicone coating and a tough 420D nylon bottom.
Lifetime guarantee from Boreas.
Edited on Feb 22, 2019 at 01:39 AM · View previous versions
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