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Archive 2015 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack

  
 
Frogfish
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


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



May 19, 2015 at 06:47 AM
ben egbert
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


How big a belt size does it accomodate?


May 19, 2015 at 11:18 AM
Frogfish
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


ben egbert wrote:
How big a belt size does it accomodate?


Hi Ben. I think around 45-46" maximum.



May 19, 2015 at 03:12 PM
ben egbert
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Frogfish wrote:
Hi Ben. I think around 45-46" maximum.


Thanks, I googled it and found it mostly in sporting goods places rather than camera stores like B&H. Is this a backpack that can take cameras rather than one made for cameras? I am thinking of the individual internal pockets.



May 19, 2015 at 04:05 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


ben egbert wrote:
Thanks, I googled it and found it mostly in sporting goods places rather than camera stores like B&H. Is this a backpack that can take cameras rather than one made for cameras? I am thinking of the individual internal pockets.


Hi Ben, it is a hiking backpack. Therefore most pockets tend to be on the outside and the inside is usually just one large space (plus often a hydration pocket).

My view on the likes of F-Stop etc. (after inspecting them thoroughly here in Shanghai) is that if I'm out hiking or camping then I'd want a proper backpack with features built for hiking and carrying loads. It's easy to buy cheap ($10 - $30 depending on size, waterproofing etc.) Chinese lens/camera protectors, similar to the F-Stops inserts, in a variety of sizes and just choose the one you require for that particular day/weekend. They are very cheap and work perfectly.

That is what I currently do (if not shooting an event etc. in which case I use a dedicated camera bag). My 'system' isn't for everyone but you can get a fantastic backpack (whether Boreas, Osprey, Gregory etc. etc.) which is going to be kinder to your back and make hiking that bit easier (and just add those inserts for your camera gear) for massive savings compared to the inflated prices dedicated camera bags cost.

There is easy storage & access to camera & lenses, as I pointed out (download the full PDF for more pics) and it's very easy to strap on a tripod (and much much more) where required.



May 19, 2015 at 04:46 PM
ben egbert
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Thanks. I only do day hikes, but I do wish I had better support with most weight carried on my hips. I have a sling bag that sort of works like a backpack with some modifications, but it is not intended as such.

I had a Lowe Pro a long time ago and it was too hard to get on, I was not able to get my first arm into the harness with all the weight I had in the bag, then I could not get the second arm far enough back to get into the second strap. I usually had to sit down and back up to it and then work to get my arms into the close together arm straps. It worked fine once in place.



May 19, 2015 at 07:00 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Ben. You seem like a perfect candidate for a hiking bag-come-camera bag, rather than vice versa. As am I.

In the USA it's very easy to go and look at some of these hiking bags (and check out the Chinese inserts on EBay etc.) in person. You can then choose what level of suspension you require and find the bag that then also handles your camera equipment in a way you feel comfortable with.



May 20, 2015 at 05:36 AM
Frogfish
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Just a quick update on this bag. I used it almost daily for a month (all flights / 4 days in Abu Dhabi + 3 weeks in Iceland) as a carry-on / city tourist tote bag / hiking backpack (for up to ca. 15kms a day). I have a larger bag for longer hikes / heavier loads but this one is still easily capable for overnighters/weekends too and I never needed to use the Gregory 85L

All zips are strong and sturdy - the ring pulls on the zips make opening closing them a cinch, no fiddling around looking for the standard zip pull.
The two pockets on the outside of the hood are incredibly useful (I regularly used one for a D800E + Tamron 15-30 in a soft polyurethane protective camera case). Interior pocket in the hood used for money/passport etc.

I wish the hood was easier (read quicker) to detach, though I didn't have a single issue in boarding / storing on any plane. In fact in most it didn't even need to be stored sideways.

The materials used repelled dirt and water very well, even without a cover (which was supposed to be included but mine didn't have). The cavernous front centre pocket was great and I could also store the camera combination mentioned above in here.
The very large side-pockets were excellent (the very stretchy material used in the centre and side pockets is brilliant).

I didn't ever feel sweaty or uncomfortable carrying the bag - the adjustment pulls and belt work very well. The two 'quick release' pulls on the belt are great ! Just pull both sides and the belt immediately loosens to it's maximum making unclipping so easy.

The very large two belt pockets carry tons of bits and pieces, energy bars (I thnk I can get 4-5 in one pocket), GPS, phone etc. etc.

Love the 'quick release' pull on the main compartment too.

I used the hiking pole straps on both sides of the bag to attach my Manfrotto tripod. This worked very well and enabled quick attach and release. The hiking poles were always in my hands when the tripod was on the bag. I could have used the daisy chains too but it wasn't necessary.

I did find some of the clips a bit small for large hands and sometimes a bit fiddly to undo. Note to Boreas - please enlarge !

Due to the superb exterior carrying options I didn't miss having a C or U zip in the slightest (my biggest worry before the trip - though my Gregory has these and I could have used that one if necessary).

Typically on the day hikes (I hike alone) I would carry (when not in use the cameras/lens/filters were stored in a foam ICU and kept in the main compartment - except the combinations in use stored in an outside pocket as described) :
Nikon D800E / Tamron 15-30 / Zeiss 100 / Sony A7 / 55f1.8 / 28f2 / Manfrotto tripod / Sirui ballhead / Benro square filter system with ca. 4-6 square filters / 2L water / snacks / torch / trowel / emergency 1st aid kit and bivvy / Garmin / RAB -30C down jacket / gaiters / Toggs waterproof trousers / Gerber knife / Leatherman / metal compass / Steripen / spare batteries / Salomon Rain jacket and Croc wading sandals / microfibre towel and ...... hand carry a 300/2.8 with TC (I'm a birder too) !

Overall an A+ for this bag - Highly Recommended. I would have no hesitation buying more Boreas bags for sure.



Jul 22, 2015 at 03:03 AM
binary visions
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Frogfish wrote:
Due to the superb exterior carrying options I didn't miss having a C or U zip in the slightest (my biggest worry before the trip - though my Gregory has these and I could have used that one if necessary).



Thanks for the thorough review.

I'm currently struggling with this decision. I need a decent sized pack (~40L) and would love to have a properly designed suspension system.

I'm really struggling with finding packs that have reasonable exterior access options. I liked a friend's F-Stop Loka but the hip belts and breath-ability were distinctly Not Great. Unfortunately, the rest of the accessibility on the pack was terrific, including lots of storage pockets for organization.

Having done quite a lot of hiking with my Osprey pack and photo gear, I'm really tired of going through the dance of pulling apart everything in the big compartment just because I need another lens. It's that or carry the gear in a sub-optimal location in the pack (near the outside/top). I think this is exacerbated by the fact that I often want to shoot in a "documentary" way - capturing what I see along the way rather than setting up.

I quite liked my F-Stop Guru for more casual day-hikes. Nice compartmentalization, you can get at the camera gear separately from hiking gear... but it's almost as if they deliberately designed it to insulate your back as much as possible.

Do you lean more on a slower/set-up shooting style, and thus don't mind rummaging? Or have you figured out a better way to store gear?



Aug 03, 2015 at 03:04 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


binary visions wrote:
Thanks for the thorough review.

I'm currently struggling with this decision. I need a decent sized pack (~40L) and would love to have a properly designed suspension system.

I'm really struggling with finding packs that have reasonable exterior access options. I liked a friend's F-Stop Loka but the hip belts and breath-ability were distinctly Not Great. Unfortunately, the rest of the accessibility on the pack was terrific, including lots of storage pockets for organization.

Having done quite a lot of hiking with my Osprey pack and photo gear, I'm really tired of going through the dance of pulling apart everything in
...Show more


See my comments further up. When I'm expecting to take shots whilst hiking I had two options of where to stow the D800E/15-30 (most used lens by far on the trip), either in one of the hood top pockets or in the very expansive front pocket. Both meant easy, quick, access - just swing the bag off and access the pocket where the camera was stowed. Note that your cameras are slightly smaller & lighter, as are most of your lenses (compared to the 15-30) so you would have absolutely zero issue with utilising the same pockets.



Aug 04, 2015 at 06:09 AM
ariot
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Bumping and old thread after looking at the great write-up (thanks).

I checked with Boreas, and the 45L is sold out They have the 60L though.

Anyway, the "Bootlegger" they have now looks interesting since it can be configured 3 ways (assuming that some days, some photo gear would be left locked away, and you still need a daypack+hydration)

This is a company to watch, for sure.



Oct 28, 2016 at 10:33 AM
Frogfish
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


ariot wrote:
Bumping and old thread after looking at the great write-up (thanks).

I checked with Boreas, and the 45L is sold out They have the 60L though.

Anyway, the "Bootlegger" they have now looks interesting since it can be configured 3 ways (assuming that some days, some photo gear would be left locked away, and you still need a daypack+hydration)

This is a company to watch, for sure.

Thanks Arlot !

I love their, very functional, innovation and wish them great success.

I've a few treks in planning for 2017; Nepal, Tibet and Greenland. The last a 225kms solo trek so I'm contemplating using the Lost Coast 45L or upgrading. I'll take a look at that 60L Bootlegger.



Jan 02, 2017 at 04:07 AM
ariot
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Frogfish wrote:
Thanks Arlot !

I love their, very functional, innovation and wish them great success.

I've a few treks in planning for 2017; Nepal, Tibet and Greenland. The last a 225kms solo trek so I'm contemplating using the Lost Coast 45L or upgrading. I'll take a look at that 60L Bootlegger.


Wow! You are living the life

Another update, Boreas has the Lost Coast back on the website in 45L and 60L sizes.

I may pick one up for Spring -- shorter trips and hikes than Frogfish though.



Jan 14, 2017 at 07:22 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


ariot wrote:
Wow! You are living the life

Another update, Boreas has the Lost Coast back on the website in 45L and 60L sizes.

I may pick one up for Spring -- shorter trips and hikes than Frogfish though.

I picked up the 60L Lost Coast (and got a free 55L Buttermilk !) before I went to Nepal. It was, as per the 45L in Iceland, brilliant with nary a worry or anything that let me down. It isn't that much larger than the 45L though. On the bed before packing I actually got them mixed up ! Norway this late Summer and Tibet in Winter will be next up as sadly Greenland has been postponed until next year. Boreas make great bags I've gotta say.




Jun 23, 2017 at 03:06 PM
sjms
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


they are an "acquired" taste. I was lent one, a LC backcountry 60L. in the end I did not acquire a taste for it.


Jun 23, 2017 at 03:13 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


sjms wrote:
they are an "acquired" taste. I was lent one, a LC backcountry 60L. in the end I did not acquire a taste for it.

We're all different so it's no surprise it suits some and not others. Having used it extensively all over Asia (Himalayas to 5,500m, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, Malaysia and China) and Iceland for both trekking and travel I am sold on it and have sold my Osprey and will sell my Gregory.




Jun 24, 2017 at 01:34 PM
GroovyGeek
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Am I missing something or is this pack top access only? This is something that I am willing to put up with only on multi day true backpacking trips where all the gear is in a medium ICU in a 90L+ backpack.


Jun 25, 2017 at 12:37 AM
Frogfish
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


GroovyGeek wrote:
Am I missing something or is this pack top access only? This is something that I am willing to put up with only on multi day true backpacking trips where all the gear is in a medium ICU in a 90L+ backpack.


Top only. But refer to the first two pictures - you easily store cameras/lenses in the outside pockets, as I've done many times.



Jun 25, 2017 at 10:24 AM
chez
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


Frogfish wrote:
Top only. But refer to the first two pictures - you easily store cameras/lenses in the outside pockets, as I've done many times.


What do you use to protect your gear when it's in the outside pockets?



Jun 25, 2017 at 11:58 AM
Frogfish
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Boreas Lost Coast 45L (and 60L) Backpack


chez wrote:
What do you use to protect your gear when it's in the outside pockets?


As I mentioned Chez they are usually in one of those cheap spongy Chinese polyurethane lens or camera covers - but when I'm shooting every few minutes then I don't even bother with that. Neither the top pocket nor front pocket come in contact with the ground the way I lay the bag down and both are out of the way and *shouldn't* come into contact with anything .... unless I fall over backwards ... during normal use!

It worked just fine all over those countries I mentioned - though I also use a Mindshift Rotation now, if possible. But often when hiking alone it's not, so the Lost Coast 60L and storing the camera / lenses in use in those two pockets works great.



Jun 26, 2017 at 12:16 PM
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