Burton Prospect 2.0: My Go-To Backpack for City and Trail
ReviewOkay, so finding the perfect backpack is like searching for the Holy Grail, right? As a journalist who juggles deadlines and a serious hiking habit, I’m always on the hunt for that unicorn bag – something that can handle the daily grind and the weekend trails. Enter the Burton Prospect 2.0 20L. I’ve been putting this thing through its paces for a few months now, and I’m ready to spill the tea.
First Glance:
The “Safari” color is seriously cool. It’s not your typical neon-everything outdoor look, which I appreciate. At 20L, it seemed like a sweet spot – not too bulky for the subway, but roomy enough for a decent day hike. Plus, knowing Burton’s trying to be eco-conscious with those bluesign® materials? Major points.
City Slicker:
Seriously, this bag’s a lifesaver during the week. The separate laptop and tablet sleeves are clutch for keeping my tech safe from the daily chaos. And you know how annoying it is to fish around for your keys? The internal zippered pocket solves that. I can just grab ’em and go. Those extra pockets on the outside? Perfect for my phone, wallet, and emergency chocolate stash.
Trail Time:
I recently took the Prospect 2.0 up to the Smokies for a day hike, and honestly, it held its own. Those cushy shoulder straps and the adjustable chest strap kept everything comfy, even when I crammed it full of water, snacks, and a “just in case” jacket. The side straps cinched everything down tight, so the load didn’t feel like it was swinging around. And those water bottle pockets? Easy to reach without having to stop and unpack everything. Now, it’s not a hardcore hiking pack, but it handled the trails like a champ. We even got caught in a little drizzle, and the water-resistant fabric kept my gear dry. Nice!
The Good Stuff:
- Jack-of-All-Trades: This bag works just as well on the street as it does on the trail.
- Comfy Ride: The shoulder straps are like little pillows, and that chest strap makes a big difference.
- Tech-Savvy: Laptop and tablet sleeves? Yes, please!
- Built to Last: The materials feel tough, and they’re trying to be green about it, which is awesome.
- Stay Organized: Pockets for days! Everything has its place.
- Burton’s Got Your Back: Lifetime warranty? That’s a company that believes in its gear.
A Few Hiccups:
- Not a Mountain Goat: If you’re planning some serious backpacking, you’ll probably want something more specialized.
- Pack Light: 20L is great for a day, but if you’re a chronic over-packer, you might need more space.
The Bottom Line:
The Burton Prospect 2.0 is a fantastic all-around backpack. If you need one bag to rule them all – city commutes, weekend hikes, and everything in between – this is it. It’s reliable, well-designed, and it just works. I’m seriously digging it. Highly recommended!