HIONJIN 70L Travel Backpack: My Honest Take After a Grueling Trek
ReviewOkay, folks, you know I’m a sucker for the great outdoors. That means I’m always on the lookout for gear that can actually handle the great outdoors. Recently, I snagged the HIONJIN 70L Travel Backpack, and I decided to really put it to the test on a three-day backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains. So, did it make the cut? Let’s dive in.
First Glance:
Right off the bat, this pack looked promising. The nylon felt tough, like it could take a beating, and I was digging the overall design. Honestly, the number of compartments had me at “hello.” I’m a bit of an over-packer (okay, a major over-packer), so organization is my lifeline.
Hitting the Trail:
This is where things get real, right? I crammed this thing full – tent, sleeping bag, enough cooking gear to make a gourmet backcountry meal (hey, a guy’s gotta eat!), and the usual assortment of gotta-have-it gadgets. That 70L capacity? Lifesaver. I actually had extra room, which, let’s be honest, is a first for me.
The shoulder straps were a breeze to adjust, and I managed to get the weight sitting just right. You know that feeling when a pack is just wrong, and your shoulders are screaming after an hour? Didn’t happen with this one. Even fully loaded, it felt surprisingly comfortable. And that external hanging system? Genius. Perfect for clipping on my trekking poles when I needed both hands to navigate some seriously gnarly terrain.
I also have to give a shout-out to that hidden zippered pocket up top. Seriously clutch. I stashed my rain cover in there (didn’t need it, thankfully!) and a few essentials like my headlamp and map. Talk about convenient.
A Couple of Head-Scratchers:
Now, no gear is perfect, and I did have a couple of minor gripes. Those side compartments, while roomy, could use a little more…stiffness? When I really packed them out, they had a tendency to bulge a bit, and I snagged them on a few branches. Not a deal-breaker, but something to note.
Also, while the nylon seems water-resistant, I wouldn’t trust it in a downpour. I got caught in a quick shower, and while the main compartment stayed mostly dry, I noticed a little dampness creeping in around the seams. If you’re planning on hitting any seriously wet trails, a dedicated rain cover is a must.
The Bottom Line:
All in all, the HIONJIN 70L Travel Backpack is a solid choice if you’re after a roomy and reasonably comfy pack for weekend adventures or longer treks. Is it the holy grail of backpacks? Nah. But the smart design, tough materials, and plenty of space make it a great bang for your buck. Just grab a rain cover, and you’re good to go!
So, who’s this pack perfect for?
- Weekend warriors looking to escape the city
- Hikers who need to carry, well, everything
- Budget-conscious adventurers who don’t want to break the bank
The Good Stuff:
- Massive 70L capacity – bring on the gear!
- Tough nylon that can handle some abuse
- Comfy, adjustable straps for happy shoulders
- Tons of compartments to keep you organized
- Handy external hanging system
Things to Consider:
- Side compartments could be a bit sturdier
- Not fully waterproof – rain cover is your friend!
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Would definitely recommend for the casual to intermediate backpacker!