Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Wilderness Technology Tsunami 25
Duration of Test: Several Day Trips over the last 2 months
Product Name: Tsunami 25 Backpack
Product Brand: Wilderness Technology
Best Use: Day Hikes
The Full Review:
My old daypack was great, but I was noticing that halfway through hikes I was swinging the backpack off to one shoulder and then to the other shoulder and taking it off at every opportunity. The back panel was sitting directly against my back and it was getting distractingly hot back there. Time to try another bag.
I picked up the Tsunami 25 from Wilderness Technology because of the ventilated back panel. There's a mesh panel that keeps the bag off your back and allows air to flow through. The mesh does its job and the pack is very comfortable. The straps distribute the weight well and the sternum and hip belt keep everything in place. The hip belt doesn't really carry any of the weight, but it does keep the bag from bouncing around, which is nice.
The bag is hydration-compatible but does not come with a reservoir. This is fine with me since I prefer water bottles and the bag has bottle pockets on each side. The pockets are large enough to comfortably fit a 32 oz Nalgene bottle. Also, the bottle pockets are easily accessible while wearing the pack.
I can easily fit a sweater, 2 Nalgene bottles, wallet, keys, sunscreen, snacks, phone, small camera, pack towel, and a rain jacket in this bag. The bag also comes with a rain cover which stows away in a dedicated pocket at the bottom of the pack. Good stuff.
The Good:
Great Price
Back ventilation is fantastic
Comfortable
The Bad:
Could use some more internal organization and maybe hip belt pockets
The Bottom Line:
A great budget daypack.