REVIEW – Wilderness Equipment Slipstream Plus

ITEM: Slipstream Plus

MANUFACTURER: Wilderness Equipment

DESCRIPTION:

A smaller canvas daypack for cycling or walking, with unique zip access.

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REVIEW NOTES:

The Slipstream daypack has been graciously supplied by Crossfire Australia, a long time supporter and confidante of Packs and Beyond.

Like any review of supplied equipment, I have done the review with the proviso that I will be painfully honest.

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Please let our suppliers know how much you appreciate their support for this site. You can really show your appreciation by giving them your custom.

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Don’t forget to follow Packs and Beyond on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/packsandbeyond) for all our latest updates.

Don’t forget, we’re on Instagram too now! (@packsandbeyond)

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LINK:

https://www.wildernessequipment.com.au/our-gear/daypacks/canvas-daypacks/slipstream-plus-black/

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SPECIFICATIONS:

MATERIALS-

Canvas

1000D cordura

Webbing tape

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DIMENSIONS –

Width: 35cm (approx. 13.8in)

Height: 55cm (approx. 21.6in)

Depth: 23cm (approx. 9.1in)

Weight: 1.5kg (approx. 3.3lbs)

Volume: 28L (approx. 1708 cubic inches)

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LAYOUT:

Slipstream Plus on the left, Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack on the right.

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FRAME AND HARNESS –

The frame of the Slipstream is comprised of a polymer frame-sheet with a stiffening rod, concave shaped to bring the pack closer to the body. Four padded areas at the corners of the frame are the interface with the body. The concave shaping allows the pack to conform with the body when bent over during use, such as when cycling, and still allows airflow across the back when standing fully erect.

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Harness straps are fully contoured with canvas on the outer surface and a slightly softer wicking material against the wearer. There are two loops on each strap to allow hydration hose routing and attachment of accessories or small sundry items.

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A small, adjustable sternum strap is fitted. The fastex buckle has an emergency whistle integrated into it.

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There is also a lightweight removable hip belt fitted.

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A lightweight webbing tape hanging loop is fitted at the top of the frame.

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RUCKSACK –

At the top of the pack is a substantial reinforced carry handle.

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Below that is a zip accessed soft-lined pocket for stowage of such items as sunglasses and small to medium electronic devices.

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At the bottom of the pack is hypalon daisy chain to allow stowage of small items such as a battery powered tail light whilst bike riding.

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The bottom of the pack is lined with cordura for wear and abrasion protection.

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Access into the main compartment is via a large U-shaped zip that allows as much or as little access into the pack as desired.

For quick halts, or small items, the U-zip can be partially opened like a traditional flap.

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If required for long halts or accessing all equipment, the U-zip can be fully opened exposing the entire contents of the pack.

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There is also a zip on the side accessing the padded laptop compartment.

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Inside the Slipstream is some internal organisation.

Starting at the top of the main compartment is two rows of daisy chain that secures the padded laptop sleeve or hydration bladders.

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Below this is access into the frame sheet area.

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The padded laptop sleeve secures the pack via toggles in the daisy-chain at the top and velcro sandwich at the side zip.

This padded sleeve also has some a zip accessed pocket and another open topped pocket for stowage of paperwork, folios or other flat items.

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An elasticated water bottle pocket is present on the opposite side of the laptop side zip.

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At the bottom of the pack flap is another medium sized elasticated pocket that prevents most larger items from falling out.

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Above that is a zip accessed bellows pocket that stores smaller sundries without loss.

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To top it all off, there are two small pockets for thin objects like pens and writing implements.

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All zips on the Slipstream have pull tabs, and the external pull tabs are finished with electrical heat shrink to minimise snags.

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PERSONAL ASSESSMENT:

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The Slipstream has been used for day hikes (both personal and as a Scout Leader), work, general EDC (Every Day Carry) around town and work.

It’s a classic Wilderness Equipment pack, well designed, well built, with plenty of subtle design points to improve useability and weather proofing.

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PROS –

The ergonomics of the harness really have to tried to be believed. The pack sits very snugly, yet very comfortably against the back.

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The canvas body gives a high degree of abrasion resistance and textural feedback.

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The design of the U-zip to access the main compartment is inspired. Easy access, whilst also minimising exposure to the elements. Water will just slide off the rucksack and past the zip.

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CONS –

About the only thing I don’t particularly like about the Slipstream is the triglide buckles on the harness straps. These have protuberances underneath them, which I find can be quite sharp. If I was keeping this pack, these sharp protuberances would be filed off.

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SUMMARY:

A really nice little pack that is useful for short range trips in the wilds and in the urban jungle.

The usual standard from Wilderness Equipment shows deep understanding of the human frame and how end-users will interface with the item of equipment.


Posted in Civilian, Crossfire, Packs & Webbing, Short Trip by with no comments yet.

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