Helena Schrommová: Kilpi GLACIER-U backpack test

Kilpi Racing TEAM Ambassador Helena Schrommová has actively tested our new Kilpi GLACIER-U backpack over the course of several months and has now presented a review to help you decide whether this backpack is the right choice also for you.

KILPI GLACIER BACKPACK TEST

The GLACIER-U 30L backpack refers to the mountains even by its name and has been designed for all lovers of hiking, skiing or mountain biking. Well organized space and sufficient size of a 30L backpack, two main pockets, a back pocket and several smaller side pockets give you the opportunity to have everything you need with you. A sufficient number of fastening straps allows you to attach everything you need to the backpack and at the same time not to hinder movement.

The GLACIER-U backpack has won me over at first sight with its colors, the combination of dark blue and turquoise blue with deep pink looks pretty well and thanks to the Ripstop material, which is finely woven and at the same time shiny, it gives the backpack a distinctly playful look. Thanks to pink, it might seem that this color combination is primarily intended only for women, but since pink is used here just as a supplement, I would dare say that it will also find its male fans. But if gentlemen would prefer a different color combination, they can choose from two other color variants.

GLACIER-U 30L is more than a backpack for hikers, skiers and ski mountaineers. It has been designed for better and smarter organization of all your most important things that need to be on hand in a given activity. Whether it's trekking poles or skis that can be attached to the side of the backpack or safety devices such as an avalanche probe, which has been placed in one of the main pockets.

In addition to the two main pockets that form the core of the backpack, this backpack also has a back pocket, which is reinforced thanks to which the backpack holds its shape and fits comfortably. I see the main advantage of the back pocket in a fact it can only be opened when the backpack is removed and thus the loss of important things or documents can be prevented from. This can be useful not only for sports reasons but also for traveling as the theft prevention. I always have a packed HURRICANE-W jacket in my back pocket, which is great when you become surprised by bad weather and at the same time it is also light and compact.

Another additional pocket is placed on the front part of the backpack and has been primarily intended for glasses. You can also put the glasses in the backpack without the cover, because thanks to the soft lining inside the pocket, you don't have to worry about your glasses being scratched. At the same time, the pocket contains a small key buckle which is attached to the backpack. However, I do not recommend using a combination of glasses and keys at the same time, it might not turn out well for glasses. :-)

In contrast to the RISE-U backpack, the GLACIER-U 30L also has a rain cover. Although the Ripstop material is very durable, it is not waterproof, and therefore there is an additional cover that protects the entire contents of the backpack against getting wet. It is located at the bottom of the front part of the backpack and it is simply stretched on the backpack. The waterproof cover is an indispensable part both for summer rainy days and for winter snow blizzards.

Another extra bonus is the additional net, which can be easily attached from the outside of the backpack. The net is hidden in the front part of the backpack and can be used for external attachment of things that can't no longer fit in the backpack.

As for me, I consider the side pockets on the bottom strap to be a great accessory and supplement. They are very practical and I often use them when I want to handle small things, and at the same time I do not want to stop or take off my backpack. In addition, the side pockets are large enough for a mobile phone, which is right at hand and you don't have to take your backpack off unnecessarily. Thanks to the zippers being large enough, these pockets can also be opened in gloves.

I keep using the backpack all year round, in winter for skiing and in summer for trips to the mountains or the mountain bike trips. It is not a problem to run with the backpack either. Thanks to the adjustable straps, the backpack can be fastened and holds close to the body and a shorter trail can be run comfortably with it. I use the GLACIER-U 30L backpack not only for sports activities, but also for traveling or the school purposes. There is an organizer for laptop and stationery in the back pocket in the back part. Therefore the backpack cannot necessarily be used only for sports purposes.

As for me, the GLACIER-U 30L backpack is a very successful model and belongs to my favorite Kilpi backpacks. It is my travel partner, as I always keep taking it with me everywhere. Therefore the backpack gets enough to take. And I have to say that even after being used for a long period, it bears no sign of damage and the used material is of high quality. I am used to taking enough food, drinks and the necessary clothes with me. So it is important for me that the backpack is large enough and at the same time fits perfectly and it is possible to do sports with it. In conclusion, I cannot ignore the fact that it is important for me to be sure that I can rely on the particular product and fully enjoy the experience of sports.

Helena Schrommová