We tested three Lightwave packs from the UK, and while the three clearly come from the same stable, they have some noticeable differences from American packs. The biggest difference is a reflection of the weather in the UK hills - sometimes raining, other times worse. These packs feature very serious waterproofing: waterproof fabric, taped or welded seams and waterproof zips. Where there seems to be a hole in the fabric (eg for an ice axe attachments point) you find that the inside of the hole is fully taped over. The attachment points for webbing are sealed on the inside, and the logos are done by bonding extra fabric onto the fabric of the bag, rather than by embroidery through the fabric. The exception to this extreme proofing are the seams down the corners of the harness face - perhaps their experience is that these seams don't get as much water on them. These seams are sewn with tape over the selvage.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Lightwave UltraHike 60 Pack
- Lightwave Fastpack 50 Pack
- Lightwave Wildtrek 55w Pack
# WORDS: 1680
# PHOTOS: 3
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James,
I should have added that the Aarn Pockets do have built in stays that rest on the hipbelt and that is why you can transfer all of the weight to the hip belt.
This is me about 10 years ago striking an Aarnpack pose :
I have had 18kg (40lbs) inside that combo with around 5-6 kg in those pockets. (mostly water)
BTW :
I tried a prototype made from a couple thermorest bags about ten years ago
do you mean an Aarn made prototype or something you put together yourself ?
"This is me about 10 years ago striking an Aarnpack pose :
aarn pack pose"
Good taste in pants. ;0)
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