Description of Lafuma Kerala 45 Backpack - 2746cu in:
Whether you’re hiking lava trails in the Galapagos Islands or exploring the Ciudad Viejo in Quito, Lafuma’s Kerala 45 Backpack provides comfort and convenience. Your back stays cool thanks to the Ventilight system’s stretch mesh panels. Plenty of pockets keep your gear organized.
3D Mesh dorsal pads and waist belt provide cushioning comfort
Large side pockets act as compression panels when empty to stabilize your load
Front mesh pocket stashes items for quick access
Detachable pouch hooks onto shoulder harness and fits a camera, binoculars, or GPS
Included rain cover stows in zippered bottom pocket
Bottom Line: Urban, rural, or backcountry—this pack just wants to travel.
I took this bag to Eastern Europe for 2 weeks and was really impressed. The stashed rain cover is nice, the main compartment is roomy, you can fully zip open the main compartment, and there are some useful mini pockets on the side. It also has a capacity about the same as a large carryon suitcase, so I was able to take it on the plane and easily stash it in the overhead bins. Seems well made and came out with almost no wear and tear. I like the big mesh pocket on the back because you can fit a magazine or folder flat in there without opening the bag.
HOWEVER I would not use this for a long hike outdoors. The waist strap is not very well padded, and there is no way to cinch the bottom of the pack tightly. The part about the back flaps working in compression is really not true. The two straps that come around the back are elastic and can't get very tight. They fasten onto those two beige plastic clips that pop open if you lay the pack down. So everything in the main compartment falls to the bottom and it becomes pear-shaped. Also, I am 6ft tall with a semi long torso and it was too short for me, to the point where I can't use the waist belt comfortably. In an airport not a big deal. Outside, big deal.
