Backpacks

Vango Heritage Typhoon 35 Backpack | Review

Vango show off their 50-year heritage with a new range of packs styled on their original designs

Why We Chose The Vango Heritage Typhoon 35 Pack: Classic-look, functional, reasonably priced.

With lots of outdoor brands rushing to release retro items these days, you can’t help noticing that there are a few fake ‘original’ logos popping up – if you don’t have a heritage to fit with the heritage trend then perhaps that’s all you can do. Vango, on the other hand, have been around the block, making gear for Britain’s outdoor enthusiasts since 1966, and that bright orange, 60s style logo is definitely original.

At first glance this looks exactly like a pack from that time period, when kit was made to fit in with the landscape, not stand out, and designs were much, much simpler. The natural tones, metal buckles and faux leather grab handle certainly add to this. But then there’s the more modern back system; a trampoline suspended mesh that keeps the panel of the rucksack off your back.

“… a chuck your coat, thermos, lunchbox and gloves, map and compass in and go for a hike up Helvellyn kind of pack.”

While it blends old and new designs, we wouldn’t go so far as saying this is a techie pack. It’s actually quite basic, but in a way we kind-of like. It’s one of those daypacks that will simply just do the job – a chuck your coat, thermos, lunchbox and gloves, map and compass in and go for a hike up Helvellyn kind of pack.

The fabric is a basic, but durable nylon (in a heavy kind of way) and there’s wet weather protection thanks to the bright orange waterproof rain cover stowed at the base. There are also plenty of simple conveniences. To start with, top and side compression straps allow you to adjust the volume to suit your load, then there are two stretchy and gusseted side pockets that will comfortably manage an insulated flask or water bottle. As you normally see with these kind of packs, there’s a zipped pocket on the top of the lid and one on the inside for your more valuable items. For extra items, there’s an external bungee that’s ideal for stuffing a down jacket, waterproof or a roll mat if you’re using the Typhoon for a lightweight overnight load.

There’s a more modern back system; a trampoline suspended mesh that keeps the panel of the rucksack off your back. Photo: Chris Johnson

The sternum strap has some adjustment. Photo: Chris Johnson

There’s a zipped pocket on the top of the lid and one on the inside for your more valuable items. Photo: Chris Johnson

So what’s it like to carry? OM editor Will Renwick who’s been using it for day hikes recently found it “a perfect fit” for his 5ft 10 build.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“Like most daypacks out there, especially suspended mesh ones, it doesn’t have any back length adjustment, but the adjustment straps on the shoulders help to get it in a comfortable position. I also like that there’s a sliding sternum strap rather than anything fiddly. The straps and hipbelt are on the thin side in terms of padding so this isn’t great with a very heavy load but for light to medium loads, it’s fine. As you’d expect with a suspended mesh backpack, there’s certainly plenty of ventilation.”