Features

For a backpack built around the “Less Is More” mantra, the L.I.M Backpack is sporting a pretty impressive feature set built into the clean design. First up is the back system which offers up a good level of comfort for the weight of the pack. It features a suspended lightweight mesh panel which keeps the contents of the pack away from your back. Perhaps most importantly, however, this helps to ventilate your back, providing airflow to prevent sweat building up. 

“What I think makes this really stand out, however, is its back system.”

This comfort is further improved by two wide hip belts that hug close around your body, spreading the pressure to a wide surface area; a neat feature considering the often thin and basic hip belt straps of minimalist packs. This hipbelt has also been given a good deal of padding, similar to the shoulder straps, to help further boost the comfort ratings. Both hipbelts feature a large pocket that’s big enough to swallow up a hill snack or two in each, along with a mobile phone or GPS device. 

Accessing the inside of the pack is made easy thanks to a wide top-loading design that can be open and closed through a drawstring toggle system. A lid, which features a single zipped compartment, securely shuts off the top compartment of the pack while also offering a place to store a helmet or rope beneath.

You’ve got a few handy features on the inside of the pack. First up is the clip for a hydration bladder complete with a sleeve that gives access for the tube to run through. A zipper, which sits at the top of the main compartment, offers access to a padded back panel. This padded panel can be removed to double up as a handy sit mat.

Other than that, the main section of the pack offers minimal thrills for quick and easy access to the 35 litres of storage. You’ll find elasticated mesh on each side of the pack. This mesh helps keep the pack streamlined and snag-free while not in use and it gives that extra volume to swallow a range of equipment – from maps to water bottles – that you may require on the go.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“OK it’s not hard to find a simple lightweight daypack – they’re two a penny. What I think makes this really stand out, however, is its back system. You’ve got all that useful ventilation and ergonomic mesh for comfort, but with no weight penalty.

“While this isn’t 100% waterproof, I was really impressed by its water resistance. I used it on a truly, utterly miserable day – as bad as they get – and it still kept all my kit dry.”

“I think this is probably best suited to day hiking, that said, I reckon I could use this for some fastpacking as well. It’s got the right fit and comfort levels for high tempos, and has just about got the volume to cope with lightweight camping kit.”