Backpacks

Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape Pack 30L | Review

A rain resistant pack that’s perfect for active people who want a pack they can use for all kinds of activities.

This is a smart pack for day trips that require fairly large loads. It’s not fully waterproof but highly water resistant and there are some nifty details that I’ve really liked – one of which I’ve not actually seen on a hiking pack before.

The Top Line

While it might be quite expensive, this is a versatile pack that can cover a big range of activities, so it’s the kind of thing you can get a lot of use out of. It’s weather resistant, durable and very comfortable too. Its 30L volume makes it ideal for days out that require lots of kit and/or supplies. It performed excellently in our tests.

Buy The Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape 30L: £115 at Jack-wolfskin.com

How I Tested The Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape

I’ve used this for all sorts. I’ve used it for hiking, particularly in the mountains of Wales (both north and south) while I’ve been plotting out routes for a guidebook I’m working on. I’ve also been using it as a running pack. It’s been great for carrying all my gym kit in.

OM editor Will testing the Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape in North Wales. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

Who Will Like It

I think this is a really great option for anyone looking for a pack that they can use for all kinds of activities. It’s the kind of thing that manages to seamless cross over between hiking, running and cycling. To top it all off, it packs down very flat, so it’s great for city commuters who might live in small apartments without much storage space.

Key Features

Ventilated and adjustable back system: The back length has a Velcro panel that can extend the back length from 42 to 50 cm.

Highly water resistant design: The rolltop and fabric both combine to make this very water resistant. It’s not fully waterproof though as the seams aren’t taped.

Stretchy side pockets: There’s a stretch pocket on either side. They’re quite small but big enough for a large water bottle or flask.

Hipbelt pockets: Zipped pockets on either side. The one on the right hand side can be unzipped and converted into a really nifty bottle holster.

Bladder sleeve: This is huge and it’s really easy to get your hydration bladder in and out of it. It can also double up nicely as a laptop sleeve, but there’s no padding to protect it from other hard items you might be carrying inside the bag.

Side zip pocket: This is well placed, allowing you to access small essentials with minimal faff. I can see it as a useful place to store your passport when travelling.

Performance

I’ve found this to be big enough for all my three-season day hiking essentials, with a bit of room left over for any extra layers I might want to carry on particularly brisk days. It’s quite a narrow and slim pack so it keeps the weight close to your back, overall making for a stable feel. Also, I found the padded back panel does a great job of shielding your back from any hard items you might be carrying, meaning you don’t have to think too carefully about how you order your packing.

I’ve had no issues using this as a running pack, Again, it’s well balanced and it’s nicely ventilated and padded. I haven’t put it into practice yet, but I could see this serving well as an option for minimalist fastpacking. I’ve checked to see if it will fit my ultralight sleeping system and it does, but with only enough room for a day’s worth of food supplies – and not much room for luxuries!

In terms of the wet weather performance, I’ve had no issues here. I’ve hiked for extended spells in rainfall and my gear has stayed protected. I’d still advise keeping your important kit in drybags in this, however, as there doesn’t appear to be seam taping. And here’s a pro tip: make sure the roll top is rolled backwards (to your neck) rather than forwards as this will ensure the laptop/hydration bladder zip is covered and not exposed to the elements.

Other Details

There’s a useful quick release bungee on the front that’s useful for attaching a set of trekking poles or an ice axe. You can also store trekking poles in the side pockets though there’s a risk of snagging the mesh.

The sternum strap has a neat sliding adjustment system to help you refine the fit. There’s also a whistle built into the clip on the sternum strap. The hipbelt pockets are big enough to fit a standard-sized smartphone.

The Downsides

For the plastic components – clips, buckles etc – it looks like fairly cheap plastic has been used. This is a little disappointing given this pack is initially priced at quite a premium level – though it has since been discounted. I’d also say that at 1190g, while this isn’t heavy, I wouldn’t call it ultralight either.

Verdict

I like this pack. It’s the kind of thing that ticks a lot of boxes and covers lots of bases well – a hiking, running and cycling pack all wrapped up into one. All credit to Jack Wolfskin for using recycled materials for the main fabric too – and for the super smart holster-like drinks pocket, which is very handy.

You’ll find this in a number of different capacities, ranging from a 35L lidded option down to a lightweight 15L one.

Buy The Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape 30L: £115 at Jack-wolfskin.com