Reviews

Klättermusen Delling 25L Backpack | Review

A low-impact day hiking backpack built from high-quality materials. But can it withstand UK conditions?

I’m a real sucker for a nice-looking backpack and the Klättermusen’s Delling pack is just that. It’s got a slick yet functional design that lends itself to a variety of activities both on and off the mountain.

But beyond looks, it’s a real performer on the trail too thanks to the tough Retina fabrics and handy mountain-friendly details. On the whole, the Delling proved itself to be a real all-rounder during this year’s Outdoor 100 gear testing trip.

The Top Line

The Delling 20L is a well-made backpack built with high quality materials. While there’s a few minute details I’d change, overall it’s performed very reliably on my recent UK excursions in the great outdoors. The tough Retina fabrics are a real highlight and I can see the backpack lasting a very long time because of them.

I particularly like how versatile it is and can see it working in a range of different contexts in the mountains and the city alike.

Pros: High quality materials, nice design details, hard wearing fabric, comfy for long periods, versatile look
Cons: Would be nice if the bottom of the bag was more water resistant, waist pocket is small

Buy the Klättermusen Delling 20L Backpack: £190 at Klattermusen.com

How I Tested It

The Delling is intended to be used for half to full day hikes so I’ve been primarily using it for short countryside hikes and lightweight hillwalking days. Most recently I used it as my main day hiking backpack in the Wye Valley on some chilly walks across woodlands, river paths, and up a few hills further east towards Bannau Brycheiniog.

What It’s Best Suited To

While I’ve only used it in autumn so far, I can see the Delling backpack working well year-round. It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s only water resistant though, so you’ll need to remember to pack your gear in dry bags and bring a rain cover (not included) on those really miserable days.

At 856g, it’s a midweight backpack that has some impressive compressibility. I’ve found that it can squish down very flat which makes it very handy for storage when not in use.

Key Features

Retina fabrics: I’m a big fan of these. They are really tough and feel like they would genuinely last a long time.

Chest harness: This is secured using anchor-shaped metal hooks that slide into carefully placed slits on the shoulder straps. They feel secure and well-made.

Back system: This is a relatively simple back system that’s neither super breathable nor too warm. I’d say it sits somewhere in the middle so it works well for casual day hiking.

Bladder sleeve: I’ve mostly been using this as a place to store maps, my wallet and trail snacks.

Double closure top lid with cinch opening: While the bag is only water resistant, the double closure lid adds a nice layer of security and weather protection against light drizzle.

Two large mesh pockets: These are great and can fit a lot more than meets the eye.

Elastic cord system on front: I tend to use this for quick access to my waterproof jacket and find it super handy.

Walking pole attachment: I’ve found this easy to use. While you can remove the bungee attachment to adjust the placement, the secondary loop that’s sewn into the bag only features on the left hand side. It would be nice to have an option on the right hand side too.

The Delling is pictured here on a trip in the Lake District. All photos: Dave MacFarlane.

Materials and Construction

Retina is the name that Klättermusen have given the polyamide (nylon) fabrics that they specifically use in their backpacks. Beyond being bluesign approved, these fabrics are subject to Klättermusen’s own sustainability requirements and are solely derived from recycled, bio-feedstock and virgin sources.

What sets Retina fabrics even further apart is that they are made with backpacks and backpacks only in mind, the focus being on high levels of abrasion resistance and strength. In the case of the Delling, it means that the fabric has a tough 400 denier thread and includes a PU coating on the back for extra protection.

On test, I’ve found this material to be very tough indeed. I’m not a delicate hiker – clumsy to say the least – and the bag has held up very well against abrasive rocks and branches on the trail.

Extra reinforcements on the bottom of the bag.

My only qualm is that, while there’s extra fabric reinforcements on the bottom of the backpack, I wish that this part of the bag was waterproof or more water resistant. This is mostly because the ground is often damp here in the UK so it can be a bit of a pain when you’re sitting down and you’re trying to find somewhere to place your bag. From experience, I can confirm that the moisture gets through.

Buy the Klättermusen Delling 20L Backpack: £190 at Klattermusen.com

Carry System

The carry system here features a simple padded back panel combined with an interior frame sheet. While thin compared to some back systems, it’s actually very comfortable. It’s got a very intuitive feel that matches your movements as you twist and turn on the trail.

If you’re in an ultralight mood you can remove the frame sheet, though I personally prefer the extra reinforcements to block out the lumps and bumps from my camera gear.

Storage

Though it says 25L, the large bungee cord at the front and the roomy mesh pockets on either side of the pack, create more carry potential than you’d think. I’ve managed to get two large water bottles, a sandwich, a few granola bars and my waterproof jacket on the exterior of the pack alone. In this sense, I’d happily use it on some longer day hikes in summer when the daylight’s on your side.

It’s similarly roomy on the inside, with the option to bundle more into the top if you abandon the double buckle closure. So far, I’ve managed to fit my waterproof jacket and trousers, a down jacket, a small camping stove and a pot, a pair of winter gloves, my lunch and a small compact camera.

In terms of pocket options, there’s a small one on the inside for your keys and wallet, and a small one under the lid for a rain cover and/ or a lightweight waterproof jacket. The bladder sleeve can double up as an organiser, though they’d need to be relatively flat items.

There’s also a small pocket on the hip belt, though this is quite small. My phone (iPhone 15 pro) is a little too big for it so I’ve mostly been using it to store my keys and a packet of sweets.

For some people, this might not be enough pockets. For me, it’s one of the main draws of the bag. I like that it’s not choc-o-bloc full of features and hidden pockets. That’s actually the main way I end up losing my kit!

The hipbelt is similarly straightforward and, in my experience, works well for light to midweight loads. If you’re looking for something ultra comfy and luxurious, however, I’d look towards the Gregory Maven or something similar.

Verdict

All in all, I think this is a really well made backpack. It’s quickly becoming my go-to for day hiking at the moment, and thanks to its classic design and durable materials, I can see it remaining a staple for years to come.

Though there’s a few details that aren’t ideal for supreme mountain comfort, overall I’d say that this is a fair trade off for having a sustainably-made backpack with this level of versatility.

Price: £190
Weight: 770g
Best for: day hiking, hillwalking, everyday, travel

Buy the Klättermusen Delling 20L Backpack: £190 at Klattermusen.com