Patagonia Altvia Pack 28L | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Patagonia Altvia Pack 28L | Review

Here’s our take on Patagonia’s multi-functional one-to-two-day hiking backpack

Why We Chose Altvia Pack 28L Backpack: Lightweight design, recycled fabrics

Patagonia have honed in on a niche in the market here. Aimed at those hiking adventures which have the potential to extend from one day to two days; this backpack is both eco-friendly and very handy indeed.

Though it’s made with hiking as the focus, its understated yet polished aesthetic would also work for a commuter, or for more daily use.

Who Is The Patagonia Altvia For?

Though Patagonia don’t really need an introduction, it’s worth noting the progress they’ve made in terms of eco credentials. Amongst many things, they’ve consistently pledged 1% of the money from their sales to go to the preservation and restoration of our natural environments, amounting to over $89 million so far. They also have their ‘Worn Wear’ initiative where you can fix your old gear or buy used gear. In this sense, the Patagonia Altvia is for an eco-conscious consumer who wants a backpack that will last and that can then go on to be recycled when it does happen to reach the end of its lifespan.

There’s lots of good stuff going on from an eco perspective. Photo: Chris Johnson

Design

The Altvia backpack come in two colours: abalone blue, and noble grey. Sizing options range from S-XL while varying capacities include 14L, 22L, 28L, and 36L (we’ve tested the 28L here).

At the top of the pack you’ll find a lid with a zippered pocket and a large main compartment which is closed and sealed up using a smooth and secure drawstring and clip method.

Sizing options range from S-XL. Photo: Chris Johnson
The sternum strap features quick adjustment. Photo: Chris Johnson
The top of the pack features a lid with a zippered pocket. Photo: Chris Johnson

Inside the main compartment, there’s a small pocket and a hydration sleeve for water systems, whilst on the outside you’ll find a breathable mesh back panel, a hip belt, and comfy hip and shoulder straps made with Regulator Airmesh inserts. The hip belt has secure side pockets for small items you need easy access to on-the-move. You also get a little key clip in the top pocket, along with a detachable rain cover that’s stowed at the base of the pack.

Materials

The 210D reinforced base and the 140D upper material are both made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop. Patagonia source this nylon from post-industrial waste fibres and discards from weaving mills and post-consumer fishing nets.

The rain cover, back panel, straps and lining, on the other hand, are made from 100% recycled polyester materials and the stretch-mesh pockets are a nylon elastane mix.

All materials used have a PU coating and a PFC-free durable water repellent finish – so no eco-hazardous chemicals are present. 

Our test team found the front loading stuff pocket to be extremely useful. Photo: Jamie Barnes

Tester’s Verdict

Ash Routen, Expedition writer and photographer

“Patagonia pitch this pack as ‘for a day, or slightly longer, when your trail time could turn into an overnight.’ The first thing you notice with the Altvia is the large front-loading stuff pocket, which is quite useful for shoving extra layers inside when you can’t be bothered with the faff of undoing the top lid. Although closing up the top lid is admittedly quite easy as it closes up automatically with a simple pull of the drawstring.

“The shoulder straps and hip belt are reasonably well cushioned, although the back panel is basic mesh offering little support, so you do have to be careful how you pack when carrying a decent amount of weight.”

“I really like the cord compression straps. They’re fast and easy to use and not fiddly like on a lot of competitor packs. I also like the sturdy sternum strap which hooks onto heavy duty loops which line the shoulder straps. It’s good to see as I hate the recent trend for flimsy and fiddly clip-on sternum straps.”

Patagonia Altvia 28

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