Topo Designs' Klettersack Review

Published on 08/18/2011

By Andrew Behrendt

Topo Designs Klettersack: When Less Is More

A first glance at the Klettersack from Topo Designs can be deceiving. There are no quick-stash pockets anywhere on the body, and only one zippered pocket on the very top of the bag. Open it up to look for more and the cavernous yellow compartment in the center is so singular and deep it almost appears as an optical illusion. The bag in its entirety seems so simple in its design, more fashion than function, but as with any good backpack there is more than meets the eye.

The exterior, for example, is made of 1000d Cordura, an incredibly tough and durable canvas-like nylon, which, together with the interior coated pack-cloth lining, gives the bag a heavy, wear-free feel. And the upper zippered pocket, which before seemed so trivial and alone, is actually quite large, easily holding a few handfuls of gadgets and trinkets and other items that would otherwise sink to the bottom of the pack. And despite the lack of any other pockets (save for some vertical lash straps on the sides), there is something endearing about the single large open space with its drawstring close, something easy and carefree and ultimately well thought-out. A closer look reveals seatbelt-webbed shoulder straps, "military-spec" hardware, natural leather lash tabs and other features meant to make the bag impermeable to the inevitable wear and tear.

As for Topo Designs (www.topodesigns.com), the growing Colorado company with big hopes for their seemingly simple designs, they back up the durability of their products with a lifetime warranty, and manufacture all their products in a LEEDS certified factory. Though the Klettersack's style still seems to outweigh its functionality, what first appeared as a glorified gym bag is in reality a reliable multi-use pack, and its maker, Topo Designs, seems to be onto something good.

To learn more about Topo Designs visit: www.topodesigns.com