From Shimano’s Unzen pack it’s clear they understand that fast cross-country and trail riding is a dynamic experience.
Controlling the weight of 2L of water, as well as some in-ride essentials such as nibbles, a spare tube and pump, is taken care of with a clever X-shaped unisex design shoulder strap arrangement. The straps fasten together using a small buckle positioned right on the sternum.
A heavily pre-curved pack shape and lightweight materials (Ripstop and stretch panels) mean dry weight is low, and back fit is brilliant. The pack is independently height adjustable so you can get it exactly where your body wants it.
A Shimano-branded 2L Hydrapak bladder does the water feeding business with good effect. The pack is a little limited in load space, but while there’s a bigger Unzen 15 model we think the 10 is perfect for general use if you’re ruthless with your packing.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.