Atom Packs: The Roo Fanny Pack Assessment

Backside Line

The Roo by Atom Packs earned its spot in our prime three greatest fanny pack gear information for good purpose. Its construct high quality rivals that of bigger producers whereas nonetheless sustaining a trail-forward design with a small enterprise really feel. Considerate touches like a handwritten be aware and a chunk of sweet with every buy present the model’s consideration to element.

Made sustainably from EcoPak or XPac offcuts leftover from Atom Packs’ full-size customized backpacks, every fanny pack options distinctive colours that will in any other case find yourself in a landfill. This not solely reduces waste however offers every pack its personal distinct look.

We discovered little to critique when it comes to performance. The Roo is very sensible, and we frequently discover ourselves reaching for it throughout outings. Whereas the random shade choice might not attraction to everybody, an all-black possibility is obtainable. Nonetheless, take into account that Atom Packs relies within the UK, so guarantee and repair might take longer than with home manufacturers.

How We Examined

We used the Roo on a number of day hikes across the Boise foothills, starting from 3-8 miles with various masses. It was examined in a number of configurations: as a traditional fanny pack, sling, and worn over and beneath layers. We additionally evaluated the material’s sturdiness, ease of cleansing, stain resistance, and weatherproofing by means of simulated rain and temporary submersion.

Consolation

 The Roo options an adjustable strap with ample webbing anchors, providing strong assist and weight distribution. Its structured design ensures the pack and contents stay steady throughout motion, making it comfy to put on each as a bum bag and sling. Regardless of its mid-range measurement, the pack stays extremely mild, barely noticeable when carrying a minimal load.

Nonetheless, there are areas for enchancment. Whereas the main focus is on simplicity and weight-saving, the pack lacks padding or breathable mesh on the again panel, which may assist soften its really feel towards the physique. The 2cm-wide webbing belt, one of many thinnest on our checklist, affords fundamental consolation however can dig into the waist when carrying heavier gadgets, corresponding to a water bottle. Though the extensive webbing anchors assist distribute the load, a barely wider, padded strap would enhance general consolation, particularly on longer hikes or when carrying heavier masses.

Sturdiness

Constructed from EcoPak and XPac cloth, the Roo strikes a formidable steadiness between sturdiness, light-weight design, and eco-friendliness.

Throughout our abrasion take a look at, the fabric held up exceptionally properly. Even after publicity to 160-grit sandpaper, the bag confirmed minimal indicators of wear and tear. The abraded part displayed minor fuzzing, seen solely from sure angles. The seams, whereas not taped, are strengthened, and the stitching stays clear and durable.

The principle sturdiness downside is that dust could be troublesome to take away, requiring important scrubbing, significantly alongside the sewn seam on the prime of the bag. A toothbrush was crucial to scrub the material totally. Even after scrubbing with cleaning soap and water, some minor staining remained on each the mesh and cloth.

Total, this minor situation doesn’t impression the pack’s general performance, and just a little dust provides character to the bag with out compromising its efficiency or sturdiness.

Options

Atom Packs, recognized for his or her ultralight designs, has clearly built-in beneficial path expertise into the considerate building of the Roo. The pack affords sensible storage group, together with an inside key clip for securing your experience residence.

Whereas the seams aren’t taped, the Roo is crafted with waterproof cloth and encompasses a waterproof zipper, offering wonderful climate resistance. In each our rain simulation and dunk take a look at, the pack saved moisture out and our gear dry.

The colourful, stretchy shock wire on the twin zipper pulls reduces pressure on the zipper and makes it straightforward to open and shut, even with one hand.

One minor enchancment can be including a strap keeper to handle the surplus webbing as soon as the belt is adjusted. With a 15”-48” belt vary, this function would profit smaller hikers by securing the slack and stopping the strap from dangling.

In any other case, the Roo affords a dependable, weatherproof answer for ultralight adventurers.

Group

The 1.5L Roo we examined affords sensible group that’s well-suited for its measurement. The massive foremost compartment contains an envelope-style safety pocket, good for storing IDs, financial institution playing cards, or different small necessities, together with a handy key clip. A stretchy outer mesh pocket shocked us with how a lot it may securely maintain, and its rolled seam ensures that gadgets received’t slip out, even throughout vigorous motion.

For the two.5L model, the elevated capability might depart some room for enchancment in group. Nonetheless, Atom Packs cleverly designed the Roo in order that the one important change is the depth of the pack. So long as you’re strategic along with your packing, discovering your gadgets in both measurement shouldn’t be an issue.

The considerate design of each sizes ensures that the group stays purposeful, offering an environment friendly technique to carry your necessities with out compromising on efficiency or accessibility.

Ought to You Purchase the Atom Packs Roo Fanny PAck?

Ultralight backpackers and weekend hikers will discover the Roo a wonderful addition to their gear assortment. Designed for each standalone use and pairing with bigger packs, it affords quick access to necessities.

When utilizing it with a bigger pack, think about one and not using a hip belt or be ready to put on two belts concurrently. Whereas the colourful, mixed-color design may not attraction to everybody, the Roo does supply a strong black model for a extra refined look.

Very best for these in moist situations, the Roo’s distinctive weatherproofing ensures your gear stays dry. Nonetheless, its trail-forward aesthetic might make it much less appropriate as an on a regular basis carry for some.

With a top-notch efficiency and a mid-range worth, the Roo affords nice worth for ultralight hikers or anybody searching for dependable storage. Whether or not used by itself or as a complement to a bigger pack, it strikes a fantastic steadiness between utility and price.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Think about?

Curious to see the opposite top-performing fanny packs? Head over to our annual information to the most effective fanny packs to see our full lineup.

LiteAF Featherweight Assessment: The Featherweight by LiteAF nonetheless affords 1.5 L of storage and sheds a complete ounce on account of its ultralight materials. Whereas not as sturdy because the Roo, in case you’re assured in taking good care of your gear and prioritize a low base weight, the Featherweight is a superb alternative. It additionally affords straps with Sliqclips to combine seamlessly with bigger, belt-less backpacks. 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Assessment: The Versa holds virtually a liter greater than the Roo whereas solely including lower than an oz. to your base weight. With the addition of a padded again and backpack waist-belt compatibility, the Versa focuses on versatility in use. Created from Dyneema, this pack additionally performs excessive in sturdiness. Contemplating the premium supplies used, anticipate the next price ticket.

Gossamer Gear Bumster Assessment: In case you’re new to the mountain climbing fanny scene and are uncertain about dedication, the Bumster has efficiency options at an entry-level price ticket. Despite the fact that it lacks a number of the construction and options included in different packs on our checklist, the Bumster has a formidable weight-to-capacity ratio. Its understated design and selection of shade choices make this fanny purposeful on path and as an on a regular basis carry.