It took a trip to Frankfurt, Germany, to discover Topo Designs, based in Colorado. Funny how that works. Travel to the other side of the globe to discover what is in your own backyard. I’m glad the discovery was made, and I immediately contacted them to get a sample of the Klettersack, their classic 22 liter backpack. The backpack is a simple design, with a large compartment sporting a dedicated laptop sleeve, and a smaller zippered top pocket. There are also side pockets for stowing bottles or other gear. The simplicity is great, and the bag can be filled to the brim with everything a day hiker or commuter might need. For me, this means shoes, a laptop, a jacket, and the other smaller necessities of daily life. There are leather lash tabs for the required blinky light, or if you really want to light up your ride, attach a blinky to all four tabs. The quality of the backpack is top notch, with all manufacturing taking place in their LEED certified facility in Colorado. Topo Designs is a thoughtful company and much time is spent prototyping their products before releasing them into the wild. The Klettersack is a byproduct of this philosophy, and it’s apparent in its ease of use and rugged good looks. I am a fan of the Klettersack, and I hope to bring you more Topo products in the future.
