Millet Namche 70+15 Review

May 28, 2012
Millet Namche 70+15
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Millet Namche 70+15 2Millet-Namche 3Millet-Namche 4Millet-Namche 5Millet-Namche 6Millet-Namche
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
87
Comfort
8
Stability
7
Storage
8
Durability
7
Fit
7

The Good

  • Three access points
  • Fair price
  • Good organization
  • Easy size adjustment

The Bad

  • Hip belt not adjustable
  • Side net pockets need to be deeper
  • The main access point zipper is not seam taped
THE VERDICT

The Millet Namche 70+15 backpack is a large volume backpack that provides good storage, organization and comfort at a reasonable price. This pack performs well in comparison to other backpacks in its category, particularly for its storage, organization options and price.

FULL REVIEW

Pack Access and Organization
The Namche 70+15 has top and bottom zippers, and an additional suitcase style full-length zipper that provides full panel access. These various entry points made it easy to gain access to articles and gear.

The Namche has a boxed shaped lid that has 2 outer and 1 inner pockets.  The boxed design of the lid provides more storage space and provides several organizational options.  The zippers on the outside of the lid are seam-taped to provide extra waterproofing.

The Namche 70+15 has a side-stretch mesh stash pocket on each side of the pack. Each of these pockets holds a 1-liter water bottle, but the pockets need to be deeper to prevent the bottles from escaping during certain activities. The Namche also comes with an incorporated rain cover that is stored in the bottom of the pack.

The Namche 70+15 provides two sets of base exterior straps located near the bottom of the pack. This is a versatile feature as most packs only provide one set of straps. I stored my water shoes in the bottom straps and used the second set of straps to store a tent, sleeping pad or other items.

Hip Belt
The Namche 70+15 has an ergonomic reinforced mobile hip-belt that moves with your body to add comfort. In addition to the thick wrap-around padding, a gel has been integrated into the hip-belt (as well as into the shoulder straps) to help relieve pressure points making it comfortable. I do wish the hip-belt had a size adjustment which would make it easier for users like me that have different torso and waist sizes (in my case, a large torso length, but a medium waist).

Backpanel
The Millet Morphic Back System is comfortable and allowed air to flow between my back and the pack itself.  While this airflow was adequate, I have used other packs that provided better airflow.
 
Stability
I used the Namche 70+15 on a number of backpacking trips carrying loads close to 50-pounds and found it stable in all cases.  The pack did not shift on steep ascents or descents and it felt secure even during the occasional scramble. Although my pack did not exceed 50 pounds on any trek, I felt certain that this pack could handle heavier loads with good stability.

Overall Comfort
The Namche 70+15 is easy to use and to adjust the fit for torso length which adds to the overall comfort of this pack.  The padding on the hip-belt and shoulder straps are very good and provide good overall comfort.

Durability
The Namche 70+15 proved both tough and durable over months of use in a variety of terrain, weather and conditions. The Namche 70+15 is made of durable fabric that repelled dirt and debris very well.

 


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