With 70 litres of space in its main compartment and then an optional 10 litres of additional space by utilizing the two 5 litre side pockets it gets its official name ‘Vango Sherpa 70:80’! If you are looking for a reliable and hard wearing pack at a good price then this is the bag for you.
Adjustable Back System
The Sherpa has been around for many years and is now officially endorsed by both the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the Scouts Association. It comes in different sizes and back shapes but this one is the largest on offer. So if you have a lot of kit or are thinking of sharing one pack between a couple this could be a great option for you. Featuring Vango’s Adjustable Back System, the Sherpa can be tailored to your exact back measurements, ensuring it is a comfortable fit for all heights. This system allows the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate the wearer’s unique back. Younger travellers looking for a pack to see them through their DofE and beyond may especially take comfort in this feature, as the Sherpa can “grow” with you over the years, and provide many years of comfortable travel. The back system, built on two contoured alloy bars, can also be adjusted whilst wearing the pack, allowing you to find the optimum weight distribution without having to take the pack on and off again.
The Sherpa’s Airmesh harness allows the free-flow of air around the back and shoulders, keeping you cool and providing maximum comfort for those long hikes. No more sweaty backs after a few miles! To keep overall weight down whilst maintaining key strength and durability, the Sherpa features an Excel® 600D Recycled Polyester canvas. This material is part of Vango’s Earth Collection which aims to have a lower environmental impact in it’s production.
Pockets & Compartments
Ease of accessibility is essential on the move, and the Sherpa offers a number of pockets and stash options. There are two side pockets to accommodate your water bottles, and for extra easy access there is a stash on the right hip belt – excellent for keeping cash and valuables close, and for easy access when wearing the rucksack. Further compartments are offered on the rucksack lid, and a watertight pocket on the front featuring a rainproof zip – idea for stashing maps, first aid kit, insect repellents and other hygiene kit. Unlike the Contour model, the Sherpa’s main compartment features a separate draw-string compartment for towels and rainwear, or even just a place to keep your dirty items until you get to the nearest hostel.
And in addition to the pockets, the rucksack is fully dual access, allowing access to the main body compartment from both top and bottom. This is especially useful when hiking with friends and sharing equipment, as they can get quick access to your pack without having to set down first. The “top-loader” access as featured on the Sherpa is the more traditional hiking variant to the increasingly popular “clam shell” travel backpacks, which feature a front opening, more akin to a suitcase style. It is worth checking out our range of Osprey backpacks to see the full range of accessibility options.
The Sherpa is fully compatible with all your accessories, catering for walking poles and ice-picks, hydration systems, and features bungees to secure your sleeping bag and mat to the main body. Side compression straps are also offered, helping to keep your contents tightly packed and the pack more rigid, helping to provide a more comfortable hike. And speaking of compression, with the abundance of straps and features on the Sherpa, you may wish to look at our range of rucksack transit covers and carriers, useful to keep everything in place when checking in at airports, or settling down for a long bus ride between stops.
