Forclaz 70-Litre Trekking Backpack - Khaki

I've borrowed a few trekking backpacks before, but this was my first purchase, and I'm delighted with it. It has proved strong, robust, and comfortable.

The front that fully zips open is a feature I hadn't come across before, but was recommended to try it and now I'd never go back. If you want easy access to your stuff, the ability to pack and repack quickly, and need to arrange gear to sit comfortably, it's a must. The zips all work without snags and it has enough adjustments to keep it comfy without having so much that it gets too complicated.

It was hard to estimate the size I needed but I knew I wanted over 65l, and I'm very happy with 70l. It has served me well on two-week-long holidays, week long festival camping trips (complete with food, clothing, and copious heavy drink inside), and moving house. I haven't tried it for huge treks or backpacking, but for my occasional (but heavy when required) use it is spot-on. If I were making a purchase again today, I'd buy exactly the same one.

I note that it arrived in a much darker colour than the picture appeared, so if the lighter grey is important to you, do be aware of that.

I used this on my coast to coast 200 mile trek across the U.K and I have to say the best thing about is the fact it now smells of BO. I decided on this as the forclaz 50 has been an outstanding bag so I thought it's big brother would do me proud.
Good Points : Front zip is good for access

Bad points : Every thing.
The chest straps turn the shoulder straps into an instrument of torture.
The waist belt is worse than useless
Netted Pouches are useless when packed
All the buckles etc are profanity inducing.

I could go on but frankly it's making me angry thinking about the thing.

The principle is great with the zip and fits masses but it's made so badly there is a ridge in the lower back. I had packed it carefully and the ridge stuck into me the whole time. Seriously painful and frustrating. Please look elsewhere. Luckily I only had to carry it for two days. Also lacks straps to tie on tents/sleeping bags on outside

Nice looking backpack with easy access to the main compartment using zip, I have used it for a 7 day trip across the mountains in wales and I found a bit difficult to carry everything I needed so I had some modifications done before I left on the trip.
Had to sew 2x clips for attaching water bladder, all straps from the backpack are short length and not enough anchor points to attach things outside.
I had to order 10 metres of strap to do necessary mods.
No rain cover.
When the backpack is full I find it really difficult to use side pockets special when side straps are buckled water bottle will be almost impossible, if you using nalgene 750ml forget..
Overall nice looking backpack... but could be improved.

This is actually a fantastic design and incredibly comfortable to wear and adjust. The three star comes purely because of the base of the rucksack. This needs strengthening. One use by a silver dofe’r And we have a snag tear. Now granted we don’t expect it to survive barbed wire treatment etc but the fact that one ripped so easily and another has stretched the stitching is disappointing. Will hold off buying any more til we see an improvement ... we need ours to last a little longer

Very stronge plenty of room great for camping or outdoor adventures

This is a nice bag for the price, light weight and enough space for all my gear. Someone said it digs in at the bottom of your back but I haven't had this maybe as i'm only 5ft 6.

Bought this bag for a three week trip around Asia. I love it and it has all the compartments you could wish for. Massive downside is that the metal support in the back plate pushes it's way out of the velcro meaning the bottom is not supported by the rod anymore. Result? A collapsed bottom that has been digging in the small of my back for the last week.

Twice I made an online purchase which became out of stock after transaction had been completed successfully. Waste of time.