Haglofs, a small company out of Sweden, has recently provided a new contribution to the growing list of ultralight backpacking options in the L. Strive This pack is simple in design, versatile, and sleek for those who are looking for a simplified model that performs well carrying both heavy and lighter loads.
Its large mesh side pockets and substantially sized waistband also make the pack comfortable on long days. With and without the frame, it holds its form and provides support, more so than the lighter contenders that we tested. The L.
Strive shines in its ability to adapt and can be used in a range of situations, from longer backpacking trips to the summit bid on a peak. Strive receives its lowest scores in the weight to volume metric. Compared to your average mountaineering pack, it's undeniably lightweight, but when tested head to head to the highest-ranking competitors in the ultralight backpacking world, the Strive comes up short.
Because it has a simple design with very few external pockets, the Strive has a lower overall carrying capacity than packs like the ULA Circuit or the Gossamer Mariposa. That aside, we did find that the Strive had a larger capacity than the manufacturer claimed-with a total volume of 63 L when measured, as opposed the 50 L capacity claimed online.
When fully packed, we noticed that the Strive carried just as large a load as packs with similar volumes, such as the Gossamer Mariposa. The Strive still managed to beat out The North Face Phantom 38 when it came to its weight-to-volume ratio.
When the Strive is stripped down to its lowest overall weight, the pack carries very well with both light and heavy loads. In fact, at the beginning of our testing period, we removed the frame and didn't feel the need to replace it, even when carrying heavy loads.
The waist belt is comfortable and wide, providing plenty of support part of the reason why the pack is so heavy is this hefty, supportive band. Even with the frame removed, the back is stiff and provides support, though adds weight.
The Strive 50 has one of the more pris haglöf juniper 50 backs— similar to the two Gossamer models. Strive 50's most striking feature is, ironically, its distinct lack of features. The pack is sleek and simple, making it easy to trim down. Its top-loading design works well with the full-length, waterproof zipper down the outside of the pack.
This feature makes it easy to access items that are at the bottom of the pack without unpacking everything. The pack also has a hydration sleeve compartment and a hose clip on the chest strap. In addition to the removable lid, the pack only has four other pockets: two mesh pockets on the side, and two on the hip belt.
If you are looking for more small compartments for storage, this pack is not the pack for you. It is a simple pack, with enough support in the back with a removable frame to carry heavy loads with ease.