KIT REVIEW: Gregory Packs x Unlikely Hikers Maya Plus Size Pack
Reviewed by Pip
When trying to find kit that works for larger sizes, all too often it means a limited and dull colour palette. But that’s not the case with this Maya 20 backpack from Gregory Packs x Unlikely Hikers . I took it on a recent holiday to Malta and got many compliments for its purple and teal combo.
FEATURES
The backpack has a main compartment, separate space for a water bladder, and a variety of littler pockets (including on the hip straps) for your small bits and pieces. The mesh side pockets are stretchy but robust enough to accommodate my chunky water bottle. The plus size fit means the hip belt and chest strap are longer to fit larger bodies, and the padding on the shoulder strap has been lengthened.
SIZE AND FIT
The Unlikely Hikers colour scheme is only available for the 20L pack, though the website indicates the other sizes in the Maya range are available with a Plus Size fit as well. 20L is a bit of a squeeze for a full days kit in changeable weather – it just about coped with me cramming in the extra layers and waterproofs during the warm and dry moments of my walks. I’m 6ft tall with broad shoulders and the straps fit me well with the back length at its longest adjustment (it can shorten by up to 9cm).
PERFORMANCE
Generally the bag is robust and has done a good job of keeping my kit dry during on and off showers. The clip connecting the chest and shoulder straps did crack on my first outing – I’ve got by fine without the chest strap, though it might be more essential for those with narrower shoulders because of how wide the straps are set. I find it incredibly comfortable to carry and spreads the weight well – including at over 10kg as hand luggage on my way to Malta no problem. I did find that the hip pockets sat quite far back on me – the hip belt has been extended for the plus size version, but perhaps the pockets could have been moved a bit further round.
RRP £125
