My review of the Kletterwerks Flip rucksack, which makes use of Cordura Classic fabric.
I confess I had not heard of Kletterwerks before. I do like the name, though! It sounds intriguing. A bit of delving revealed that Kletterwerks has a heritage of some 35 to 40 years in the US.
The brand is known for making clean and simple designs of bags with uncompromising durability.
The Kletterwerk’s collection includes eight bags, ranging from an extra tough toiletry bag, The Tube Pocket, to a durable vintage daypack, The Kletterwerks Flip.
Each bag is made with the tough and durable 1000d CORDURA Classic fabric.
What is Cordura?
Cordura Classic fabric is constructed with yarns that are woven in accordance with Invista’s approved fabric standards for the Cordura brand. Essentially, it offers “enhanced tear and abrasion resistance and long -lasting durability”.
The benefits include:
- Stylish durability and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
- Solution-dyed yarns are inherently stain resistant and easy to clean
- Air jet textured fabric for high abrasion resistance
- Resistance to tears, scuffs and abrasions
- “Designed for living, built to last”
- CORDURA heritage that has proven performance in tough environments
- Original classic CORDURA fabric look
- Over 45 years of trusted rugged performance.
Kletterwerks Flip rucksack
Kletterwerks states: “Retro meets Nuevo in the Flip rucksack. Although this heritage design retains its historic lines, the 22l pack incorporates all new features such as an internal, padded 15” laptop sleeve.
- Other features include:
- Lid accessory pocket keeps small items accessible
- Heirloom leather-style label and zipper pulls
- Walking pole or ice-axe holder
- Six different colours
- Handcrafted in the USA
Price: $199 (£161)
See Mystery Ranch for distributors.
On test: Kletterwerks Flip rucksack
The size is good for a day pack. Anything of around 22l to 30l is a good pack size for work and day hiking use.
I am never convinced that a work pack is that great for a walking pack, however, if you only buy one pack, and at $199 you might only have enough money for one pack for the next five years, then it would be possible to use if for a range of activities.
To me, this is more of an “everyday” kind of rucksack. It’s the sort I might use if I went to an office every day, or away for a night. So far, I’ve used it for going to a meeting and a trip to see a friend overnight.
It’s a simple design and I quite like that. There is a top zipped pocket that is nice and roomy. I managed to fit in a bike lock and various bits and pieces like a spare bike light and my wallet.
The inside area has a sectioned off sleeve at the back for carrying a large laptop. There is nothing fancy about this but it does the job pretty well.
There are two straps and metal clips for reducing the volume of the pack. They look old-fashioned but they do the job, right enough.
There’s also a simple hook and strap system for holding walking poles when not in use.
The zips are strong and durable looking and, overall, the pack looks made to last.
The Cordura fabric is strong, durable and robust. I don’t think it’s fully waterproof but it would keep out light rain and drizzle.
It’s a smart looking pack in a heritage sort of style.
The negatives include the price. £160 is a lot for a 22l straightforward pack, but maybe it’s the brand name you’re paying for. I am sure the pack would be long-lasting but I would prefer something a bit more modern.
The dark blue that I have is quite boring, although for a work bag it might be a good, sombre choice.
The shoulders straps are quite padded but there is no back ventilation or waist strap.
I am not keen on the old-fashioned webbing and metal adjustment system either as there are more modern systems, made with plastic, that I think would be easier to use and longer-lasting.
In conclusion, I would say that I might be missing the point of this pack! Maybe it’s the authentic heritage of an American brand that you are paying the high price for? Perhaps it’s pack that costs so much because of it’s super long lasting properties (although I do own rucksacks that have lasted for at lest two decades and still look a lot more modern).
The simple design is refreshing but, in truth, I prefer a few more pockets and a better comfort rating.
For a rucksack that would look good in the office and I think would stand the test of time, perhaps looking even better with age and use, I can see the attraction. For me, it’s a quick walk or bike ride to a meeting kind of bag but definitely not for hiking in the Scottish hills/mountains.
See Mystery Ranch.