full of great features including the adjustable back system, frontal zip access
- Colours: Red, Black
- Capacity Volume: 60 + 10 L
- Weight: 2.16KG
- RRP: £120
Having used the Vango Nanga 60 liter rucksack for all my backpacking over the Spring/Summer season I thought I would share with you my thoughts on this rucksack. The Nanga 60 +10 litre rucksack is Duke of Edinburgh approved and comes packed with some interesting new features. The Nanga is fitted with a floating lid, which allows for a further expansion of 10 litres. Over the past four months I’ve used the Nanga on every single trek and camp which allowed me the oppourtunity to explore all the features and design the Nanga offers. Right out of the packaging the Nanga is noticeably different to any previous Vango rucksack I used before, firstly the material has a lighter feel to it. The main body of the Nanga is manufactured from Excel® 210D double line ripstop nylon.
The Vango Nanga 60 + 10
A3 Adjustable pack system
Vango A3 Adjustable back system
The Nanga is fitted with Vango’s own A3 patented anatomical back system which allows individual three-dimensional personal fit across the users body spreading the load evenly. I’ve found the fit to be a lot more accommodating than my previous Vango Sherpa pack.
The adjustable back system is user friendly and simple to modify. It is supported by one central aluminium bar that allows directional motion and two plastic rods, which assist in supporting and delivering weight evenly across the backpack and hip belt. My first use of the Vango Nanga was during a Binnian summit camp on which we hauled extra kit such as climbing gear. Some packs sit bottom heavy leaving too much weight on the hips, I found the Nanga transfered the weight evenly throughout my body spreading the weight across my shoulders, chest and waist. My first outing with the Nanga involved carrying 20kg. Despite the higher weight the pack was reasonably comfortable. The Nanga is a significant improvement from the heavy fabrics and bulkier feel of the Vango Sherpa.
Floating lid
Packing in more kit using the Nanga’s floating lid.
Another new feature for the Nanga is the floating lid which is adjusted with straps and allows the pack to be extended an extra ten litres. I really like the floating lid feature as it allowed me to pack bulky items to the top. Thankfully it is also fitted with a baffle, which runs water away from the main compartment. I also found the floating lid ideal for storing my hard shell jacket where I can get to it quickly. Apart from the extra space the floating lid allows the Nanga also has expansion side zip pockets.
airmesh, straps and hip belt
The Nanga backpack is fitted with Vango’s air mesh, aimed at improving airflow along the back like many other modern rucksacks. The hip belt and chest strap are easy adjustable and wide enough as not to nip against the body. The hip belt is also fitted with clips which is handy to hold back excess strapping. Both sides of the Nanga have straps for ice axes or poles.
On each side you’ll find a mesh pocket which are handy for quick grab items such as suncream, water or a hat.
If you chose to extend the Nanga using the extra 10 litre space you’ll need to compress the load using the strap provided which I actually found a little too short.To compress the load you simply clip the toggle together and pull to secure and compress the load.
Inside the main compartment is a sleeve pocket that is ideal for your hydration pack, other packs I’ve used have larger pockets which only served to allow the bladder pack to move around too much.The hydration tube can be passed out either size of the Nanga.
Like most modern rucksack the Nanga is fitted with a waterproof cover(bright orange color) which is stored in the base of the pack.
Sternum strap
Lid buckle
Another new feature the Nanga has is a frontal zip that allows access to the main compartment. The zip runs in both directions and is protected by a rain guard that has Velcro tabs to keep it in place. I found this feature very useful for packing my kit, as I was able to adjust the contents and see what I was doing rather than just stuffing everything down the main compartment. The Nanga has expansion side zip pockets for extra storage capacity if required, Generally I stored items such as a head torch and map in the zipped side pockets.
Like most Vango pack the Nanga is fitted with a sternum strap whistle which is a nice extra.
If you do decide to use your backpack on foreign holidays you’ll notice the Nanga is fitted with a grab handle for easy transfer.
Front access zip
Looking again at the Double Line Ripstop Nylon on the Nanga I have had a few minors scuffs which is to be expected considering the amount of exposure I put the Nanga through. The Nanga hipband is very comfaortable and wide enough even to fit a big lad like myself. The hipband is also airmesh lined, which aids breathability across the waist area and also reduces rubbing on long trails. So far I’ve attached walking poles using the compression straps on each side to secure them on place,hopefully this Winter I’ll get the chance of some climbing and attaching an ice axe or helmet.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Adjustable back system | Weak Mesh Pockets |
| Easy Access | |
| Expandable to 70 Litres |
Conclusion
The Vango Nanga 60 + 10 is a good choice for multiday backpacking, with some interesting features not usually found at this price point. The lightweight fabric helps keep the weight down while the adjustable back system provides a comfortable fit.
Available online from outdoorworlddirect
If you like the look of the Vango Nanga, please consider buying from OutdoorWorldDirect who provided this item for review.
John Surginor
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