Topo Designs built a new-school rucksack and made it out of an old-school wool fabric. I tested it this month in the city and the woods. I was pleased with the durable construction and tough Woolrich fabric.
While the price may seem high, I’d rather spend my money once on a pack that’s well built, made in the USA, and versatile than multiple times for lower-quality items that will cost more in the long run.
If you’re like me, the Rover will quickly become your go-to pack.
The Gear: Topo X Woolrich Rover Pack ($189)
Available: Now
Where To Test It: Whether you want to fill it with provisions and head into the wilds for the day or slide your laptop into the padded sleeve and head to the local coffee shop, the Rover Pack is a good choice. Its sturdy USA-made construction means it holds up on the trail, and the sleek shape and stylish Woolrich fabric means you’ll look good no matter where you are.
Though the Cordura outer and coated liner make the bag weather resistant, it is not waterproof.
Who’s It For: Day hikers, weekend warriors and urban adventurers who want a stylish yet useful pack. You can just as easily pack it full at the farmers market, tote your electronics around the city, or stuff it full of gear for a day in the woods.
Boring But Important: Constructed with Woolrich wool and 100d Cordura fabric with a coated pack-cloth liner. Also has heavy duty plastic hardware, inner laptop sleeve, zippered front and top pockets, side pockets for water bottles or additional gear with compression straps.
Dimensions: 18”h x 11”w x 5”d
Volume: 990 cu. in./ 16.2 L
Made In: Colorado, USA
Awesome! The classic construction and aesthetics take you back to the days when gear lasted for generations and simplicity was king. It’ll take a beating and look good doing it. And as a bonus, it’s handmade in Colorado by a small company with a passion for melding the “buy local” movement with the outdoor industry.
Flaw: The Rover Pack has a solid Cordura back, which is great for durability, but not so much for breathability. Seeing as it’s a solid back panel without any vents, there’s a high potential for a sweaty back on longer hikes.
First Impressions: Sturdy construction yet relatively light. Multiple pockets makes storing and accessing gear or electronics convenient. Stylish.
Who Should Buy It: People who may trek to the middle of nowhere or bike downtown. The classic silhouette makes the pack look at home whether heading up a mountain or sliding up to the bar, and the multiple pockets make accessing gear a breeze.
Contact Brand/More Beta: Topo X Woolrich Rover Pack
—Mallory Paige is a contributor. Our “First Look” column highlights new gear arrivals at GearJunkie.com. Photos © Monopoint Media LLC
