Atom Packs: The Roo Fanny Pack Overview

Backside Line

The Roo by Atom Packs earned its spot in our high three finest fanny pack gear information for good motive. Its construct high quality rivals that of bigger producers whereas nonetheless sustaining a trail-forward design with a small enterprise really feel. Considerate touches like a handwritten observe and a chunk of sweet with every buy present the model’s consideration to element.

Made sustainably from EcoPak or XPac offcuts leftover from Atom Packs’ full-size customized backpacks, every fanny pack options distinctive colours that may in any other case find yourself in a landfill. This not solely reduces waste however offers every pack its personal distinct look.

We discovered little to critique by way of performance. The Roo is extremely sensible, and we frequently discover ourselves reaching for it throughout outings. Whereas the random colour choice could not enchantment to everybody, an all-black possibility is obtainable. Nevertheless, remember that Atom Packs is predicated within the UK, so guarantee and repair could take longer than with home manufacturers.

How We Examined

We used the Roo on a number of day hikes across the Boise foothills, starting from 3-8 miles with various hundreds. It was examined in a number of configurations: as a basic fanny pack, sling, and worn over and underneath layers. We additionally evaluated the material’s sturdiness, ease of cleansing, stain resistance, and weatherproofing via simulated rain and temporary submersion.

Consolation

 The Roo options an adjustable strap with ample webbing anchors, providing strong assist and weight distribution. Its structured design ensures the pack and contents stay secure throughout motion, making it comfy to put on each as a bum bag and sling. Regardless of its mid-range measurement, the pack stays extremely gentle, barely noticeable when carrying a minimal load.

Nevertheless, there are areas for enchancment. Whereas the main target is on simplicity and weight-saving, the pack lacks padding or breathable mesh on the again panel, which may assist soften its really feel towards the physique. The 2cm-wide webbing belt, one of many thinnest on our checklist, gives primary consolation however can dig into the waist when carrying heavier objects, equivalent to a water bottle. Though the extensive webbing anchors assist distribute the load, a barely wider, padded strap would enhance general consolation, particularly on longer hikes or when carrying heavier hundreds.

Sturdiness

Constructed from EcoPak and XPac cloth, the Roo strikes a formidable stability between sturdiness, light-weight design, and eco-friendliness.

Throughout our abrasion check, the fabric held up exceptionally properly. Even after publicity to 160-grit sandpaper, the bag confirmed minimal indicators of wear and tear. The abraded part displayed minor fuzzing, seen solely from sure angles. The seams, whereas not taped, are bolstered, and the stitching stays clear and durable.

The primary sturdiness downside is that filth might be troublesome to take away, requiring vital scrubbing, notably alongside the sewn seam on the high of the bag. A toothbrush was mandatory to wash the material completely. Even after scrubbing with cleaning soap and water, some minor staining remained on each the mesh and cloth.

General, this minor concern doesn’t impression the pack’s general performance, and slightly filth provides character to the bag with out compromising its efficiency or sturdiness.

Options

Atom Packs, recognized for his or her ultralight designs, has clearly built-in priceless path expertise into the considerate development of the Roo. The pack gives sensible storage group, together with an inside key clip for securing your experience house.

Whereas the seams aren’t taped, the Roo is crafted with waterproof cloth and encompasses a waterproof zipper, offering wonderful climate resistance. In each our rain simulation and dunk check, the pack stored moisture out and our gear dry.

The colourful, stretchy shock twine on the twin zipper pulls reduces pressure on the zipper and makes it straightforward to open and shut, even with one hand.

One minor enchancment can be including a strap keeper to handle the surplus webbing as soon as the belt is adjusted. With a 15”-48” belt vary, this characteristic would profit smaller hikers by securing the slack and stopping the strap from dangling.

In any other case, the Roo gives a dependable, weatherproof answer for ultralight adventurers.

Group

The 1.5L Roo we examined gives sensible group that’s well-suited for its measurement. The massive most important compartment consists of an envelope-style safety pocket, excellent for storing IDs, financial institution playing cards, or different small necessities, together with a handy key clip. A stretchy outer mesh pocket shocked us with how a lot it may securely maintain, and its rolled seam ensures that objects received’t slip out, even throughout vigorous motion.

For the two.5L model, the elevated capability could depart some room for enchancment in group. Nevertheless, Atom Packs cleverly designed the Roo in order that the one vital change is the depth of the pack. So long as you’re strategic along with your packing, discovering your objects in both measurement shouldn’t be an issue.

The considerate design of each sizes ensures that the group stays useful, offering an environment friendly method to carry your necessities with out compromising on efficiency or accessibility.

Ought to You Purchase the Atom Packs Roo Fanny PAck?

Ultralight backpackers and weekend hikers will discover the Roo a superb addition to their gear assortment. Designed for each standalone use and pairing with bigger packs, it gives quick access to necessities.

When utilizing it with a bigger pack, contemplate one and not using a hip belt or be ready to put on two belts concurrently. Whereas the colourful, mixed-color design won’t enchantment to everybody, the Roo does supply a strong black model for a extra refined look.

Ultimate for these in moist situations, the Roo’s distinctive weatherproofing ensures your gear stays dry. Nevertheless, its trail-forward aesthetic could make it much less appropriate as an on a regular basis carry for some.

With a top-notch efficiency and a mid-range value, the Roo gives nice worth for ultralight hikers or anybody on the lookout for dependable storage. Whether or not used by itself or as a complement to a bigger pack, it strikes an awesome stability between utility and price.

What Different Fanny Packs Ought to You Think about?

Curious to see the opposite top-performing fanny packs? Head over to our annual information to the most effective fanny packs to see our full lineup.

LiteAF Featherweight Overview: The Featherweight by LiteAF nonetheless gives 1.5 L of storage and sheds an entire ounce attributable to its ultralight materials. Whereas not as sturdy because the Roo, when you’re assured in caring for your gear and prioritize a low base weight, the Featherweight is a good selection. It additionally gives straps with Sliqclips to combine seamlessly with bigger, belt-less backpacks. 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Overview: The Versa holds nearly a liter greater than the Roo whereas solely including lower than an oz. to your base weight. With the addition of a padded again and backpack waist-belt compatibility, the Versa focuses on versatility in use. Constructed from Dyneema, this pack additionally performs excessive in sturdiness. Contemplating the premium supplies used, anticipate the next price ticket.

Gossamer Gear Bumster Overview: In the event you’re new to the mountain climbing fanny scene and are uncertain about dedication, the Bumster has efficiency options at an entry-level price ticket. Though it lacks a number of the construction and options included in different packs on our checklist, the Bumster has a formidable weight-to-capacity ratio. Its understated design and selection of colour choices make this fanny useful on path and as an on a regular basis carry.