Review – I used to think that when you go hiking, any comfortable backpack will do. That is, until I took a regular backpack for a longer and more intense day trip. My shoulders are sore and my back is full of sweat. Since then, I have been using backpacks designed for hiking day and night. Jack Wolfskin is a brand I have never heard of, but their Crossstrail 24 Lt backpack looks perfect for those beautiful days of hiking that I enjoy from time to time. As summer finally came to the Pacific Northwest, I had to give it a try.
What is it?
Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 Lt backpack is a comfortable and durable day backpack suitable for hiking.
Design and features
When I took it out of the box, its weight left a deep impression on me. Its weight is about the same as the smaller backpack (20 liters) I use for day hikes. It seems that the size difference between 20 and 24 is not big, but there is a metal frame inside the Crossstrail backpack, which my old backpack does not.
The tight mesh back of the backpack allows a lot of airflow. Not only that, it is actually very comfortable to wear. I thought its stiffness would be uncomfortable after a long period of time. Even the hardest part of my hike was almost unnoticed. It also keeps my back cool because it clings to my back. Each shoulder strap is padded and can be adjusted by the buckle on the top of the shoulder strap. The chest strap and waist belt can also be easily adjusted to my smaller frame.
At the bottom of the backpack, there is a small bag with a protective cover inside to prevent rain. It is detachable, so you can even use this pouch to increase storage space if needed, even though it is only large enough to accommodate the lid. It’s well hidden, you don’t even notice it is there!
There are several small pockets on both sides of the belt, which are perfect for storing mobile phones, gummies, keys, and anything else you might be interested in. Of course, the phone really depends on the size. My iPhone 12 Pro Max cannot fit into these side pockets.
The other pocket on the belt is the water bottle pocket. I am very happy about it because it makes it easier to use the water bottle. An added bonus is that it fits all the water bottles I put in it, including my standard 24 oz Hydroflask water bottle. When I walked by my side with a water bottle, it didn’t hinder or feel that the place it was was particularly bulky. I expected it to be a bit annoying and hit my leg, but I was pleasantly surprised.
There are three other open side pockets, which I usually call water bottle pockets. They are deep enough to hold a water bottle, or if you want to easily reach the phone, you can hold the phone, but they are too big for a side pocket like me. I like to mix thin stretchable mesh with durable, tough fabric because when I throw a small bottle of sunscreen in the side pocket, it feels safe due to the stretch of the mesh.
If I don’t care about taking pictures while hiking, I will throw my phone in the main pouch on the front of the backpack. There is also a place to fix your key on the backpack. I put most of the small things that are useless during hiking here, but I need to take it with me just in case. If I also find a nice place, I can throw my Kindle there to read during the hike. In my opinion, its size is just right.
Last but not least, we have the largest part of the backpack, which usually contains beach towels, hand towels, hats, extra food and water, and any other random items I need for hiking. If I want to bring a lightweight jacket, there will always be enough space for a lightweight jacket, but I always start hiking in the afternoon when the weather is clear. However, if I don’t have enough space, I can easily pick up the beach towel and roll it up and use the front strap to secure it to the outside of the backpack.
what do I like
- Very comfortable and light.
- The buttons are easy to remove.
- The side water bottle pocket can hold huge water bottles.
Areas for improvement
- Can be considered expensive.
Final thoughts
Overall, I really like the Crossstrail 24 Lt backpack. It fits my smaller frame perfectly, can hold everything I need without any problems, and is lightweight and comfortable to wear. For some people, the price may be a bit high, but you will get a strong, sturdy frame and durable materials that seem to be able to stick to it for years to come. My old backpack will be retired and I will continue to use the Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 24 Lt backpack to meet my day’s hiking needs.
Price: $119.95
Where to buy: Jack Wolfskin website
source: The sample of this product is made by Jack Wolfskin.
