Affordable Siena Daypack Offers Lots Of Uses

Product:VauDe Siena daypack.

Description: A versatile and affordable daypack designed for cycling but suitable for day hikes and ski touring. Features hip belt, sternum strap, side pockets, helmet or lock holder, key and change purse, padded shoulder straps and integral rain fly.

Pro: This lightweight pack has a lot going for it, with plenty of features at a good price. One of the nicest touches is the built-in rain cover, which stores in a zipped compartment at the bottom of the pack. When the weather threatens, zip it out and you have a high-visibility yellow waterproof cover that snugs securely around the pack body with built-in bungees around the edge. Also nice is the Aeroflex frame, which puts mesh against the back and actually suspends the pack body above that for good breathability and warm weather comfort. Zippered side pockets feature mesh waterbottle holders, and plenty of adjustments are included for cinching down loads and adjusting fit.

Con: The pack’s unusual fit takes just a little getting used to and may feel different at first … until you assume the riding position and the beauty of the design becomes apparent. A beefier waist belt would make for more comfort with heavier loads when hiking or skiing.

Comments: In outdoor gear, versatility equals value and it’s always nice to find one piece of gear suitable for a variety of applications. The Siena daypack really shines as a bike backpack for commutes, trips to the grocery store, recreational riding or campus cruising. It will also perform nicely, however for day hikes and light ski tours. Its traditional teardrop daypack design has been well augmented with a stretchable exterior pocket for helmet or lock (works well for snow shovels too), versatile side pockets, comfortable frame and clever compression system.

Suggested retail: $69.

Company: vauDe Sports, P.O. Box 3413, Mammoth Lakes, CA. 93546; (619) 924-3833.