Review: The Northface Skareb 40L

Product Specifications

• Sizes: S – L
• Avg Weight: [Small] 2 lbs 3 oz (990 g); [Medium] 2 lbs 10 oz (1190 g); [Large] 2 lbs 15 oz (1330 g)
• Volume: [Small] 2150 in3 (35 liters); [Medium] 2450 in3 (40 liters); [Large] 2750 in3 (45 liters)
• Fit Range: [Small] 15 in.-18 in. (38 cm-46 cm); [Medium] 17 in.-20 in. (43 cm-51 cm); [Large] 19 in.-22 in. (48 cm-56 cm)
• Fabric: 70 D ripstop nylon, 210 HT ripstop Cordura® nylon, 420 HT nylon
• Dimensions: [Small] 22 in. x 13 in. x 6 in. (56 x 33 x 15); [Medium] 24 in. x 13 in. x 6 in. (61 x 35 x 17); [Large] 26 in. x 13 in. x 7 in. (66 x 33 x 17)

Thoughts

As far as construction and design the Northface Skareb is built to last with a ripstop nylon shell, a comfortable x-frame 2.0 and some of the highest quality zippers I have ever seen. The small pack might be a little too small for anything useful but the medium (which I purchased) is great for the non-camping backpacker who plans to travel light. The extra five liters in the large pack would be handy for bringing back additional souvenirs but I tend to pack a rolled up duffel bag and use it as carry on on my return flight.The x-frame 2.0 fits comfortably and works perfectly to transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips. Being that the pack is smaller (35, 40, 45) there really isn’t a lot of weight to handle. However, even though this pack doesn’t hold a whopping 50L or 60L it feels as light as a feather when its full of typical travel items. My personal memories of carrying frame-less water packs for weed spraying helps me realize the benefits to metal frame backpacks. This is not an option, it’s a requirement for any pack.The pack holds a maximum weight of 30 pounds which is plenty if you consider the weight of a light packer’s clothes. I’ll weight my pack and let you know what I typically carry for 2 week excursions (Hostel/Hotel sleeping).The pack seems to have a number of areas for quick access storage and clip on accessories including two large side pockets which I use for camera and passport storage. After 3 years it still looks and works like the day I purchased it. I haven’t had the experience of using the rain cover but I do hope my 2011 trip from Panama to Colombia via land/water should provide the opportunity. (I hear its a wet ride)

• Backpacker Magazine rated Skareb as the best pack of 2006.
• REI Listing

Although the Skareb pack may be difficult to find now-a-days it represents everything needed in a lightweight weekender and speaks to the type of quality that exists in the market. Ripstop nylon and a sturdy frame make this pack a great purchase that I would recommend to anyone interested in lightweight travel.