I've been meaning to replace my trusted TNF ROUTER travel pack for a couple of years and decided recently on the PACSAFE EXP35 as a suitable replacement. The pack doubles up as a business travel backpack but is more than suitable for a hiking backpack at weekends when I'm not offshore in the Java Sea for ISO auditing of offshore pipelaying operations.

Helen Menhinick (ML) of Bryn Walking (part of Menhinick Outdoors Limited) and I have both spent a day with the EXP35 and it's perfect for my needs. We are of differing height but it suited us both well to carry with a medium load for a day hike.

MY OBSERVATIONS:
Pros: 35L is the right size for me - PACSAFE anti-theft security features as expected from PACSAFE - plenty of useful interior features and pockets - 100% PFC free - made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles - fits my 16" laptop - meets airline carry on standards - water repellent fabric - RFIDSAFE shielding pasports and credit cards from unwanted scans - waterproof liner in the base zipped compartment for shoes/boots or wet clothing.
Cons: There's no internal sleeve for my 16" laptop - there's no arrangement for using a hydration system so the hose has to exit the main compartment by leaving a gap between two zips .
Conclusion:  I like this travel backpack but think it would benefit from an integral laptop sleeve within the main compartment which could be used as a hydration sleeve as well if it had a tube exit. Perhaps a larger version might be a useful addition to the product range, maybe an EXP45?
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HELEN'S OBSERVATIONS:

1. Very well designed rucksack for security
2. Ideal for travel purposes when carrying would only be for limited periods
3. For the litre size I would expect a supporting waist strap
4. Although not designed for hiking an integral hydration facility would be useful
5. The top handle could be much more sturdy like the one on the front, it is not comfortable as it is
6. It looks smart and professional

Sunday 14th May: I attended "Classics in Cardiff" yesterday as a guest of the chairman, Mr Jon Griffiths. I'm working with the club to train members in CPR/AED skills for their clubhouse.