Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If possible, I would RATE THIS ITEM 3.5 STARS
The "High Sierra Envoy Lumbar Pack" is from first appearance a well constructed lumbar pack with lots of piece work and stitching. The selection of materials used, are for the most part well selected and assembled from tough fabric. The short comings surface when one uses the product. For that reason, I have the distinct impression that not all of the intended functions for this bag were thoroughly tested.
The first short coming with this lumbar pack is how the product deals with excess waist belt strap material. Most every pack that I have owned has always used some sort of interweaving buckle. A design that I'm guessing has been around since Roman days. Unfortunately (see photo) this product uses some sort of cheap plastic clip on the waist belt that are more annoyance then serve a useful function.
Since the clips are not designed as a single continues plastic loop on the back side (see photo), the clips do not have enough friction inherent to their design such that the clips stay in place along the waist belt. Instead, these clips, which I presume are suppose to keep the excess belt material out of the way of the user do just the opposite as the excess material and clips move about the waist at will.
Another issue with this very dysfunctional clip design is the fact that the excess belt material does not weave in and out of the plastic clip (see photo). Instead the excess material merely slids into the clip from the top. Hence when the excess belt material clip is not moving around, the excess material is slipping out from the top of the clip itself.
The second short coming rest with the set of "quick-release compression straps to attach". Because the adjustable strap attachment points are sewn on to the back side of the lumbar pack, the amount of tension used to secure whatever external item you may be carrying, i.e. tripod, water bottle, depends completely on the items and their positions within the main compartment. Reposition items in the main compartment as things invariably do when hiking, removing small binoculars or a guide book and the rear straps loose compression.
A related issue, because the rear compression straps depend on the main compartment to function, every time the straps are being used and the wearer wants to add items to the main compartment, you have to first relax the adjustable straps so that the main compartment can increase in volume.
Another issue with the "quick-release compression straps to attach" is that the ends of the straps are neither free to flap about nor capable of being held tightly in place (see photo). Because of that, a person will always have a pair of thick and fairly strong loops of material extending from the rear of the lumbar pack, creating a place where a person can get hung up on a door handle, branch or protruding limb. For that reason, the wearer must always be alert when turning around so as not to get snagged by the extra strap material.
For me, I find it best to keep the lumbar pack on the front side of my body when carrying water or a tripod to avoid having them dislodge unnoticed. But, as stated in another posting, this is a big lumbar pack, and to keep the pack in front may not be practical for persons with a small frame.
Last, I think this lumbar pack was designed to fit people of all sizes which is a mistake in itself. When I buy a belt, I buy a 36 inch belt and not a 56 inch belt. Why, because I don't want all of that excess material left over to tuck away. The same goes for a lumbar pack. With this pack, I have as much waist belt material left over as I need to use. Two people can fit inside this lumbar pack. Because this pack has so much waste belt material left over, the dysfunctional clips designed to secure this left over material fail at their task even more miserably.
Minus 0.50 for poorly managing the excess waste belt material.
Minus 0.50 for making the adjustable compression straps dependent on main compartment use.
Minus 0.25 for the snagging problem associated with the adjustable compression straps in back.
Minus 0.25 for attempting to have this one lumbar waste pack fit thin to very obese persons.
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High Sierra Envoy Lumbar PackStay out longer and go farther whether hiking on the trail or strolling through the city with the High Sierra Envoy lumbar pack. The Envoy, which offers 275 cubic inches of interior space, delivers hands-free, lightweight storage for all the little extras you don't want to leave behind. The bulk of the pack's storage is divided among a dual top-loading compartment for larger items, a pair of zippered side accessory pockets for smaller items, and a zippered front accessory pocket for your keys or ID. However, the bag also includes a CD/MP3 player pocket with a PVC headphone port, so you can easily listen to your favorite tunes while hiking. And to help you fit even more gear than a bag of this size should allow, the Envoy is equipped with quick-release compression straps.
The Envoy is also built to keep you comfortable on the trail, with a durable waist belt with webbing keepers that adjusts to fit waist sizes between 21 and 55 inches, and a Vapel mesh padded back panel that wicks away body moisture. Other details include a contoured webbing daisy chain that lets you attach a carabiner or other gear, impact- and freeze-resistant hardware that performs well in adverse conditions, and reflective accent piping that provides added safety at night. A versatile travel companion for all your adventures, the Envoy measures 10.5 by 6.5 by 4 inches (W x H x D).
About High Sierra A family owned organization for more than 30 years, the High Sierra Sport Company is committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags and luggage that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer. The company specializes in adventure travel, with a dedication to function, design, and quality in each of its products. From athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to students, travelers, and professionals, High Sierra's versatile, innovative products are sure to fit almost everyone's needs.
Founded in 1978 as H. Bernbaum Import & Export Company by Harry Bernbaum and Hank Bernbaum, High Sierra has grown into the 10th largest outdoor company in the U.S. Today, High Sierra Sport Company employs 40 people and distributes and sells to more than 1,500 retailers and 2,250 corporate accounts worldwide. High Sierra is the official supplier of bags to the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding teams and its memberships include the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), SnowSports Industries America (SIA), and the Travel Goods Association (TGA).
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