Equinox Gila Ultralite Horizontal Pack Pocket
Reviewed by
Barbara Matthews
+545
September 22, 2014 (original Sep 20, 2014)
I used this add-on pocket as a second hip belt pocket for my Deuter Act Lite 75+10 Backpack. It took a bit of fiddling to get it securely in place but then it was a handy addition. This review is for the large size horizontal add-on pocket.
Pros
- Velcro straps allows a variety of installation
- Large enough to hold Samsung Note 3 + a couple of other items
- Large enough to hold Sony Nex 3N and a few other small items
- Easy add on, just as easy to take off
- Lightweight
Cons
- Average to less than average materials and construction
- Difficult to secure so that pocket doesn't rotate on hip belt
My backpack only had one hip belt pocket so I added this to the other side. First I needed a pocket large enough to easily store my Samsung Note 3 cell phone along with a few other small items I wanted to keep handy. I also wanted a pocket large enough to store a Sony Nex 3N in a ziploc bag if caught in a rain shower. The pocket won't hold both of those large items but it will hold one of them and a few other small items.
I had to try several different ways to attach the pocket before I finally found what would work with my hip belt and prevent the pocket from rotating and hanging down. Also had to find a way to keep it from falling off the hip belt when I took my pack off. Once I managed to get it firmly attached, the pocket stayed securely in place.
The pocket functioned as I needed it to. I often struggled with the zipper because it frequently got stuck. There were fibers from an unfinished edge inside the pocket which often got caught too. It is lightweight at 1.2 oz for the large size with most of that coming weight from the velcro straps. The pocket itself does not seem very sturdy or well made but it did hold up during a multiday backpacking trip without any special precautions.
Does it work, yes. Am I still shopping for a sturdier option, yes, since I want to carry electronics in the pocket. If you are just looking for an add-on pocket for snacks and chapstick this is a great option. If you are looking for something a bit sturdier keep shopping.
Attached to hip belt with two velcro straps that are on the back of the pocket.
Really difficult to get a decent photo of the volume. It turns out that this Nalgene can be zipped in this pocket with no extra room left. The dimensions of the pocket are 6"W x 4.5"H x 1.5"D. The main pocket is nylon and there is a front mesh pocket that is kept closed with a tab of velcro. The main pocket was so full with larger items when I used this, I didn't use the mesh pocket.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $11.99
