Ferrino Stratus

Backpack Review
by: daddiboy@aol.com
Manufacturer: Ferrino
Model: Stratus
Intended use: Daypack, mountain biking, skiing, summit
Rated Capacity (Manufacturer): 2745 ci.
Capacity as tested: 1948 ci.
Weight (Manufacturer): 2 lb. 10 oz.
Weight (As tested): 3 lb. 0 oz.
Height unextended: 21 inches
Height extended: N/A
Access: Panel

Note: Capacity includes all pockets, lid, and main pack compartment(s). Capacity was calculated by filling the compartments with measured amounts of water. Weight is complete pack as shipped from the manufacturer. Height is measured with the pack as full as possible while still being able to fully close all draw cords, zippers etc.

Construction features: The fabric is coated Cordura. Shoulder straps are 1/2”x2” foam, pre shaped and covered in Cordura. Strapping is medium weight nylon and nylon buckles. The zippers are nylon and carry the Ferrino label on the pulls. The waistband is 3/8” foam covered in Cordura. The back is double padded; one thin layer sewn in the back and 1” pieces covered in nylon mesh which only serve to contact the shoulders and lumbar area.

Suspension: A 1/8” nylon framesheet runs full width and height to provide stiffness in the pack. Its non removable. The waistband is thin but surprisingly firm and fastens with a quick release buckle placed off center. Shoulder straps are plenty firm for a pack this size. No load lifters here but a sternum strap is provided. The “Equalized Back Pressure” system of back padding works well to only let the pack contact the back on the shoulder blades and lumbar area. Provides good air flow along the back too.

Fitting: The pack snugs up tight with the suspension provided. Full range of head movement. Shoulder straps are wide and distribute the weight to the shoulders well.

Amenities: Three’s lots! The main compartment is expandable in an unusual way. We’re all familiar with the perimeter zippers common to panel loaders. Well this pack has a second zipper the same length as the main panel zipper only right up along the back of the pack. And when unzipped allows the pack to bellow out a couple inches to provide more space. The volume of the main compartment closed is approx. 1502 ci. and open is approx. 1848 ci. While in the main compartment you will see a large mesh pocket about 12” wide by 9” tall on the back of the pack. Its sewn down the middle to make two pockets 6”x9”. Behind that right on the back is a large flat pocket about 12”wide by 9” tall with a Velcro closer at the top. On the right side inside the pack is a 10” tall by 1-1/2” in diameter thin nylon sleeve sewn in the upright position which would be good for fishing pole, staff or tent poles. On the left side inside is a flat pocket 9”x4”. Inside the front of the pack are yet two more flat pockets. One is a zippered mesh pocket 8-1/2”x4”, the other is a zippered nylon pocket 9”x6”. Outside on the front is a bellowed zippered pocket which holds approx. 50 ci. and on the left side is a pocket good for a water bottle or would hold about 50 ci. of gear. There are two ax loops with a quick release buckle, top compression straps, loops to put your skis into on the sides, and last but not least, on the bottom of the pack is a little compartment dispensing a mesh (look like a hair net) pocket that attaches to the pack front via Velcro tabs. When in place you can put a bike helmet in it or other object of similar size.

Praise: Lots of good storage possibilities. It would suit a variety of outdoor uses. Really a good job on the back padding

Punishment: More pockets please!! Just kidding. My only real complaint is the shoulder straps are on the stiff side. Maybe they will soften up with a little use.

Final Verdict: Hey I like it. Its got alot of features that many different people will use. It's really a comfortable pack. 4.5 out of 5 stars.