Ferrino Zephyr

Backpack Review
by: daddiboy@aol.com
Manufacturer: Ferrino
Model: Zephyr
Suggested use: Small daypack, Mountain Biking, Bookbag
Rated Capacity (Manufacturer): 1220 ci.
Capacity as tested: 953 ci.
Weight (Manufacturer): 1 lb. 12 oz.
Weight as tested: 1 lb. 14 oz.
Height unextended: 19 inches
Height extended: N/A
Access: Panel
Subjective load rating: 10 lb.

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 stuffed as full as possible while still being able to fully close all draw cords, zippers etc.

Construction features: The main body of the pack is made of lightweight, coated Cordura. Ferrino brand nylon zippers with metal pulls. Nylon buckles and strapping are lightweight and small. Sewing is neat with approx. 8 stitches per inch.

Suspension: There is a thin hourglass shaped piece of stiff nylon sheet sewn on to the packs back to provide stiffness. Theres also a single removable aluminum stay running up the middle of the back. The shoulder straps are made of 2-3/4” wide nylon mesh sewn on at the top and adjustable at the bottom. There is an elastic sternum strap. The waistband is a piece of 1-1/2” medium weight nylon strapping with a nylon buckle. The back is also covered with nylon mesh.

Fitting: The pack was too small for me to fit on myself. The person I fit it on was approx. 5’6” and 155 lb. He said it felt comfortable with 10 lb. in it.

Amenities: Actually alot for such a small pack. The main compartment opens wide and has a single horizontal elastic internal compression strap about midway down. There is a 4-1/2” high by 7” wide zippered nylon mesh pocket inside at the top. There is a funny slit cut into the top of the left side for some reason, maybe to slide in an umbrella or fishing pole. At the bottom left inside is a small handsized pocket. Outside on the front is a large flat zippered pocket approx. 14”x8”. Also on the front is a piece of elastic cord to stuff a jacket under. Two accessory attachment points are also sewn onto the front. There is a small zippered compartment on the bottom which dispenses a mesh pocket to put a bike helmet in. Also on the bottom is a Velcro enclosure containing a waterproof pack cover. Two small mesh pockets on the bottom of each side are good for water bottle sized objects. There are two small side compression straps about half way down. Strips of reflective tape are sewn onto the front and the shoulder straps.

Praise: Alot of features for such a small pack.

Punishment: Way too small to fit most adults. The stay is unnecessary for such light loads and just adds weight.

Final Verdict: Good pack if you're not taller than about 5’4”, and don’t need to take more than 10 lb. of gear along. Get the kids one for school.

An excellent pack for active sports (eg, mountain biking, boulder hopping, alpine ascents). The removable internal frame provides great support. Loaded with features: six pockets, raincover, compression straps, strenum strap, camelback compatible. A great value at $73. The only problem is that's its hard to find. Ferrino has limited distribution in the US, though is popular in Europe.