Lafuma Eiger 75

Backpack Review
by: daddiboy@aol.com
Manufacturer: Lafuma
Model: Eiger 75
Intended use: Multi-day
Total volume (Manufacturer): 4600ci.
Total volume (As tested): 4302 ci.
Unextended volume (As tested): 3350 ci.
Weight (Manufacturer): 4 lb. 15 oz.
Weight (As tested): 5 lb. 7 oz.
Height unextended: 32 inches
Height extended: 36 inches
Access: Top/bottom

Note: Total volume includes all pockets, lid, and main pack compartment(s) extended.

Volume was tested by filling the compartments with measured amounts of water. Weight tested is the 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 body of the pack is made of Cordura except the bottom which is made of a heavy rubberized material. It’s very well assembled with tidy stitching at 8 per inch. The seams aren’t sealed but showed no pinholes when held to a strong light.

The buckles are large, quick release nylon and Ladderlocks on the adjustable ones. The shoulder straps are 5/8” thick by 2-1/2” wide, on the firm side, and encased on the outside in Cordura and inside with a soft fleecy material. The waist band is substantial; 1 inch thick, 5-1/2” at the back, 4 “ at the front, covered in Cordura outside and nylon mesh inside. It’s a three ply waistband with cushy foam next to the waist, then 3/16” closed cell foam and lastly a thin 1/16” fairly stiff piece of sheet plastic. The nylon strapping materials are heavyweight. YKK zippers. Heavy coat of waterproofing inside.

Suspension: The waistband gives excellent support on the hips. It doesn’t slip. It’s attached so well to the pack it can hardly be moved. There is a removable aluminum stay.

That's right “stay” singular. Actually the stay is the shape of an inverted “U”; one piece, thus stay. I found this an interesting “feel” while walking. It was a very stiff feel up the length of the stay, yet I could still twist the frame a bit while climbing over a log or taking a really large step up a steep grade. The shoulder harness is fully adjustable with load lifters. The backpad is approx. 1” thick and runs in two wide strips up either side of the back creating a air channel for ventilation. Large, cushy lumbar pad encased in nylon mesh like the backpads and waistband.

Fitting: Lots of adjustment here. The shoulder harness is adjustable every inch up the back on a ladder type system. The buckle on the waistband is off to the side and is easier to fasten and allot more comfortable than belts which fasten in the middle. I put 45 lb.. in

the pack and found it most enjoyable for the walk I went on. Next day I put in my normal 7 day packweight of 31 lb.. and wow I could hardly feel it on my back. Every part of this pack does its job as intended. Very well balanced, a joy to carry.

Amenities: Where to start here..... Ski attachments on the sides, two ax loops with Ladderlocks, extra attachment points on the front. A zip out divider to the lower sleeping bag compartment, double drawstrings for closure at the top. The top closes with a single quick release strap down the front to the lower compartment. The side compression straps are neat; they go criss-cross the back from top to bottom. This works well to both compress up-down and side-side as well as cross braces the entire pack. The lid covers the pack well but two things bother me about it. 1) The top pocket is way too small (347 ci.) and 2), there’s a one way zipper on it so you have to almost have to open it all the way to get into it deep. The bottom compartment accesses easily via a large zipper from the front.

There is a 8 inch square flat pocket on the underside of the lid great for keys etc.

Praise: Hands down this is one of the finest packs of this size I’ve looked at. At 5 lb.. 7 oz. still a pound lighter than most like it. Excellent suspension and carry. Easy to pack, unrestricted head movement. I’m 5’-10” tall and this pack when extended is the same height as I am; important when blazing trail through the bush.

Punishment: No question, needs a double zipper on the lid. Also a larger volume in the lid pocket. I don’t like the plastic piece on the front of the pack that the compression straps run through. Just personal preference there, I’d cut it off to save weight along with the rest of the extra buckles and strapping. There’s probably 8-10 oz.. to trim off this pack.

Final verdict: 4-1/2 out of 5 stars here. You’ll be comfortable with heavy loads for long distances with this pack. Like the other Lafuma packs I’ve seen, it’s a high quality piece of gear I feel I could count on.