Lafuma Pro 4807

Backpack Review
by: daddiboy@aol.com
Manufacturer: Lafuma
Model: Pro 4807
Intended use: Climbing, overnight trips
Volume (Manufacturer): 2650 ci.
Volume (As tested): 2628 ci.
Weight (Manufacturer): 3 lb. 14 oz.
Weight (As tested): 4 lb. 3 oz.
Height unextended: 25 inches
Height extended: 28 inches
Access: Both top and panel

Note: Volume includes all pockets, lid, and main pack compartment(s). Volume was calculated by filling 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 from Cordura 2x2 weave.

The bottom is made from a thick, rubberized non stretch material which is both waterproof and highly flexible. All strapping materials are heavy nylon. The waist belt is 1 inch thick foam and tapers in height from 5-1/2 inches at the back to 4 inches at the front and is encased in Cordura on the outside and a thin fleecy material inside next to the waist. The shoulder straps are 5/8 inch thick foam and encased like the waist belt. Nylon buckles (quick release) and YKK zippers. Stitching is 8 per inch, very neatly done without any loose threads hanging about. All interior surfaces have a thick coat of waterproofing. The seams do not appear to be taped, although when held under strong light no pinholes were detected.

Suspension: The waist band is soft but wraps and holds firmly. The buckle for the waist band is sewn on to the end of the waist band which is neat because when the thing is latched its on your side instead of over you stomach. I find this very much more comfortable for cinching up. Also more comfortable for bending over. The shoulder straps are pre-shaped and extend down the back a little farther than most. This is also very comfortable on your shoulderblades and aids in creating a ventilation channel up the back. The shoulder harness assembly can be raised or lowered by the ladder adjustment system incorporated in the back of the pack. It is a very sturdy affair and does not poke into your back bone like so many other systems of this type. The load lifter straps are effective and draw the pack in to the back while lifting the load off the shoulders. There are two removable aluminum stays which are approx. 19 inches long. The two long back pads which ride on the outer side of the back provide great cushioning as well as complete the ventilation path up the middle of the back.

Fitting: I found the pack comfortable with 28 lbs. loaded into it, which made the total load around 32 lbs. It is easy and quick to adjust and rides well without flopping around. Head movement is unrestricted as well as other normal body movements while walking. The waist band nestles well into the back and does not slip down.

Amenities: The pack has loads of really neat features. The main compartment is one large sack without dividers and is approx. 1877 ci. in volume, unextended. Extended it holds approx. 2223 ci. There is an interior pocket which can be used for either a snow shovel or hydration bag. There is an odd kind of a tramp pocket that hangs on the top of the front of the pack, really handy for maps, a sweater or snacks. It holds approx. 289 ci.. The hood opens from the outside on the back as well as a separate stash pocket inside underneath keys etc..Its volume is approx. 115 ci. The front opening panel on this pack is 11 inches wide by 16 inches tall and allows great access to your gear. On the face of the panel is yet another pocket which zips down the full height of the panel revealing a 11x16 flat storage area for maps, sweater or whatever. If you can’t find a place to put your stuff in this pack, you probably don’t need to bring it along. Two ice ax loops with quick release top buckle, quick release sternum strap, side compression straps, and two vertical compression straps. Zipper pulls and two neat loops on the waist band for your ‘biners. Hand loops on the shoulder straps and ski holders on the sides of the pack top and bottom. No daisy chain!!? One last thing; there are three soft, flexible holding pads. One on the lid and one on each side of the pack. Great for crampons or ski poles. They are made from a material that feels like neoprene so they really grip well.

Praise: This pack is destined to be a classic. It is well built, packs well, rides well, carries well and has the right storage where its needed. It looks and is tough; will put up to alot of use. Ventilation on the back is excellent. Lafuma put in the effort up front on this one and it really shows. I rate this one at 4-1/2 out of 5 stars.

Punishment: I am eyeing this rubber bottom and scratching my head. I shall not judge until I abuse it. It does not stretch, smell funny or seem weak but it is foreign. But so is the pack! (France). The quick release buckles for the axes are too small for my large hands, they should be larger. And my final complaint: There are only three positions of adjustment on the shoulder harness, 3 inches apart. These should be 1 inch increments.

Final verdict: You will love this pack, as I do. I only wish it were 2 lbs. lighter and 1400 ci. bigger.