Review of Gonex folding lightweight 30L backpack

This is a lightweight (277g), light-duty backpack which rolls up for storage and can be stuffed into its 34x12x10cm storage pack, albeit with some difficulty.
It is made from a durable ripstop nylon which is sufficiently weather-resistant to handle prolonged light showers although it must be noted that the backpack is not waterproof and can leak at the seams and zip so if used during heavy rain then contents should be packed into a liner - which is common to nearly all backpacks. The pack consists of just one main compartment measuring 50x31x15-20cm approx with an inner sleeve pocket of 35x30cm. Access is good via a full width zip across the front but the zip is not at the top so if opened while being worn and fully-packed, some of the contents are likely to fall out. Therefore it is more practical to open when the pack is lying flat on the ground.
A 14cm-opening smooth-running zip at the top gives access to an internal pocket of 18cm wide x 20cm deep ideal for carrying small, easily-lost items such as tickets or documents rather than having to delve through the entire pack contents to find them. To each side are stretchy, elastic-topped mesh pockets ideal for carrying waterproofs, a small water bottle or other lightweight items.
The backpack fits smoothly against the back and is comfortable to wear providing it is carrying only light items. Both the back and shoulder straps are made from a lightly-padded mesh which helps smooth the pack contents particularly if using for school and carrying books or ring-binders which can feel hard and uncomfortable against the back. Shoulder straps are fully adjustable with some particularly good ladder-lock buckles and to the top is a lightweight webbing grab handle.
The backpack is ideal for a day walk and will easily hold waterproofs, snacks, drinks and a map with room to spare. Alternatively it could be used for shopping, cycling trips or school although I feel it's less suited for carrying books and heavier items and is more suited to casual, lighter-duty outdoor use. When not in use, it can be rolled up and squeezed back into its storage pack although it is a very tight fit. Mine arrived packed only half into its pack suggesting I am not the only person finding it just a little too bulky to fit into its pack and personally I would have preferred a pack such as this to fold into an internal pocket.
A good lightweight backpack for light-duty use in drier weather conditions.
Available from: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...