Big Agnes Backpack Sun Dog 45L (women)

This is a seriously impressive bag that boasts a lot of bells and whistles, including its own “trash bag”, a very impressive and innovate full-zip back panel that allows instant access you your full pack , and the largest hip belt pockets I’ve ever seen, (you can get 10 small chocolate bars of your choice in one, I know I’ve tried)

A more ergonomic and streamlined version of its big brother the “Parkview” the prospector does away with the lid and the custom frame in favor of the fully zipped back panel. The addition of the back panel is a new one to me, and, a little skeptical at first, wasn’t sure what to make of it, but after taking it out on the trail I can see its merits. If like me you are someone who enjoys cooking out on the trail, it just makes things much easier to access, and much more straightforward, meaning you don’t have to empty your entire pack in search of your missing long-handled spoon. Equally good for photographers.

The hip belt pockets which, as I have stated are vast, I could comfortably fit an InReach Mini, smartphone, and a DSLR camera just in one pocket, the other being purely dedicated to calories.

The hip belt itself is one of the nicest I have used, it has a “cut-to-fit” belt, that leaves no gaps meaning no movement, so no irritation, and the dual stabilizer straps keep the pack secure to your hips.

I found the sternum strap too short, it was just about long enough for me, however, that may be because I was using a medium and not the large, but something to consider when choosing a size. Whilst I’m nit-picking, I think the pack would have benefited from slightly wider shoulder straps.

The external storage, the two side pockets, and the “quick stash” front pocket are enormous. when I was testing this pack, we had a real downpour during the night, after I took my tent down, a large 2-man tent, I easily fitted the tent into the side mesh pocket and also had room for my 1L water bottle.

A good bag, on the heavy end of the scale, that provides more features than most other bags in this category.

• Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• 45L women’s pack with adjustable, lightweight features designed for all-day comfort and through extended overnight pursuits
• Comfort and support through contoured, anatomically curved back panel with body mapped foam for a precise fit with ventilation. Full-zip back panel provides duffel-style access to the pack interior
• Secure, comfort fit with articulated Open Range Hip Belt that threads behind the compression molded back panel for positive load transfer to the lumbar, providing stability with flexibility
• Cut-to-fit hip belt provides a tight wrap on hips and eliminates gaps between body and pack. Dual hip belt stabilizer straps allow the upper and lower section of the hip belt to be adjusted separately for a custom fit
• Women’s custom fit adjustments on contoured shoulder straps and hip belt keep pack flush against your torso. Load lifter straps allow fine tuning of weight distribution
• Balanced pack weight is achieved through our unique Hoist Compression system that pulls pack weight inward and upward for positive load transfer, while raising the bottom panel up to secure the load
• Cored aluminum perimeter frame, shoulder straps, and hip belt function as a fully integrated suspension system that provides more balance on uneven terrain through a positive load transfer
• Top-loading access to interior with roll-top closure and two side webbing buckle closures that easily adjust with pack volume
• Internal 3L hydration bladder pocket with bladder hook, discreet tube routing port, and hose keeper clip on sternum strap
• Compartmentalized storage includes: hydration bladder pocket, two stretch mesh side pockets, front quick-stash pocket, and front zip pocket with key keeper Stash trekking poles on pack exterior using webbing and bungee cord loops. Also features discreet ice axe loop, daisy chain loops on pack exterior for extras, and top grab handle for easy movability
• Includes two color-matched 1.6L removable Hip Pockets for stashing little ditties and a 7L Trash Can for camp trash and collecting litter on the trail

Specifications

• Our weight: 1324g
• Volume: 45L
• Dimensions (H x W x D) : 81 x 25 x 22cm
• Top Opening: 43cm
• Brands weight: 1.28kg
• Hip Belt (Min / Max): 81cm – 137cm
• Torso Lenth: 41- 46cm
• Liad range: 6.8kg – 18.14kg

Material & Construction

• Puncture and tear resistant material is made with GRS certified, recycled high-tenacity Mipan® regen robic nylon featuring a solution-dyed ripstop grid and UTS environmentally sustainable coating
• Heavy duty twill fabric bottom for maximum reinforcement and increased durability
• Nylon taffeta lining
• Non-stretchy, semi-transparent interior pocket mesh for optimal organization
• Stretchy, fine woven, anti-snag exterior pocket mesh
• Stretch woven fabric on shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel provide maximum comfort against the body