Simond Makalu 45/70L Mountaineering Backpack

Comfort of use of the bag and the possibility of enlargement make this bag a very practical tool adapting to many situations, however after 1 year of use the impermeability disappeared and I had to buy a new one. sack cloth. In addition, it lacks small additional pockets and/or a bottom of the bag which would have been more practical. However, this is understandable in order to guarantee better waterproofing, except that it fades after 1 year, so now the bag no longer necessarily meets my expectations.

I used a lot of the hiking backpacks from decathlon and this one is really well designed and perfect to go hiking or even trekking. Very light. Big capacity with enough space to put all my gears for a several days hike. All the external attachments are very useful. Maybe a suggestion for decathlon engineers: you could optimize the closing on the top. I would recommend to add the possibility to close the roll-up on the sides of the bag with some straps and not only the top. And please make available all the spare parts to be able to repair all backpacks instead of using the return policy.

I ordered the backpack and tried it on. Very comfortable to wear, even with a heavy weight, thanks to an exemplary carrying system. Very hard-wearing material and many features such as ski diagonal attachment plus ski A-frame attachment plus 2 ice ax holders. But the backpack was too big for my needs and too voluminous, so I'm sticking with my old Simond Jorasses. The Makalu still has a small disadvantage, namely that with new backpacks the cord for tightening the backpack opening is stiff. But if you use the backpack more often, it will definitely wear off. Conclusion: If you need a really big backpack for ski treks with a tent or for expeditions, the Simond Makalu is perfect for you.

used in itinerant hiking over several weeks with tent and sleeping bag

Actually, the pole activity bag is not comfortable for long walks, but sturdy enough to carry 20kg. If you say that I will have long walks to camp, I say look for more comfortable bags. No, if you say you go straight from the skirt to the top, I would recommend it as light and functional. It's a technical bag. He has already written for a few days of bivak etc.

Generally, a plus for lightness and versatility - the ability to mount ice axes, ski touring. However, the big downside is the flap that can be attached only when we carry over 45l, i.e. not for climbing trips. And just then it would be very useful because it has two large pockets for many handy things that would be useful to take out quickly: e.g. a headlamp, extra gloves, buff, nrc foil etc. And when you take off the flap, you have to hide everything in the sack, which is not so convenient when pulling it out. In addition, the big minus is the narrow opening after opening the zipper on the side. i.e. a sleeping bag from Decathlon 1.6 kg cannot be put in through it, which is a big minus. In addition, the flap is quite difficult to adjust, but yesterday when I was carrying 28 kg in it, I felt the narrow carrying straps digging into my shoulders. Perhaps I didn't lower it low enough on the hips - this is a common mistake. For this size of the backpack, however, they would need to be wider. Besides, if you attach the tabs on the front of the backpack, it's a bit difficult to attach a helmet there. On the other hand, the rubber bands on the flap are not a good attachment for the helmet. A much better system is in the Decathlon 33l alpine backpack - I really recommend it. In general, it seems to me that it is a good price / quality ratio and the backpack looks very attractive, nice color and strong material, however, the backpack is difficult to assess unequivocally.

...the nets on the top of the flap which serve almost no purpose. well-adjustable straps, 45/70-litre modularity at the top, you can turn the flap, you can put a lot of things in it, ideal for going up to a refuge or making views that aren't too hard with it!

many attachment points for attaching mountaineering equipment

He was with me on Mont Blanc, a mountaineering course and many trips to the mountains. Pros: price for such a liter, ice ax mounting systems, adjustment, detachable flap, side zipper, speargun, design and color, quality workmanship, camel bag system, many zippers in the flap, Cons: no ventilation on the back, with 17kg of gear loaded a thicker sponge on the back or something that gives some space for ventilation would be useful. The lapel buckle is a drama, it keeps loosening. In such a backpack, a whistle should be standard in the price. A big plus would be a reinforced coating of the bottom of the backpack around 15-20 cm high so that it does not get soaked and does not get wet if the backpack is put in snow or in wet grass / mud. I like this backpack very much

OK

Okay so I got this bag for assuming the quality Simond will be having in the product ! But this is the worst bag to carry on your shoulders ! The carrying straps have no cushioning , with weight bag pulls the shoulders down and the back support of the bag is of no use ! It’s the cheapest of foam which has been used ! Over all I would like to say that if you are keen in wasting your money buy this bag !!! There is no return policy by decathlon now , they won’t respond to your mails ! All they want is to fool people and sell products !! I have mailed them several times citing the issues I have with this bag but no response forget replacing the bag or refunding ! I will be using this bag now to carry basic groceries !!

Super versatile bag. However, I brought back 2, because of the side closure concern. (the saleswoman told me that it was a known problem on this bag). I agree with the comments, especially for closing the bag. Two fasteners would be more practical... If not, great bag and, as usual, great after-sales service. Sportingly.