Ever since I got the WLF Enduro Pack Vest, I constantly get questions and comments about it: People are naturally curious because it looks very different to other backpack options out there. Since I wanted to see how the Backpack would perform in different situations and applications (due to the modular design), I ended up using the Pack Vest non stop for an entire year and am now ready to share my opinions on it. Because I like to recommend products only once I have tested them extensively, I did not make it easy for the Pack Vest!

Stick around, if you want to see what makes this Backpack so unique and why I can’t imagine not having one anymore!

When I set out to find a new backpack in late 2021 I looked for something that would be able to carry the essentials (tools, some snacks, my phone, a radio and Hydration) while also being able to carry my GoPro and Camera Gear, without it getting too big. In short I was looking for a backpack, filtered by  the following criteria: Ergonomics, Functionality, Materials and Price.

After looking at the options, I found many Backpacks that did some of the things I wanted very well, but not all of them. I had already given up on something that would fit all the criteria since most could not carry the regular gear and tools as well as my camera gear, without becoming bulky and difficult to ride with. I thought „You can’t have it all“, so I settled on the RAW 12 from USWE for every day rides. That way I had a high quality pack with enough room for the essentials and with a perfect fit thanks to its „No Dancing Monkey“ Harness. Thinking I would have to figure out how to carry my camera later, I started to use that Backpack on every ride, on which I was not creating content on. For those days I took a regular Camera Bag with me, which was a pain to ride properly with.

Then I came across Gabe Dilla and Brett Dickinson: Though they both shoot with even bigger cameras than me, their setup allowed them to ride no matter what they were carrying! So I talked to them and found out they both use WLF Enduro’s Pack Vest. Obviously, I was instantly hooked and since I already knew Luke from WLF Enduro, I had to give this PACK VEST a try!

Three things stood out immediately:

1. It’s Modular Design

2. The Material

3. The Price

1. MODULAR DESIGN

Since this is the main reason why I chose the backpack, we will start here. It uses MOLLE Webbing (short for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment), making all the Pouches fully detachable and customizable. Additionally you can exchange the front double buckle design for a more traditionally looking backpack with the included straps. This means in its lightest form it resembles a Camelbak Hydrationpack everyone is familiar with. Not only can you add the pouches whenever and wherever you want, but you can take them off just as easily as well as buy third party Pouches (all accessories made for the MOLLE Platform will fit). So it is easy to pack just as much as you need for any given occasion! I have followed the steps of Gabe and Brett and carry a camera pouch in front for quick access, for example. Additionally I have the left front pouch for my cellphone and stuff for easy access like snacks. Since I still have some room on the lateral part on the right side, I added a first aid kit,  that I always carry, cause you never know when you’ll need it! On the back I have a bigger pouch that comes with the backpack (for tools and spare parts) as well as two RokStraps to secure even more stuff (e.g. Jackets)! On my left side behind my camera bag I carry a Radio Pouch. Together with a 3L Bladder, this will cover everything I need plus some! If I ever need to lighten up for a shorter trip I can just re organize and be ready to go in no time! In its most complete Set-Up it does weigh quite a lot, but thanks to the way the weight is distributed and secured to your body it feel way lighter, when compared to more traditional, bigger backpacks. These two Features are a huge game changer, and the biggest reasons why I love this Concept so much!

2. THE MATERIAL & FIT

Made out of the Highest Quality Nylon Cordura coated with a water repellent, it is one tough Backpack! If you have ever owned anything made out of this material, I am guessing you still do, and know exactly how robust it is! It does mean that it will take some time to break-in. I was skeptical at first because the straps were quite firm, but I didn’t notice it after the second day. Since it is also very adjustable for different sizes and proportions, it fits perfectly. This is also achieved by and elastic waistband that keeps the backpack close but doesn’t restrict movement or breathing. Remember I told you, we hate things that tend to break? Not only is the waistband properly made, but your backpack is secured by two additional adjustable clasps on each side! So I run the waistband on mine pretty snug (so nothing is moving around when jumping), and the clasps just a bit looser. That way I can move freely but the clasps hold everything in place if things start getting too shaky! Although I run my Vest mostly loaded up, the fact that you get the option to run it in “Light-Mode” is pretty awesome and innovative! This way it is really an All-Rounder!

We did however hear some complaints on smaller female riders, saying the straps were a bit to wide for them. If you are under 165cm (5’4) I would therefore suggest you try it out before you buy it. Any other sizes should not have any Problems whatsoever.

3. THE PRICE

Last but definitely not least! Since Enduro or ADV  isn’t the cheapest sport on the planet, there sometimes comes a time for compromises: This can often lead  to trying to save at the wrong place and spending more money at the end. At first the USD 200 price tag had me looking for alternatives, but after checking the market, I realized that I had not thought about the lifespan! After taking into consideration that this would last for a good while, especially when comparing to the other options, it an easy decision: Choose a less expensive option with less features and replace it every season, or choose this. The Key word here is Value! After more than a Year worth of Riding, the Pack Vest does have some minor battle scars, but none that are mentionable. No matter how much I toss it around, no wear or tear this far! Only small detail is the little button to secure your hydration hose, that got a bit loose. When you take this durability and couple it with the functionality, customizability and fit this Backpack has to offer, the only question left is just “Why didn’t I find this earlier?”

ALL DAY. EVERY DAY.

At least that’s how one of our many mantras goes.  We like what we do and want to do it 24/7! While that doesn’t mean we ride like the pros do, we surely fall as much or even more! That’s why we are stoked to find suiting gear to withstand the trouble we put it through… and something tells me you know exactly what I mean! Chances are you are thinking of that one piece of gear right now: Once so desperately wanted and now sitting in a corner if it isn’t already thrown away because it just wasn’t it or it broke.

After all this time using this Pack Vest, we can confidently say: This is a product made by riders for riders.

A Product that can stand the use and abuse we have put it through and still look and function impecable. Every feature, all the details and the entire design make this a truly unique piece. This is a Product that we will be taking on many more adventures to come, and one we can proudly recommend to our fellow riders!

PACK VEST SPECS & UPDATES –

• Designed in California by riders for riders.

• Highest Quality Nylon Cordura main body construction

• DWR water repellent coating

• MOLLE Straps, ALSO Added an additional row of MOLLE webbing to allow for additional modular pouches

• Increase capacity of the hydration sleeve to allow for added storage and easier access.

• Modular design & updated ergonomic fit especially in shoulder region.

• Increased and improved the range of sizing the vest will fit. (Big or Small this PACKs for you)

• Exterior Front and Rear velcro panels for customization

• Large adjustable/removable admin pockets with UPDATED velcro backing to keep from goods bouncing

• YKK zippers with added “storm flaps” over all exterior zippers for additional protection against the elements & weather

• Quick drying durable mesh next to body.

• Detailed embossed WLF / FURTHER TOGETHER on velcro panels

*HYDRATION BLADDER NOT INCLUDED