REI Lookout Backpack Review (Part 2of3)

Oftentimes when shopping we are so focused on certain name brands that we overlook the offerings of other companies. By happy accident I stumbled upon one of REI's excellent backpacks: The Lookout. Extremely well-designed and low-profile, the Lookout fits most of my criteria for the perfect carry-on travel backpack; all for a great price as well. In this two-part series I discuss some of the features of this model (and the current model) of the Lookout with some comparisons to other packs I have reviewed.

My review model of the Lookout features:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) framesheet and a single aluminum stay (current model is also padded with mesh covered foam padding for softer/grippier support)
- Panel-Loading design
- Main compartment capacity of 40 liters (2,441 cubic inches) in the Medium Size Pack (shown in review), 42 liters (2,562 cubic inches) in the Large Size Pack
- Front pocket with zippered compartment on inner flap
- Soft cloth lined top stash pocket for fragile items like sunglasses (current model has larger pocket with bigger opening)
- 2 side stretch-cloth/mesh pockets (current model uses regular mesh pockets)
- 2 low-profile, expandable side pockets
- 2 valuables pockets on the waistbelt (current model has a single, larger, zippered mesh pocket on right side of waist belt)
- 2 ports for either right or left-handed hydration pouch use
- Bottom compression straps can be used to also strap on gear such as sleeping bag/bedroll/etc.
- Low-profile attachment points on back of pack and Ice Axe Loop that can be stuck into hidden sleeve
- NOTE: current model also features a built-in rain cover
- Materials: Constructed of 630-denier nylon oxford (current model uses thicker, heavier cordura-type material)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 11 oz. (1.22 kg.)
- Fits Torso Lengths: Medium (17-19 inches/43.2-48.3 cm), Large (18-20 inches/45.7-50.8 cm)
- Retails at REI for $60 (current model $90)

Things I would change:
- Wish the top stash pocket had larger opening
- Would like to have an integrated rain-cover
- Wish there were compression straps over the mesh pockets
The current model fixes these things but at the cost of several features I liked in this version.
Too bad you can't mix and match:(

All in all, a great pack at an incredible bargain.

For more information read the other online reviews on REI's website, or better yet, visit your local REI and see for yourself.




This video was shot with an Olympus 770SW.

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