The Discovery 45 is a well-specified pack at a very low price. The stiff back and wide padded hipbelt handle 10-12kg comfortably and the bodyhugging design is stable.
However the framesheet is a little too flexible, requiring careful packing, and the frame bar is only attached to a thin nylon lining at the top rather than to the framesheet. The stitching where the thick fabric holds the top of the frame bar to the nylon is beginning to give after only a little use. This is a shame as otherwise the pack seems quite durable.
For a pack this size the Discovery has many features – too many perhaps as I see no need for a lower zipped compartment. The pockets are okay though the mesh side ones could be bigger. The straps feel a little rough when pulled through the buckles.
First published: March 2014
