The Parkview is an interesting backpacking pack with a number of unusual features. It has an easily adjustable shoulder harness that connects into keyed slots on the rigid framesheet. The hipbelt has cutouts each side and dual stabiliser straps so the upper and lower padded sections can be tensioned separately to finetune the fit, something I really like. The foam padding on the back, shoulder straps, and hipbelt is quite firm. This was fine on the hipbelt but I did notice the shoulder straps felt a little hard when they carried the weight. The hipbelt, frame and shoulder straps are designed as an integrated system designed to be better for balance on uneven terrain. The angled side compression straps also pull the load into the body when tightened. I certainly found the pack stable when traversing rough snowy ground in the Cairngorms with a winter backpacking load. Big Agnes says the Parkview will handle up to 23kg and I’ve found that it is comfortable with that weight.
Chris Townsend’s verdict
Overall the Parkview is a good pack but it is quite heavy.- Hipbelt
- Pockets
- Recycled fabric
- Litter bag
- Lid Extension
- Straps too short
- Heavy
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £259.99 Weight: 1.85kg (medium) Capacity: 63 + 10 litres Materials: recycled high-tenacity Mipan® regen Robic nylon Closure: detachable lid Back: perimeter frame, moulded framesheet, foam panel Hipbelt: shaped, with cut-outs Pockets: 1 stretch front, 1 zipped front, 2 zipped hipbelt, 1 zipped lid, 1 internal lid Features: side compression straps, ice axe loops, 7 litre litter/rubbish bag Sizes: medium, large Women’s/Men’s Version: yes (women’s the Garnet 60L) URL: https://www.bigagnes.com |
The pack bag has plenty of roomy pockets. The side mesh and the front ones are big enough for a wet tent. I like the zipped mesh pocket behind the stretch front pocket, which is useful for maps and small items, as are the lid pockets. The hipbelt pockets are detachable and don’t flatten when you tighten the belt, unlike some. An unusual accessory is a separate drawcord-closed bag labelled Trash Can with clips for attaching it to the pack, the idea being that you can use it for litter found on your walk.
The lid is extendable and detachable. However the rear straps attaching it to the pack are quite short and I found with the pack full I couldn’t fully pull the lid over the extension sleeve. These straps need to be longer or to attach higher up the pack. They do have 4cm long loops on them that could be cut to create more length but this shouldn’t be necessary.
Overall the Parkview is a good pack but it is quite heavy.
