Eagle Creek has been evolving in terms of branding and design. Recently, they sported a new logo and a much more defined collection line. I have been in search for a 30+ L capacity bag to replace my 5 years old Deuter Trans Alpine and found the attractive ochre-colored Eagle Creek Afar Backpack to my liking. It’s one of those bags versatile bags I can take on short trips or some city strolls. I’ve used the Eagle Creek Afar Backpack extensively for more than 3 months now and have taken it to several places already like Tagaytay, Coron and Camiguin so I can fairly say I know more about it now to warrant a fair review.
Built and Design
The Eagle Creek Afar is a bag designed for the outdoors but the looks does not look like a hard core backpack that you take on a round the world backpacking tout. It is friendly for city dwellers or everyday stroll to the office or schools. Sized at 12.5 inch width, 20.5 inches height and 8.5 inches deep, it my seem hefty but it doesn’t look big at all in when I actually had it in hand. In factm I often surprise myself how much I can put inside the pack which can carry a load of 35 liters. Made mostly with a mix of ripstop, ballistic and oxford helix fabric, the bag is so light by itself at 1lb. The stitchings look tight and secure.
On the exterior, the bag has mesh pockets on the sides which is very handy for water bottles of the bag and a large front mesh pocket for the easy access items like books or jacket. There’s a daisy chain running vertically through the front mesh. And I like that there’s an accented reflector strips on top and sides of the mesh for night visibility. The front zippers can be locked which is very handy and the zipper on the main compartment has a finger loop.
Compartments
The Eagle Creek Afar has 3 main compartments. The front is a deep compartment, has two top pockets with flaps and velcro locks for mobile phones or other gadgets, a couple of pen slots and a zippered mesh pocket. It is simply organized but really spacious. The main compartment is very roomy and has a large slip pocket where I usually put some magazines or documents. The back compartment is padded and can fit up to 17″ laptops and has a document slip as well. It’s a secure compartment located under the main shoulder straps so it is inaccessible when carrying the bag on the back. I just wish they also made a way to secure or lock the back compartment zipper like the front compartment does for people who would like to check in their baggage for flight.
Comfort and Fit
The padded mesh strap and the back panel were comfortable on my back and shoulders. It’s breathable and doesn’t get too icky on long use. There’s a sternum strap if I want to keep the shoulder strap tight and on hold but I barely use it. There’s also a waist belt which comes in handy when the bag gets heavy and filled. I also rarely use the waist belt so I like the idea that I can just tuck it in like it wasn’t there. Sometimes I get paranoid that the stitchings may give but it seems real sturdy. It may be more useful when hiking or climbing mountains.
Verdict
The Eagle Creek Afar overall is an excellent backpack. Personally I think Eagle Creek has made leaps in terms of design with their outdoor collection this year and this bag is a testament to it.
What I Like
- The bag design and colors (I lean towards the ochre but the slate blue and black color variant looks good too)
- It looks smaller than its size but has a capacity of 35L
- A very light yet sturdy bag
- Lockable front zippers
- Front mesh
- Tuck-able waist belts
- 17″ capable back compartment
- Roomy compartments
So, is it a fitting replacement for my old Deuter Trans Alpine bag? Nearly but not quite. While I like the Eagle Creek Afar a lot, there are some additions I would like to see maybe in future versions. Probably include a rain cover, a lockable back compartment, maybe some zipper mesh pockets for loose change on the hip belts and some side or bottom straps to attach a tripod or sleeping bag. Well maybe I’m asking too much but as it is, it’s already a nearly excellent bag. The Eagle Creek Afar is very versatile that I could use it anywhere and wouldn’t go out of place. It is a looker of a bag yet sturdy in use. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for the urban and outdoor adventurer.
The Eagle Creek Afar Backpack SRP is Php 4,790
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