The Borah Gear Stealth is an intriguing entry into the backpacking market. Crafted with a keen attention to detail, this product promises durability, function, and comfort for the discerning outdoors enthusiast. Let’s dive deeper into what sets this backpack apart.
Borah Gear Stealth Backpack Specifications
As referenced from http://www.borahgear.com
Key Features:
- Weight:
- 13.9oz in 140D Dyneema
- 15.5oz in Dyneema X
- Total Volume: Up to 54L (size Large). This includes:
- Main pack: 2,500 cu (41L)
- Extension collar/roll top: 200 cu (3L)
- Front mesh pocket: 250 cu (4L)
- Side pockets: 125 cu (2L) each
- Torso Sizes:
- Small: 16-18in
- Medium: 18-20.5in
- Large: 20.5 -22in
- Material and Construction:
- Full body Dyneema with a 70d extension collar
- Roll top closure for water resistance
- Dyneema side pockets with grommet for water drainage
- Mesh pocket on the pack’s front
- Padded shoulder straps and hipbelts with 3D mesh lining
- Sternum strap and dual compression straps on each side
- Double stitched seams and internal elastic bands
- Load Capacity: 20-25lbs recommended; can bear up to 30+ lbs
Note: The website offers additional customization options.
Personal Experience with the Borah Gear Stealth
I chose the medium size Borah Gear Stealth, which aligns with my 5’7″ height and 170lbs weight. Straight out of the box, the Dyneema X pack, weighing 15.8oz with two hip belt pockets, showcased impressive craftsmanship. After making minor modifications, its weight slightly increased to 17.1oz.
Initial Impressions:
The pack, fully loaded for my three-day Grand Canyon trip, weighed 17.77 lbs. I found the load lifters particularly useful as they adapted the pack’s shape to my back.
Functional Insights:
- Hip Belt Pockets: These offered good storage, though accessing them needed some torso twisting.
- Mesh Pocket: This exterior pocket is common in many backpacks and proves handy for quick access and storing wet items.
- Water Bottle Pockets: Spacious enough for multiple bottles, with a functional (if aesthetically oversized) grommet for drainage.
- Packing and Closure: The dry bag style closure coupled with a vertical Y strap resulted in a tight, neat pack. The dual side compression straps further streamlined the backpack.
Performance in the Field:
My Grand Canyon adventure was an excellent test for the backpack. Despite encountering snow and light rain, the pack remained dry. Its fit was comfortable, and the pack exhibited no signs of wear after the trip.
Borah Gear Customer Service:
The standout product is complemented by Borah Gear’s exceptional customer service. My interactions with John from the company were prompt, informative, and transparent.
Conclusion: The Borah Gear Stealth not only delivers on its specifications but also offers an exceptional user experience, both in its function and through the company’s service. It is a product I wholeheartedly recommend for avid backpackers.