First Impressions: What a gorgeous pack!

I love the look of everything; the colors, the straps, the clips, and, of course, the bronze bottle opener.

There are ample outer compartments and pockets that keep those need-to-reach items organized and secure.

It includes all of your standard backpack amenities: top loading, hydration bladder pocket, hip-belt, easily adjustable straps, and the ability to be compressed from every angle.

But, the Jubilee 50 also includes a few features that are different from others I’ve seen and used.  It allows entry to the main compartment via a zippered divider located in the front pocket.  This means that you’re able to access the bottom of the bag without having to unpack everything.  The divider can also be completely unzipped and folded aside to create more space in the main compartment if desired.

There are also small zipper pockets on the hip-belt, perfect for your keys, chapstick, and phone.  But seriously, don’t bring your phone hiking.  There you are, inhaling deep breaths of Mother Nature’s wonderfulness, feeling the burning in your thighs, the flush in your cheeks, knowing with each step your closer to your goal, and then a phone rings. It is objectively a moment-ruiner.  So, if you must bring it, leave it on silent, or turn it off completely.

The clips did seem smaller and flimsier for a multi-day pack, but they didn’t give me any problems.

The lower back external padding was a bit much.  I didn’t really notice it until I put the pack on, and only then was overwhelmed at how thick and firm it was.  I was worried it would get uncomfortable, and the rubbing from the pads would quickly get annoying, but to my surprise it didn’t.  For the day trip that I used it, the pack only got more comfortable as I kept hiking.

The 50L space is perfect for weekend-and-beyond trips.  If necessary, there are plenty of loops to strap extras to.  However, there are no clips at the bottom to easily snap in a sleeping bag or tent.

If you don’t like the color scheme of the teal “Ocean”, you can always get the deep red “Radish” as well.

All in all: I really liked this pack.  It looks great; the shoulder, chest, and hip straps were easily moldable to my shape, and simple to readjust.  The bountiful compartments and pockets kept all of my belongings conveniently   locatable.  Though I was at first worried about the extra firm padding, it ended up being a very comfortable trek.