In his review for Grough, Bob Smith exudes a palpable sense of admiration for the Alpkit Ledge 30 backpack, calling it an emblem of Alpkit's commitment to providing value for money.
The Ledge 30, with its roomy, top-loading main compartment and floating lid, embodies the archetypal design for walkers' rucksacks. Composed of durable 210 denier ripstop nylon and a reinforced base of thicker 420 denier fabric, this rucksack stands tough against wear and tear. The nylon also features a durable water-repellent PU treatment, making it resilient to showers.
Alpkit’s ethos is to offer value for money, and the Ledge 30 scored in that. It’s middling in weight, offers all the features you’d expect and feels robust. Its plastic fittings may not be the slickest, but it’s well put together and should give good service on the hill. Price is very competitive.
The backpack is designed to maximize comfort and ventilation. The semi-stiffened back element with two mesh-covered foam sections separated by a venting groove, the foam padded hip belt, and broad shoulder harness with foam padding all contribute to a comfortable wearing experience. Additional features, such as adjustable shoulder straps, height-adjustable sternum strap with a built-in whistle, and mesh pockets on each hip fin, highlight its practicality.
The Ledge 30 also impresses with its capacious main compartment that's perfect for storing a good amount of gear, and an elasticated pouch for hydration reservoir. For closure, it uses a conventional drawcord at the top with an additional webbing strap and buckle. The lid features an outer compartment with a rear zip and a smaller zipped pocket underneath, both providing convenient access.
In use, Smith finds the Alpkit Ledge 30 backpack comfortable and praises its ventilation. The backplate adds to the comfort by preventing the pack from bowing out when fully packed. The hip belt fins, too, get a nod for comfort and efficiency, as they hold the pack's weight firmly in place.
In the end, Smith commends the Ledge 30 for its robust design, practical features, and competitive pricing. He recommends it for a variety of activities, including hill and mountain walking, longer-distance trail walking, lightweight winter walking, and scrambling.
Read the full review on Grough