TREKKING
Product 2019
Woman, Man
This new Blue Ice model follows the brand’s products logic perfectly. A search for lightness without altering its functions: 707g, (532g if you take off the removable waist belt). The Dragonfly 45 L is remarkably light. It was therefore necessary to think carefully where the weight could come off, without forgetting anything, and penalizing its durability. This challenge, after use and testing we deemed rather successful.
A pack of this capacity (45 liters) is intended for carrying items to cope with the various situations generated by a sometimes hostile environment, through an often intense activity and its length of time. Those used to mountaineering “long routes”, expeditions and hiking at high altitude will appreciate this Blue Ice DragonFly 45L pack.
It has the simple necessities. No need for the superfluous. One zipped pocket, with a little plastic carabiner, for small items to isolate them from the rest. Blue Ice has a minimalist loop to slide the bladder pipe on the shoulder strap.
There are two ice axe holders with their characteristic little metallic butterfly on the lower binding which complete the set and remind you of its alpine use, for which this pack is intended. The top of the pack opens fluidly and easily: by spreading the fabric side flap and clasped side, it quickly releases a wide opening. To close it in a traditional way, pull the cord and slide the plastic spring knob back that blocks it. The top flap is sewn onto the front. It closes in the direction of where the shoulder straps are attached and binds to the pack with a strap and a little metal hook.
It slips easily into one of the two strap rings sewn flat on the top. So you can reduce or increase the volume on the top. You can also use it for carrying a rope. A thin cord zigzagging down either side adjusts the volume of the pack: so you can adapt the volume better by flattening the entire load instead of it all sitting at the bottom of the pack giving better comfort and ergonomics. Blue Ice didn’t skimp on cord length. So if you reduce the pack’s volume you do end up with quite a lot that flaps about in the wind if you don’t tuck it in. You can cut off some of the surplus (when the pack is at full volume), and also lose another 1 or 2 grams!
Blue Ice could have chosen a lighter fabric, but the quality nylon ripstop ensures durability. It does not slack or wrinkle with use.
The seams are all lined inside or reinforced with glued on fabric. The back of the DragonFly pack has a foam panel with mesh fabric that is good enough to keep moisture at bay, away from the contact area. Admittedly, we have known more airy packs, but on the whole it is comfortable, and remains stable in the action.
The thick foam on the shoulder straps offers a good compromise between stiffness and comfort. A less abrasive and soft fabric lines their underside and overlaps at shoulder level, along the neck. Even if the Blue Ice DragonFly pack is heavily jammed full, the generously foamed belt also ensures good load support and stability. If the pack is not too heavily filled, yet has voluminous items, we would prefer to take it off. This frees up space at the front where your harness is making rope maneuvers easier
The impermeability is satisfactory. The fabric is water repellent. The few seams and their finishing hinder most water intrusion and you would need insistent rain to penetrate the internal seam lining. There is only one size on offer in the catalog but we managed to adapt it to all our different sized testers (from 1.65 to 1.85m).
With this decent sized backpack, Blue Ice have managed to create a remarkably light pack, well-finished, with tough fabric and comfortable to carry. If those who love a zillion pockets for storing everything in its place don’t find what they are looking for, those who are looking for performance, clean design, simplicity and lightness in the high mountains (or elsewhere…) will find exactly that.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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