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Gear reviews | Salewa Randonee 30

All-round lightweight for day tours with and without skis

by Daniel Schweiss 02/26/2015
How can you further develop a backpack without getting lost in pointless details? With the lightweight "RANDONNEE 30" ski touring backpack, Salewa has opted for the pragmatic, tried and tested approach. The compact backpack has an attractive appearance without a lot of frills.

First impression and features

At first glance, the appealing design "Davos" in blue with red accents catches the eye. When you hold it in your hands for the first time, the trend towards lighter equipment is also noticeable in this backpack. As usual, the weight reduction is achieved through thinner, supposedly more durable materials and reduced details. The packing volume of 30 liters is divided into three compartments. The main compartment is accessible at the top via a drawstring and at the side via quick access. A lid pocket with inner and outer compartments additionally protects the main compartment from the elements. On the back, the available space is supplemented by a further, independent quick-access compartment. The latter holds a shovel and probe, which can also be secured with a loop.
If you examine the backpack further, you will notice other useful details. There is a minimalist but perfectly functioning ice axe holder, as well as a loop system that allows you to quickly but less stably attach skis diagonally to the backpack. If the bootpack is longer, it is advisable to attach the skis to the side as an "A-frame" using the straps and loops provided. There are also two mesh outer pockets on the sides. According to the instructions for use, these hold the skins during the descent. Any standard hydration system can be routed out of the backpack at right shoulder height using a tube. Salewa has included a rope holder under the lid pocket. A gear loop has also been thought of, which can be found on the hip belt.


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This brings us to the carrying system. The shoulder straps are only slightly padded, but of course they are designed in such a way that they can be individually adjusted to fit the body very well. As usual, they can be connected to each other at chest level, with the plastic buckle doubling as an emergency whistle. The hip belt makes a solid impression. Wings with an integrated pocket stabilize the belt at the sides, which is fastened with a solid plastic buckle. Of course, this can also be individually adjusted. The slightly structured and soft "CONTACT FIT"back section ensures a good fit on the back. In combination with the carrying and hip straps, provided they are adjusted accordingly and the contents are packed correctly, the backpack stays close and snug on the back even when making dynamic movements.

Practicality

According to the manufacturer, this is primarily a ski touring backpack. Hence the name "RANDONNEE". To get a more comprehensive picture, the backpack was also tested on climbing and mountain tours. However, the focus was on day ski tours. The volume of 30 liters already imposes certain restrictions when packing at home. If you have to carry avalanche equipment, skins, lunch box, thermos flask and warm jacket as well as crampons, there is hardly enough space. I don't accept the idea of stowing material in the side pockets, as I believe that everything should fit in the backpack protected from loss and the weather. The open, side fur compartments in particular are therefore not very practical and would have been better replaced by a larger outer compartment. However, if no crampons or other "hardware" are required, the space is always sufficient and otherwise the same model is also available with a volume of 36 liters. The "COMFORT FIT" carrying system was convincing for all activities. This backpack does not hinder your movements and is very comfortable to carry. There are also good marks for the handling of the zippers and ski fastening systems. The backpack is sensitive to sharp rocks and sharp ski edges, which is due to the lightweight but not very robust materials.

Conclusion

A backpack that scores points for versatility even outside the winter season. The volume of 30 liters is a little too small for demanding tours that require carrying a lot of additional equipment. The comfortable fit on the body and the comfortable carrying system are particularly impressive. Even on wilder descents, the "RANDONNEE 30" hugs the back snugly and stably and has anything but a disruptive effect on riding enjoyment.

Advantages & amp; Cons

+ high carrying comfort
+ good stability
+ high functionality
+ easy handling
+ quick access for main and outer compartment
+ versatile use
+ appealing design
+ light empty weight
- not big enough for more demanding ski tours
- not very robust
- external furcompartments

Details

  • Contact Fit Pro back system

  • parallel and diagonal ski fixation

  • SOS label

  • Internal compartment for valuables

  • Compartment for avalanche shovel and probe

  • Side access

  • Side pockets

  • Signal whistle

  • Rope holder

  • Ice pick / pole attachment

  • Load control straps

  • Hip belt pocket

  • Material loop on hip belt

  • Exit for hydration system

  • Inside support board

Here is the manufacturer's website with additional information, here you can buy the backpack in our partner store Bergzeit.de.

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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