Our Kathmandu Valorous 28L backpack review examines a full-featured mid-sized backpack from the long-established New Zealand company. We sincerely hope you find it useful.
introduce
A few years ago, on a hiking trip to New Zealand, we stumbled upon a Kathmandu store. It seems like an interesting name for a company based in New Zealand. We browsed this store and were very impressed with their products. Through chatting with the store staff, we also discovered that the company’s name came from the owner’s love for the Himalayas. When the company was founded, the name Kathmandu represented a mysterious and exotic place. It may have become a more mainstream tourist destination, but I’d say these descriptions are still closely associated with Nepal’s capital city.
On that trip to New Zealand we met some local walkers and climbers who use their products. There’s a lot of good feedback. Kathmandu is not a widely used brand in the UK, but that is changing. As the UK web grows, you’re bound to see more and more of their products. I have used some of their clothes since my time in New Zealand. However, this is my first opportunity to test one of their packages. I jumped at the chance. So check out my Kathmandu Valorous 28L backpack review to learn more.
feature
The Valorous is a top-loading backpack designed specifically for mountain hiking. I tested the 28-liter version, but that’s only one of the series. Packaging ranges from the compact 20 liter to the larger 58 liter model. There are male and female options.
The main bag body is made from recycled ripstop nylon with a water-resistant finish. The polyester mesh is then used for the Crossflow Air XF harness. This carrier is designed to effectively combine comfortable weight-bearing with breathability. Ventilated shoulder straps incorporate a sternum strap and are combined with a mesh back panel and ergonomic hip belt. The belt has what Kathmandu calls a cross yolk filling. It is designed to support the hips while providing comfortable carry.
You open the Valorous 28L via a thick 2-way YKK flap zipper. Then there’s a hydration bladder sleeve inside the main compartment and zips underneath a lidded storage pocket with key clip. Compression straps on the sides adjust volume and allow for external attachments. They are combined with stretch mesh side pockets and mesh shoulder strap pockets.
The packaging tested had a red color called “red clay.” Also available in blue (Steel Blue) and yellow (Bellbird). It comes in one size with a stated weight of 1.03 kg. UK retail price is £125.
In use
I’m a big fan of top loading bags. I love the simplicity and ease of access they provide. Not having a separate lid also tends to make them more streamlined and neat. This is certainly the case with the Valorous 28 Liter. It’s a back-hugging shape that’s comfortable to sit on – a shape I’d best describe as a gentle teardrop shape.
top opening
Unpacking is a simple task, and the two-way zipper makes it even easier. A quality YKK zipper should ensure a long life. Once opened, the flap pocket flips up for easy access to the contents of the main compartment and the convenient zippered mesh flap pocket. There’s also a hydration bladder holster in the main compartment that supplies water through the outlet slot and clips onto the shoulder strap. Storage options are simple and efficient.
The downside to this type of single top opening may be that you have to organize your packaging appropriately. You don’t want items you need in a short time to be at the bottom. But while I think it’s worth mentioning, it’s a factor you need to consider for most outdoor backpacks regardless.
strap
Straps are key to the effectiveness of any backpack. There are many positive aspects to being brave. Sculpted and padded shoulder straps are very comfortable. The mesh construction also contributes to this comfort, allowing it to wick away heat and moisture very efficiently. I used some mesh panel packs that go quite far back. This affects stability. The Valorous strikes a good balance and feels stable and snug when in use.
Belts are fun. It utilizes what Kathmandu calls a crossed egg yolk filling. This refers to the Y-shaped part around the hips. I’ve never come across a design like this before, it’s comfortable and supportive. Kathmandu also added padding to the waistband, but not too much. This is a great option because the hip belt doesn’t really need a lot of padding for a backpack of this capacity. Overall, the design of the belt is spot on.
Other features
There are other carrying options on the outside of the bag. Stretch mesh side sleeves can be used to carry everything from extra clothes to snacks or drink bottles. When not in use, they sit flush with the sides of the package. There are also compression straps. Their usual purpose is to reduce packaging volume, if necessary. They also allow for additional items.
Durability
While this isn’t a long-term review, the Valorous 28 has effortlessly withstood all the adventures I’ve had with it so far. This includes general hill climbing and some scrambling. Also, I’ve done some climbing with the backpack in order to gain more time carrying more weight in the backpack. I wouldn’t say this is the best choice for rock climbing, nor is it its intended use. However, it performed well when loaded with a rack and climbing rope. I was also impressed with how weatherproof it was. While I’m not aiming for a waterproof bag, I recently used it on a navigation course day and even a waterproof bag can have its challenges! It blocks out a lot of the weather.
The Valorous 28L is only available in one size and one back length. Therefore, it’s important to make sure it fits your body shape and back length. I find it fits my height of 5’8″ perfectly. Given its functionality and the durability of the fabric, it’s impressive that it weighs just over a kilogram.
sustainable development
Kathmandu takes sustainable development seriously. They are a B Corp certified company (if that doesn’t mean anything to you, check out what B Corp certification means here). They are also committed to using as much recycled material as possible in their products. For example, in fiscal year 2023, fiber used across Kathmandu contained more than 35% recycled material. Their website has lots of information about their sustainability credentials and future aspirations here.
generalize
As this Kathmandu Valorous 28L backpack review demonstrates, this is a great mid-sized backpack. It’s suitable for both general mountain walking and other adventure activities. It’s stylish, durable, functional, and offers a full range of features.
Valourous was also produced with sustainability in mind. In fact, this is a company with responsible and sustainable manufacturing at its core. For more information on Valorous 28 liter packaging see here. To find out more about Kathmandu’s extensive product range, visit their website here.
I hope you found this Kathmandu Valorous 28L backpack review useful. We have a long history of reviewing technical mountain products, and you can find our reviews here here. Our regularly updated blog also contains many other articles of advice and inspiration. yesyou can find them here. We hope they are useful.