Australian Hiker

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Macpac Rapaki 22L Day Pack Review

Recently I was given the opportunity to test out the Macpac Rapaki 22L Pack and I was keen to see where it sat within the ‘day pack’ spectrum. Prior to testing I had no preconceived ideas about this pack and in fact I hadn’t read its description which I’ll get back to later in this review.

The first and most obvious thing to note about this pack is the colour range. Macpac has chosen two neutral colour preferences of Urban which (green) and Windsor wine (light purple) that won’t upset anyone’s sensibilities.

Now onto the more serious features. As a pack the Rapacki comes in three sizes 22, 25 and 28 litres. Over the past couple of years I’ve come to love the smaller packs so chose the 22 litre size to test as it comfortably carries everything I need on a typical day hike.

Daypacks tend to sit on a spectrum that ranges from full-on technical models through to something that is more a fashion statement. The Rapaki 22 sits in the middle of the range and has enough features to make it serious enough for hiking but also useable as a general use pack. This is where I get back to Macpac’s description of this pack as ‘a go-to, whether it’s the week or the weekend’ and after using this pack, that was my conclusion also.

Feature-wise the padded back cushioning is almost un-noticable when carrying light loads but it really comes into play when carrying heavier loads. The shoulder straps also have good padding on them which is great when the pack is loaded up. Macpac doesn’t provide a weight capacity for this pack but it comfortably carried approximately 7 kg during testing which is probably the sweet spot.

This pack has two main pockets, the main internal pocket and a large external pocket. There is also good internal pocketing including mesh pockets for valuables including a key clip. Where this pack becomes versatile is with the internal pocket that is aimed at protecting your laptop. It’s also designed to take a water bladder and has an opening at the top to feed the bladder hose to the left or right side of the pack as suits. As with most hiking packs, the Rapaki 22 comes with two side pockets designed for water bottles which are versatile enough to hold other items.

This pack has a sternum strap and waist belt, both of which can be removed if that’s what you prefer. My one comment here is that the sternum strap uses a clip system – once you have it set to your needs it works really well but can be a bit fiddly to adjust if you have large hands. On the back of the pack is a ‘daisy chain’ and lower loop that has an elastic cord aimed at holding trekking poles but could also be used for a range of other tools as the need arises.

Price wise this pack sells for AUD$169.99 RRP but if you are a Macpac member (which just requires you to provide your contact information) the price drops by around 30% making for a very competitively priced pack for the features on offer.

Macpac promotes this pack as a versatile option for both on-track as well as around town and in that sense this pack hits the mark. It looks great, has colours to suit everyone’s tastes and enough features to make it useful as an all-round pack.

We Like

• A good choice of colours from conservative to lairy
• Padded laptop sleeve (water bladder holder) with opening for bladder hose that can be left or right handed
• Large internal main pocket
• Front zip pocket
• Daisy chain loops for storing tools such as trekking poles
• Two side bottle pockets
• Internal mesh zip pocket and a key clip
• Removable hip belt and an adjustable ‘daisy chain’ sternum strap
• Two pen holders if using this as an around town pack

We Don't Like

• The adjustable strapping system is a bit fiddly if you have large hands but once you’ve set them to your size you’re good to go

Best Uses

• A great looking pack that is versatile enough for both day hiking and around town

Buy One

You can purchase the Macpac Rapaki 22L Day Pack online from Macpac

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $169.99 RRP – Macpac members receive a discount

Other Versions

• Macpac Rapaki 25 Litre Pack
• Macpac Rapaki 28 Litre Pack

Macpak Rapaki Pack 22liter Windsor Wine colour> the black sections in this image are the padding on this pack

Macpac Rapaki Pack 22 litre Urban Chic colour

Macpac Rapaki 22 – internal water bladder/computer pocket

Macpac Rapaki 22 – water bladder in pocket

Disclaimer

This review was done with product provided for testing by Macpac

Last updated

20 February 2024

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