As an avid hiker and biker, my boyfriend at the time and I would often take day-long excursions, each of us taking turns carrying “the backpack” toting our essentials. It wasn’t until years later, by chance, I discovered the enjoyment of carrying a backpack that actually fits me – a 5 foot, 3 inch women weighing approximately 110 pounds.
My best-friend and I decided to go climbing together and she was toting a Violeta 25L, one of the models of Patagonia backpacks designed specifically for women. Patagonia offers two packs made for shorter torsos; the Violeta 25L and the Cascada 30L.
Apart from the shorter torso, these bags come with plenty of pockets to organize all of a woman’s essential items as well as the extras.
The Violeta 25L has a single compartment with a padded laptop sleeve that holds most 15″ laptops, exterior stuff pocket and plenty of carrying options. This pack is available in at least five color choices. The exterior measurement are 19″ x 11″ x 7.75″/1526 cu. in. volume and weighing one pound six ounces.
The Cascada 30L is a two-compartment pack with a padded laptop sleeve fitting most 17″ laptops, exterior shock cord and again, many carrying options. Cascada 30 L is 1831 cu. in. volume and measures approximately 19″ x 12.5″ x 9.5″ and weighs one pound, eleven ounces.
The Yerba 22L and the Chacabuco 32L are also popular packs owned by both women and men. However, the Yerba has a back length of 19 inches, making it too large for most women under 5′ 11″.
Depending on your build and the size backpack you require, Patagonia also produces the Poco 12L and the Poco Mas 15L. Model 12L weighs 11.8 ounces and the 15L is 14.7 ounces. Aside from being less expensive than other models, these packs were designed with kids in mind so the adjustable straps have a little more room for condensing or expanding.
Distinguishing between the two women’s models, as well as the two kids’ packs are the pocket configurations and slight size differences.
All Patagonia backpacks are stylish in their own right, but are made primarily with functionality and durability in mind. A perfect, comfortable fit and versatile design has put my Patagonia on my back, over my shoulder, in m