Review: Naturehike 55 + 5L Hiking Backpack

Price: R1299.00 (at time of writing)

Pros: Excellent price; Lightweight; Good suspension; Very comfortable; Thoughtful pocket design; Easy-access rain cover; Inner hydration sleeve (fits a 3L water bladder).

Cons: Slight slippage on shoulder strap buckles; No bottom access; Lack of rear loading straps; Seemingly weak stitching.

The Bottom Line: A very comfortable, lightweight hiking backpack at a very competitive price. This well-designed pack is excellent value for money.

Manufacturer: Naturehike

The Naturehike 55 + 5L pack uses the traditional top access to the main compartment with an internal hydration sleeve with single hose port and two side stretch pockets. The pack comes with multiple storage compartments, trekking pole loops, zippered top compartment, zippered hip belt pocket and easy access rain cover.

Easy-access rain cover.

I first used the NatureHike 55 + 5L backpack for the Hex Traverse, where one begins with an exceptionally steep ~1000m climb, followed by many scrambles, sharp descents, and steep ascents across approximately 37km. The backpack felt comfortable and is incredibly well structured, with an adjustable hip belt that pivots independently while one climbs or descends. This helped enormously with weight distribution and support, such that even though I was carrying about 16kg’s over rough and steep terrain, I never felt unbalanced.

Technical terrain on the Hex River Traverse (Image: Stuart McConnachie).

The bag itself is exceptionally lightweight, made from 100% nylon. The hip and shoulder straps are well-padded and very comfortable. Although the adjustable shoulder straps did loosen over time while hiking, both top and bottom levels were exceptionally accessible and easy to use, so I could adjust the suspension while walking.

It has quite a narrow, tall profile. This, combined with a hydration bladder taking up 3L of internal space and no rear loading straps, gave the impression of less storage space than other bags of similar volume.

Comfort

I’ve spent the last few years using a 40-year-old Backpacker SA Canyon backpack — I’m very attached to it and all its split pockets (which I lovingly stitch up every few months). But I’ve always wondered why other people could walk upright up hills while I was bent over at 90°. I thought I was just less fit or strong. After using the NatureHike 55 + 5L Backpack, I realised the ancient Canyon pack is akin to hiking with a lumpy bag of potatoes — the suspension structure has simply eroded over its lifetime.

When I first put on the NatureHike 55 + 5L backpack, I initially panicked because the shoulder straps were so big and the backpack hung past my bottom. I thought I’d have to go back to the Karrimor — until I found the adjustable shoulder, back and waist straps and fitted it to my short frame. Once adjusted, I looked in the mirror in disbelief: I could see it on my back, packed to the brim, but when I closed my eyes, I could barely feel the weight.

All smiles (Image: Stefan Wahl).

Durability

While the comfort of the bag is exceptional, my biggest concern is durability. While stuffing a small, technical tent into the outside front pocket on the second day of use, the seams tore. On closer inspection, I could see that the seams were lightly stitched with cotton thread using a simple hemming stitch. However, the overall quality of the bag is good. This is the ideal backpack for 2–5 day hikes and, depending on care and frequency of use, it should last two to five years.

Features

The NatureHike 55 + 5L backpack has several great features. The outer pockets (front and side) are deep and made of good, stretchy fabric, fitting a lot of extra hiking paraphernalia — smaller but bulky items like food, bottles, towels, rain jackets, or toiletries. I even managed to fit a small, lightweight sleeping mat in one side pocket. The side compression straps were useful for securing it snugly to the pack.

Lightweight aluminium buckles secure the compression straps.

Access to the main compartment is only through the top of the bag. The floating top compartment adds extra volume and has adjustable straps — a fantastic feature whether the pack is lightly or heavily loaded.

Slogging it across the rock-strewn slopes (Image: Stuart McConnachie).

The backpack was tested in heavy rain and high winds. Besides the adjustable hip belt that helps balance weight on slippery climbs, it features a large waterproof rain fly that fits well and offers excellent protection. The inner hydration sleeve can fit a 3L water bladder — a game changer for dry regions.

Specific Ratings

Comfort: 9/10
Weight: 9/10
Durability: 6/10
Suspension: 9/10
Adjustability: 9/10
Waterproof (Rain cover): 9/10
Ease of use: 7/10
Value for money: 10/10

The pack can be purchased directly from Naturehike’s website: www.naturehike.co.za