Adventure Backpack: OutThere AS3 Review
To sum it up, the OutThere AS3 backpack is an accessible backpack and I love it. The reason why it's so accessible is because it was invented by mike Kloser, an adventure racer you may have seen on The World’s Toughest Race on Amazon Prime Video. Most participators don’t even finish the 10 grueling days through the wilderness kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and orienteering. In order to keep going during that race, the racers need a backpack that can withstand all of those elements and has food and gear accessible so you don't have to take off your backpack all the time. None of Mike’s race sponsors at the time would really build his ideal adventure backpack, so he made his own.
For testing, I've been through Idaho, Wyoming and San Francisco Bay Area with this on my back and it has way over performed for so many different activities. Let’s dive into the details:
Pack Weight – 2.8lbs, which is about average or a little heavier for a backpack of this size. All the pockets and zippers add up, but you have to factor in all the stuff sacks and organization you’d be using with a lighter-weight single-vestibule pack.
Pack Volume – 30L internal/10L external storage capacity 1,830 to 2,440 cubic in
Pack dimensions – 20″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
Price: $190-200
From looking at the backpack from the outside, you see there's about 20+ external pockets! And they are all different sizes and locations, all designed to be easily accessible while on the go. Some are mesh with elastic closure, others are ripstop nylon, some zippered, others water-resistant. The organizational options are design-forward and endlessly customizable to your activity.
Ideal for those into:
Adventure Racing/Sports, Backpacking, Thru-hiking, Bikepacking, Mountain Biking, Ultra Distance Running, Mountaineering – Summit Pack, Peak Climbing, CanyoneeringBack Country Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Rock Climbing, Fly Fishing, Photography, Airline Carry-on Pack
Features
- Shoulder and hip foam padding
- (2) Hydration reservoir compartments
- Chest strap with buckle whistle
- Internal fram support sleeves (sold separately if you want that support)
- PU coated water resistant rip stop nylon
- Side zip external access to main pack compartment
- Stowaway helmet mesh pouch
Adjustability
This pack can fit a range of people 5’3”- 6’2”. The shoulder straps and hip belt are easy to adjust to your size.
The shoulder strap pockets can be removed and/or replaced with either a bottle tail or a beaver tail
Compression straps on the sides are great for holding gear like sleeping pads and skis but also for shrinking down the pack size.
If you’re interested in buying this pack, I recommend you buy direct over at OutThereUSA.com. Use our PROMO CODE: OutDoorGoyo20 for a discount.
If you want to buy from amazon, here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3627cne
Conclusion
If you are looking for a do-everything backpack that is designed by a professional adventure athlete, the OutThere AS3 is a great option. Not only is it smaller for those who wish to go ultralight, the usability for a multitude of activities make it a solid buy at $190. In a market is filled with over simplified packs that make organization and access difficult, this pack stand out from the crowd. And you’d be supporting a small business owner from Vail, CO.