Shimano Unzen 10-Litre Backpack Review Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Shimano Unzen 15 hydration pack Shimano’s Unzen range takes a different approach to the humble backpack. We tested the largest, with 15L of well-organised cargo space in addition to the included 3L bladder, although 10 and 6L versions are available, as you can see in the following video:The big difference is its ‘Rider Fit Cross Harness’, which uses a single, central buckle on the sternum to secure the broad, curved straps in an X shape. They adjust internally and have neat organisers to control webbing. Despite a lack of waist or sternum straps, the pack fits securely and allows comfortable breathing and movement. 

The single clip makes it easy to get on and off, while full-length zips on either side allow fast access. A mix of ripstop nylon and rubberised stretch material gives water resistance and durability, and the back is comfortable as raised sections allow air to flow. The Hydrapak bladder and bite valve aren’t as refined as CamelBak’s offerings, but still do a good job.In addition to the main compartment, there’s a lined pocket at the top and one at the bottom with a key clip – they open via ringpull-style zippers, and there’s an elasticated cord for securing armour. We’re less impressed with the quick access pockets on the straps, and Velcro fasteners eat into storage space and lack positive closure.This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.Let me start by saying that details are light on this particular piece. It has not officially hit the street yet. The Singletracks team obtained the sample I have at Interbike’s Outdoor Demo and I got to keep it because I had room in my suitcase.

I made room for it by throwing away all my pants and flying home in a plaid towel wrapped around me like a kilt. In the absence of hard facts, I present, instead, wild speculation on the genesis of the U4E. Shimano called a meeting of its chief designers and they all put on their thinking caps. backpack gewicht verdelenThey thought, hm, what would someone who is doing an Enduro race need in a race pack?tapachula backpack black “What are they doing all day?” one junior designer asked.lenovo backpack 0b47304 “Will they need hydration?” asked a second. “What the hell is Enduro?” shouted a third designer, who was asked to leave. Eventually they agreed that what an Enduronaut would need from a pack is options, and that’s what they’ve delivered.

Want to strap your goggles and a full face helmet to the U4E while you climb to the next stage? Want to roll up a jacket and clip it to your pack while you race, so you can be free on the descent but warm on the climb? Want to use a hydration pack? Or you can stick a bottle in the rear pocket. Mine is setup with a HydraPack in the photo above, but the U4E doesn’t come with a reservoir. You’ll be responsible for getting your own if you want one. But if you’re going slow enough on the descent that you have time and a free hand to operate a drinking tube, well, let’s just say you probably shouldn’t have that kind of time. Also note above that I have a jacket rolled up and clipped to the pack using its two bottom straps, just as you might if you’ve gotten warm over the course of the day and removed a layer. And I have a bottle stuck into the rear mesh pocket because enduro racers might find a bottle preferable to carrying a full bladder. The U4E has some more typical features, like dual zips for the main compartment and a fleece-lined pouch for your phone or other technological delicates.

But I must say, I’ve gotten my hands on some other bags in the Unzen line since Shimano started making hydration packs, and this is the most advanced one I have seen so far. Here are some interior pockets. Pretty standard stuff there, but check this out. The waist strap is removable from the pack. It’s the thin black strap and it velcros around that d-ring. Also, the hydration bladder compartment unzips all the way up, so you don’t have to try to poke your hose through a weird sleeve because, you know, uh, who wants that? Again, we are light on details on this pack, so we don’t have an MSRP or a street date at this time. And we don’t really have a typical “click here for more info” link because, well, there’s not a lot of info at the link. But if and when the U4E hits shelves, if you’re looking for a pack that suits enduro racing, I think this one’s a good bet. Thanks to Shimano for providing the Enduro Racepack U4E for review. Shimano's Unzen 4L offers a strong compromise between minimalism and practicality

The Unzen from drivetrain pioneer Shimano is ideal for people who like the idea of harness-style minimalism but would like a bit of added practicality. The lower straps feature Velcro adjustment and a hook and loop system closes the pack in around you. That little alloy hook also makes it incredibly easy to get in and out of making the goggle loops and exterior pockets all the more useful – handy if you dabble with enduro.A removable waistband for added stability is also provided should you really get her loaded up but the Shimano stays confidently in place without it. A fleece-lined gadgets pocket, separate netted bladder storage, a rear bottle pocket for shorter rides, tool compartments and light loops add up to a clever pack.There isn’t cavernous amounts of space aboard the Unzen – it’s more of a ‘a place for everything and every thing in its place’ kind of backpack. A slight flaw is the side-only access to the (snug) main pocket but as a compromise between minimalism and practicality, the Shimano walks a convincing tight rope at a keen price.