VANGO Sherpa 65 Rucksack

Used by our son on his DofE practice expedition. We found it difficult to pack, the bottom straps were too small to take his (3 man) tent, it's heavy, and didn't fit well. Replaced it with Osprey Rook

Ruchksack tested and worn in shop with weights for at least 20 minutes whilst discussing other items. Fitted and adjusted to suit us. Great price and is perfect without breaking the budget.

Took this bag on a 4 day hike in Cornwall, carrying 10-12kg over rocky, hilly terrain.

Summary: OK but not stable or comfortable.

Initial impression, plenty of room and array of storage solutions which was nice. Good waterproof cover which holds up well in the wind.

However as the walk progressed I found it increasingly uncomfortable. It is physically hard to adjust the straps and stays. I had a sore chest and back by the end.

The main problem, the rucksack did not feel stable. I think this was due to the waistband not sitting snugly around the hips. As a result most of the weight ending up on my shoulders. My son tried too with similar experience.

In fairness I am comparing my higher end, Osprey which feels different league to the Vango. The waistband locks the rucksack stable; it simply does not move.

Still I could not recommend for anything other than a flat walk on stable paths for max 3-4 hours.

I'm hoping this will last the 2 nights and 3 day hike aswell as my old one which was also a vango as iv always stuck with that brand (my tent and bag)

Amazing for the price.. I took this traveling the Americas for 150 days it held up well. Stitching was a bit weak as others have said. Very easy to carry and store things on the move. Perfect for a long trek or just a city trip.


If the stitching was better would be a 5* but as it is I will replace for my next trip.

Very pleased with this sack. Well made, plenty of room and very comfortable thanks to the excellent back adjustment feature. It also ventilated better than I'd expected over the back. The only minor quibble is that I'd have liked the option to be able to separate the main compartment, so that the bottom zipped access could be divided off (with my previous Berghaus sack you could do this)

I brought a vango Sherpa 65 great backpack but with in a month of having it my ones seems started coming apart so took it back for exchange hopefully this one lasts a bit worried now time will tell

I got this and chucked into a 3 day hike in the Brecon Beacons in all weathers.

I know a lot of bags have turned to the side pockets being expandable and basically part of the bag but I prefer these type where there on the sides. Theres lots of pockets and places to store things which made organising 3 days worth of kit a lot easier.
The water proof cover is n the bottom in a separate pocket which is also handy for a few other bits as well as being a better position for the cover.
I packed 57 pounds worth of kit (26Kg) and although it was heavy to pick up once on and adjusted correctly it didn't feel anything like that.

Great bag