Review: LatLock E70 Running Backpack

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Specs

Make: LatLock
Model: E70
Available Colors: Black/Yellow, Black/Blue, Black/Pink, Black/Green
Sizes: One size fits all
Volume: 1428 cu. in.
Maximum Load: 40 pounds
Year Manufactured: 2011
MSRP: $62.95
Website:

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While similar to the old version of the U.S. Army’s Assault Pack, the LatLock has a very unique set of straps that do a great job of keeping your load from bouncing. First, lets look at the shoulder straps.

Unlike shoulder straps on most backpacks, the LatLock’s straps are short, with the bottom of the strap attached higher up than usual.  This, by itself, considerably minimizes the amount of vertical movement that occurs while running.  The strap wraps around the shoulder under the armpit and can be cinched down tightly on even the skinniest runner.

The second strap is the LatLock strap.  This strap secures the pack firmly to your back and reduces side-to-side movement.  Where traditional packs have a waist strap, that buckles and cinch just below your bellybutton, the LatLock’s padded strap tightens around the upper torso.

 

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The third strap is the Upper Chest Strap and is used to completely meld the LatLock to your body.  It tends to ride up a bit high; sometimes making contact with your neck.  I normally run without using this strap at all.  However, if carrying larger loads, it would probably help take some strain off your shoulders.

The bag’s square construction allows for a varied arrangements of typical, or atypical, items to carry: shoes; slacks; lunches; tomahawks; video games; bags of lettuce; or whatever. You are able to place them where you want, how you want, rather than work within the tapered confines of other packs suitable to run commuting or fastpacking.

The multi-directional compression straps on the outside of the pack are a nice touch. Kind of like making a hobo bindle: arrange your things how you want, tighten it up, make everything nice and snug from the sides and above, and it will stay put.

Running Feel

The pack runs fairly well.  Overall body movement is less constricted than running with frame packs like the Osprey Stratos 24, therefore allowing you to run faster with the same amount of payload.  It keeps gear high on your back, while nearly eliminating all bouncing.  Items packed inside the bag are very secure.

The tightness of the straps tends to push ones arms out to the sides more than normal, giving you a similar style of running to downhill trails, where your arms are more outstretched to maintain balance.  On two of our reviewers, the shoulder straps chafed enough for them to stop using it within a mile or so.

Pros

• No bouncing.

• No waist strap = no lower back or hip chafing.

• Compression straps do an excellent job of securing gear inside pack.

• Padded laptop sleeve.

Cons

• Underarm chafing.  All three reviewers had issues with underarm chafing.

• Zippers will open if zipped close at the top of the pack (we recommend zipping both down one side).  Also, adding pulls would help with access.

Recommended

Yes and No.  One reviewer thought this was an amazing pack while the others did not like it.  It has to be adjusted just right in order to prevent a chafe-free run and it does take some getting used to.  To adjust it properly, follow the instructions listed on LatLock’s website.

Changes in the next generation pack (available soon)

1. Front pockets or holders for cell phone, wallet, keys, ipod, MP3 player, water bottles.

2. Bigger, more rugged zipper.

3. Zipper Design Change, Easier to get into pack and not have to completely un-zip to get to contents in the lowest area of the Pack.

4. Added External Sleeve for hydration bladder.

5. Added Internal Sleeve for papers, so you can place loose paper in the bag and not crumple it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received a LatLock E70  for free from LatLock, LLC in consideration for review publication.

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