Impulse Rucksack 95 Review: Excels in Comfort And Organization
The Impulse Rucksack 95 excels in comfort and organization, making it ideal for long, gear-heavy backpacking adventures.
Manufacturer: Impulse
Price: 8,200/- List
Our Verdict
87
Overall Score
Related: TRAWOC HK 80 Review: Exceptionally Perfect
The Impulse Rucksack 95 has gained a reputation for its emphasis on comfort and rich set of features. Recently updated with a new suspension system and eco-friendly materials, the Impulse distinguishes itself with its ability to handle heavy loads. Its firm yet supportive padding, contoured shape, exceptional gear organization, and excellent ventilation via a full mesh back panel make it a standout choice.
However, its feature-packed design does make it quite heavy, weighing well over 4 pounds, which might not be ideal for those seeking a lighter, swifter option. Nevertheless, when carrying substantial loads over extensive distances, the Impulse Rucksack 95 stands out as one of the best-equipped packs available.
In my experience with the revamped Impulse Rucksack 95, it excelled in meeting the demands of long-haul backpacking. For a comparison with other backpacking backpacks, you can check out our articles on the best options available.
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Related: TriPole Walker Pro 80 Review: Comfort Without Compromise
Impulse Rucksack 95: Our Analysis and Test Results
Specs
Weight: 900 g
Volume: 95 L
Material: Polyester
Laptop compartment: Yes
Color: Green, Black
Opening: Top
Waterproof: Yes
Rain Cover: Yes
Best For: Extended trip
Gender: Unisex
Outside storage: 1 zippered hipbelt pocket, 2 zippered side pockets, 2 adjustable side water bottle pockets, 1 bottom pocket
Alternate option: TriPole Walker Pro, TRAWOC HK 80
Comfort
The Impulse Rucksack 95, tailored for long-haul journeys, proved its mettle during our Kareri Lake adventure.
Loaded with supplies for a multi-day trek, including food, extra gear, and layers for weather changes, the pack, despite nearing a third of my body weight, managed the load exceptionally well. Adjusting the load lifter straps kept it snug without straining my shoulders or hips.
Must Read: Best Backpacking Backpacks for Traveling
Unlike some packs that throw off balance, this one maintained stability even with weight shifts, thanks to its well-distributed design and minimal sway.
The waist padding offered robust support, with extra cushioning from a secondary belt, enhancing comfort around the hips. Shaped to fit female contours, it provided a tailored feel.
Similarly, the shoulder straps, well-padded and adjustable, accommodated different body frames effortlessly—I have a narrower build and found them comfortable.
Related: Hiker’s Way 75 Review: Significantly Cheaper
Ease of Use
Access
In addition to its exceptional comfort, the Impulse Rucksack 95 impresses with its practical and ample storage design. Its main compartment offers dual access—both from the top and through a U-shaped front zipper.
This layout simplifies organization and access to gear. Typically, I place larger items like the bear canister through the top, using the front panel zipper to fill in the remaining space with other gear.
Having both access options proves incredibly convenient, and the inclusion of an alternative way to reach the main compartment is a feature I greatly appreciate in packs.
Pockets
At the top, the lid flaunts three differently sized pockets, featuring a hidden pocket underneath with a convenient key clip—a personal favorite detail.
Unbeatable: List of Hiking Backpacks with Laptop Sleeves
Additionally, there are dual front zippered pockets separated by the front mesh panel and the bag's body, making them a tad challenging to reach when the pack is full.
Despite this, I managed to fit thin gloves in one and a beanie along with a buff in the other, but they didn't leave much space for more.
External storage options include a front mesh pocket fastened with a buckle—perfect for storing climbing gear and lunches—plus a left-side mesh pocket with straps for securing poles or a camera tripod.
On the other side, an open pocket can be tucked away or used for holding a water bottle. The hipbelt pockets are spacious enough for an iPhone or Garmin inReach and some snacks.
However, due to the belt's curve, accessing my phone was a bit tricky, although that's more about the design than its size. In essence, the multitude of pockets is both a boon and a challenge.
While they aid organizations with extensive gear, I often struggled to recall where I stashed specific items (and they do contribute to the pack feeling weighty).
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
At just 2 pounds, the Impulse Rucksack 95 stands out as one of the lightest in our comparison. Typically, pack weight relates to its carrying capacity, but this pack breaks that norm.
Despite its featherweight build, it's surprisingly robust and capable, boasting one of the best weight-to-volume ratios among our selections. It strikes a unique balance, delivering both endurance and an almost ultralight feel.
Crafted strategically, it's durable where needed, employing lightweight yet tear-resistant Robic fabric.
Whether laden with climbing gear or stocked up for a lengthy desert trek on the PCT, this pack maintains its carry comfort while minimizing excess weight.
Adjustability
This backpack offers some customization. You can modify the shoulder straps by sliding them along the torso using an easy Velcro release system, accommodating torso sizes from 15 to 19.5 inches.
While we value this flexibility, we're a bit let down by the limited maximum torso length compared to similar packs.
The hip belt, on the other hand, caters to a wide range of hip sizes, spanning from 26 to 60 inches. However, it lacks a reverse pull-tightening mechanism, making it challenging to secure compared to our other backpacks.
Additionally, some of the straps feel rigid and are less responsive, especially in colder conditions, making them harder to adjust as comfortably as we'd prefer.
Protection
The previous Impulse Rucksack 95 boasted an integrated rain cover and weather-resistant hip-belt pockets using YKK zippers. However, these features didn't make it to the latest version from Gregory.
Despite this, I noticed the standard durable water-repellent (DWR) coating provided commendable water resistance overall.
Since there aren't specific waterproofing elements, I'd strongly suggest investing in a separate rain cover or using dry bags to waterproof your belongings if you expect consistently wet conditions.
However, for hiking in light to moderate rain or short exposure to water, the Deva 70 should serve you well.
Build Quality
The Impulse Rucksack 95 enhanced its durability by reinforcing the pack body significantly. While many other backpacks typically utilize 210-denier (D) materials with a 630D bottom, the Impulse Rucksack stands out with a combination of 210D and 420D for the body and a robust 630D at the base. I haven't encountered any durability issues thus far.
Despite subjecting the pack to knocks against rock walls, dragging it across rocky terrain and sand, and tossing it onto numerous planes and buses, it still appears brand new.
The zippers operate smoothly without any glitches, there are no signs of rips or tears, and all the intricate details remain well-maintained and resilient.
Which Alternative Backpacking Backpacks Deserve Your Consideration?
The Impulse Rucksack 95 stands tall as our top-rated backpack for comfortably managing hefty loads. However, if you're aiming for a lighter and more budget-friendly option, consider the Hiker’s Way 75.
The Maven, priced at ₹2,299, notably costs ₹1,000 less than the Deva, yet they weigh nearly the same.
Opting for the Hiker’s Way 75 proves beneficial for those looking to spend less. While the Impulse Rucksack 95 triumphs in padding, durability, and organization, the Hiker’s Way 75 holds its ground with excellent fit adjustments, breathability, and overall quality.
Much like its counterpart, the Hiker’s Way 75 grants secondary access to the main compartment through a full-length side zipper. Moreover, its FreeFloat Hybrid suspension system adeptly distributes a full load evenly.
Unless you're burdened with an extensive array of gear, the Hiker’s Way 75 stands as a commendable alternative to the Impulse Rucksack 95, offering good functionality at a more affordable price point.
TriPole stands as another eminent pack manufacturer renowned for its emphasis on comfort. Within their range, the TriPole Walker Pro 80 has consistently held our top spot for several consecutive years due to its unmatched blend of carrying ease, meticulous organization, and robustness.
One standout feature is its suspended Anti-Gravity backpanel, delivering unparalleled ventilation and a snug, form-fitting experience against the back.
Every aspect of this pack aligns impressively—from its remarkable adjustability to the resilient materials that endure rugged usage, and its comprehensive organization both internally and externally.
Comparatively, the TriPole does tip the scales a bit more than the Impulse, weighing in at 800 to 900 grams.
Overall, we perceive the TriPole as the more competitive and comprehensive design, albeit at a noteworthy ₹700 higher price point.
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