Trawoc SHK 50 Backpack Review: Efficient Load Carrier

The Trawoc SHK 50 backpack is lightweight and boasts remarkable adjustability. Efficient weight distribution without sacrificing comfort makes it a sturdy load carrier.

Price: ₹5,499.00
Manufacturer: Trawoc

Our Verdict

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Perfect for short overnights or extended thru-hikes, the Trawoc SHK excels as a reliable wilderness companion. Venturing along the challenging Escalante Route of the Tirthan River Valley and Serolsar Lake Trek, we brought along the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack, and it left us thoroughly impressed with its overall performance.

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Our Analysis and Test Results

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Comfort

The remarkable suspension of the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack proves versatile for accommodating diverse food and gear packing lists.

Its Air Current frame is a robust supporter of substantial loads, featuring channels for efficient ventilation, making it one of the most breathable back panels in our testing, even without a trampoline-style harness.

The firm yet comfortable foam used in the back panel, lumbar area, and hip belts provides the necessary support for heavy-pack weights.

The plastic frame sheet exhibits flexibility, adapting to body movements while resisting buckling under downward pressure, ensuring a stable and secure feel on the back.

The hip belt, although lacking a rigid frame structure, effectively supports heavy loads, as do the shoulder straps, which adeptly distribute the weight.

Despite these merits, the absence of breathable mesh results in some sweatiness on both the shoulder straps and hip belts during warm days.

Upon initially unpacking the Blaze, I harbored some concerns. My go-to pack in recent years has been the Wildcraft Trailblazer Plus 50, known for its heavily cushioned and supremely comfortable design.

Observing the Trawoc SHK's seemingly less robust shoulder and hipbelt straps, I was skeptical about its ability to measure up.

However, even when loaded with a substantial amount – four days’ worth of provisions, gear, additional layers, and a few liters of water – the pack performed admirably.

Surprisingly, there were no pressure points, no sense of imbalance, and the padding effortlessly bore the load with comfort.

Ease of Use

Designed with the avid hiker in mind, the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack is a feature-packed companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

Boasting an array of practical elements, such as generously sized hip belt pockets, a stretchy mesh stuff-it pocket, expansive side water bottle pockets, a detachable top lid, and a discreet front access zipper, this backpack is equipped to meet various needs.

While the internal volume is specified at 46 liters, considering the additional exterior pockets, the effective storage capacity surpasses the advertised 50 liters.

The capacious hip belt pockets prove to be among the most spacious in our evaluation, accommodating essentials like maps, compasses, energy bars, chapstick, headlamps, and even larger items such as phones or compact cameras.

The sizable side water bottle pockets effortlessly hold two Smartwater bottles each, secured by a shock cord to prevent any unwanted movement.

The narrow top of the stretchy mesh front pocket may pose a slight challenge in accessibility, but its commendable capacity makes it ideal for storing rain gear, pack covers, or lightweight layers.

Ensuring a well-organized load, the backpack features compression straps across the front and on each side, suitable for securing various items ranging from closed-cell foam pads to bulky layers or damp socks.

The concealed front access zipper extends most of the pack's front, providing quick entry to the main compartment without the need to unpack from the top.

The robust zipper, with its heavy gauge, remains resilient even when tightly packed against it, preventing any unexpected openings.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

Weighing in at a mere 3 pounds for the "regular" size in both men's and women's versions we assessed, the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack delivers substantial functionality in an impressively lightweight form.

While true ultralight alternatives like the Mount Track Altitude 50 (900 grams) and Trunkit Adventure Series 55 (a mere 299 grams) manage to shed even more weight, they do so at the expense of notable compromises, such as diminished carrying comfort and reduced durability. 

Typically, the weight a backpack can comfortably bear is directly linked to its own weight—the heavier the backpack, the greater the load it can support. Surprisingly, this conventional correlation doesn't hold true for this particular pack.

Adjustability

The A.C. (Air Current) frame offers versatility with three sizes catering to short, regular, and long torso lengths.

Each size features four distinct shoulder strap attachment points, simplifying the adjustment of torso length for a customized fit.

The hip belt is adjustable, accommodating waist sizes ranging from 26 to 42 inches.

Although the velcro attachment system may pose a challenge when removing the RE-FIT waist belt, the need for frequent adjustments is minimal, mitigating the impact of this minor inconvenience.

In essence, the pack excels in adaptability, ensuring a straightforward process to achieve an optimal and comfortable fit.

Fit and Sizing

Achieving the perfect fit with the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack, despite its high adjustability, requires a bit of practice and patience.

In my experience, fine-tuning the torso length and waist measurements by manipulating the hipbelt and shoulder straps was a somewhat laborious process.

The need to reach behind the frame sheet to remove and reinsert the shoulder strap clips, coupled with the hipbelt's sliding mechanism demanding a bit of pushing and pulling, added to the intricacy. However, once the fit was precisely dialed in, there were no further grievances on my end.

Ventilation

Despite the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack's molded foam back panel providing commendable support and comfort, it tends to retain more heat compared to designs with ample mesh.

The lack of ventilation became evident almost immediately on the trail, even in relatively moderate 50-degree temperatures.

Having been accustomed to TriPole packs in recent years, which felt inconspicuous on my back, the experience with the Trawoc SHK 50 was noticeably different.

Within just a couple of miles, my back felt sweaty, and the pack seemed clammy against my body. Despite shedding layers, the issue of insufficient breathability persisted.

For those prioritizing budget-friendly options with optimal ventilation, the TriPole Walker 65, featuring a mesh back panel, remains unrivaled in its ability to provide superior airflow.

Should You Buy?

Priced affordably, the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack stands out as a lightweight, comfortable, and feature-packed choice for backpacking.

Trawoc SHK backpack goes beyond reliability, providing diverse features to cater to different hiking preferences.

Ideal for all levels of backpackers, its remarkable strength in carrying heavy loads with minimal weight appeals to both beginners and seasoned thru-hikers.

Alternative To Trawoc SHK 50 backpack

If your priority is a lightweight backpack that adeptly handles substantial loads, the Trawoc SHK 50 backpack is an excellent choice. Nevertheless, if enhanced back panel support and breathability are crucial for you, we suggest considering the TriPole Walker 65. For those seeking an even lighter alternative, the F Gear Military Marpat WL 50 Rucksack and the Wildcraft Trailblazer Plus 50 come highly recommended.