Gregory Apex Air 40 Rucksack

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A comfortable and stable carrying backpack, suitable for carrying more weight on longer treks. The Apex Air is made from a light but durable 200D Nylon Ripstop and has an impressive Suspended Back System that spreads the pack’s weight evenly over your back and helps keep you cool.

Vango says: 

Part of the Vango Apex Collection, the Apex Air 40 rucksack is made from Excel 200D Rip Stop fabric making it light and durable, weighing in at just 1060 grams. The key features are the X-Air UL Back, a 3D elastic air back for your comfort as well as a unique load stabilizing compression which brings the compressed weight up and back towards the user’s centre of gravity. The Apex Collection is hydration compatible and has been designed with on the go walking pole holders, multiple storage pockets, including a large front pocket and benefits from high quality SBS® zips and Duraflex components and comes with a rain cover with our new reflective print. The Apex Air is ideal for ultralight trekking, hikers and those looking for comfort and lightweight design.

Our Verdict

The Vango Apex Air 40 is a rugged and durable 40l pack that excels when you need to take a little more on a day hike, that can also be an excellent overnight pack if you’re taking a lightweight or minimal kit.

The X-Air UL Back, a suspended back system, makes this pack incredibly comfortable to carry. It helps spread the weight of the pack evenly over your entire back. The suspended back system also helps keep you cool, allowing air to circulate between the pack and your back so you don’t get too hot and sweaty when working hard on the hills.

The shoulder straps are made from a very airy mesh with a soft foam inner; these are comfortable and help promote good airflow. I would have liked to see them a little wider, especially across the shoulder. Load lifters, above-the-shoulder straps and compression straps down the side of the pack condense the bag close to your back, lowering your centre of gravity and creating a more stable and better-balanced carry.

Consideration has been given to trekking pole storage. A clasp upon the shoulder strap holds the poles neatly in place, under the arm, so they don’t get in the way if you are hiking without them. This makes them incredibly accessible, so you don’t have to take your pack on and off whenever you wish to use your poles.

This is an excellent pack that carries its load well for its price, weight, and durability. This is a good backpack for people transitioning from quick day hikes that are now looking to tackle longer days in the hills. It would be a fantastic bag for any Duke of Edinburgh student; however, unless you pack it with minimal/ultralight camping equipment, a 40l pack may be a little small.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• X-Air Back System
• Unique Load Stabilising Compression
• Lid Storage
• Large Mesh Side PocketsHip Belt Storage
• Large Front Storage Pocket
• Walking Pole Storage

Specifications

• Weighs: 1090g
• Dimensions: L57.0cm x H28.0cm x W39.0cm

Material & Construction

• Excel 200D RS Fabric
• 6mm Aluminium Frame

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack