He/she needs luggage and technology to have a romantic moment and produce some kind of innovative pack that could carry the essentials in comfort and style as well as be a protective support system for all the tech goodies to which most humans have now grown accustomed.
That said, in my search for hardcore surf luggage that affords the traveling surfer to have all the needed items while keeping the hands free to carry boards and slap malaria bearing mosquitoes while slashing at the thick jungle foliage (Ok…That would take three hands) en route to some mythical left point just beyond a booby-trapped Mayan temple, I stumbled across the aptly named Surf Pack from Quiksilver.
Why is it Cool?
Now you may say, “How can one backpack be any different from another?” I posed myself the same inquiry and was then a bit taken aback as I explored the sample.
At first glance, The Quiksilver Surf Pack appeared mild mannered, but upon deeper inspection I noticed a little light. That’s right, a little internal and external LED lighting system that would help the traveler in finding some needed goods inside as well as illuminating the path ahead for walking or even skateboarding if your cool like that.
I laughed and continued scoping the pack confident that the light was no more than an isolated gimmick. Not so fast! Along the shoulder strap, I noticed some buttons that (as it turns out) are connected to an internal IPOD jack that lets you control your Mp3 action from the outside. Hmmmm, these Quiksilver cats are a devilish crew with their Surf Pack gadgetry, but surely that was it.
I tried on the Surf Pack and noticed the springy shoulder straps that, according to the enclosed information, help eliminate jolting when carrying a heavy load.
Then, I embarked on the lengthy operation of exploring the internal extras. There are a plethora of zippered pouches and Velcro openings (maybe too many), and inside I found a myriad of sacks, bags, and sleeves for every conceivable travel situation.
The Stuff Inside
Let’s start with the thermal insulated cooler to insure you have cold beer as you trek through the bush in search of the next swell, and then there’s a handy-dandy electronics bag to keep said IPOD and other battery powered goodies dry as a bone. The large laundry bag will keep your “stank” unmentionables from being mentioned by passers-by at the airport while the neoprene laptop bag will keep all the insane digital photos from the secret African beach break safe until you can reach the closest surf magazine office to let the cat out of the bag. There is also a fin stash bag, wetsuit bag, and some other things I wasn’t too sure of.
The Bottom Line
This is not a “Back to School” backpack. It is a bit heavy for day-to-day use, but is very durably constructed for serious beatings. The amount of zippered pouches and pockets is overwhelming, but the bigger ones are very useful and easy to reach without taking off the pack (great for real surf travel). The IPOD attachment and light feature are cool and very functional if your journey is long and you find yourself camping or in a nighttime situation. While the many features and accessories approach overkill, this pack is leaps beyond your basic backpack and far more functional for real surf travel. There is nothing I hate more than mixing all my travel goods (clothes, cameras, and surf stuff) in one big compartment. It leads to an overall melding of categories, broken stuff, and takes loads of time to find just what you are looking for. If you are a surf traveler who loves your “stuff” and wants to remain connected, this is the pack for you. However, those who need only a board, bar of wax, and trunks should go with a simple duffle or one Quiksilver’s other surf travel options.
