This backpack has handled train and bus travel with me, and even flew on a plane loaded with South Caucasian cognac. It handled everything with ease, and I am looking forward to the next trips we will experience together. The Vaude Centauri 65 + 10 M/L backpack fits everything you need, even for a month of unpredictable travel. And if you can pack for a month, it's almost like packing for a whole year!
A great backpack for all your adventures
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + adjustable and comfortable back system | - few smaller pockets |
| + easy front loading | - large volume allows for too much cargo |
| + pleasant design and quality workmanship | |
| + low weight | |
| + robust and easy-to-use buckles | |
| + rain cover with reflective elements | |
| + detachable chest and hip straps | |
| + plenty of compression straps |
It has been a while since I bought this backpack. Today it is produced in different color variants, but the construction remains the same. I was particularly struck by its clean design – among the backpacks offered in our e-shop, this was the one I liked the most at the time. Furthermore, I appreciate the philosophy of the Vaude brand, which strives for environmentally and socially responsible production.
Basic indicators of a good backpack
The biggest advantage of this backpack is certainly its low weight. It doesn't even weigh three kilograms, which is certainly impressive for such a large backpack with a sophisticated back system. The 65 + 10 liter volume ensures that you can take everything you need with you. Vaude Centauri is also produced in a 75 + 10 variant, but colleagues recommended that I get the smaller version so I wouldn't have trouble carrying a loaded backpack. And they were right. I am able to fill the backpack completely, and I would certainly manage to do so with the ten-liter larger variant as well. However, for the comfort of my back, a smaller volume is definitely better.
The back system is height-adjustable, yet the Vaude Centauri is sold in three different lengths. I chose the M/L variant, but besides this middle ground, it is possible to purchase a backpack adapted for women or short backs or an XL size back backpack for truly tall people. Because I am taller (I am about 175 cm), I preferred to choose the middle variant and didn't even consider the women's version.
Also, the shoulder straps are adjustable, sit comfortably on the back, and can be conveniently tightened via the straps above the shoulders. Naturally, it also includes a chest strap that can be detached. However, be careful with that; this apparent advantage can also be a disadvantage. For example, it once happened to me that the chest strap got stuck in the bus storage area, and after getting off, I walked away without it.
Fortunately, after talking to the carrier, I got the strap back and put it back on without any problems. But there may be situations where it won't be so easy to get to it. The hip belt sits comfortably on the hips and is very easy to tighten on both sides. It can also be detached from the aluminum frame thanks to Velcro and removed from the backpack.
What does it look like inside?
An important element according to which I chose the backpack was the layout of its interior space. I wanted a separate bottom pocket and also the possibility of accessing the backpack from the front with a zipper, similar to how it is with suitcases. So when I put the backpack on the ground, I can easily pack all my clothes into it. There are even internal compression straps, thanks to which you can secure clothes and other things against movement inside the backpack. I store an inflatable sleeping pad and a sleeping bag, or shoes or a jacket, in the separate bottom pocket.
I store the most frequently used items, such as food, in the backpack from the top for easy access during transport. Inside the main compartment, on the back of the backpack, there is another pocket adapted for a hydration bladder, but a laptop, which I often travel with, fits perfectly into it. I also use this pocket for books or other documents.
In the upper part, you can tighten the backpack with a drawstring; there are two of them on the upper "chimney", so depending on how full the backpack is, you can tighten the upper or lower drawstring (or both). Moreover, they are attached with a loop to compression clips with an intuitive option for tightening and easy opening. Over this tightening, there is one more strap leading from front to back, which secures loaded items protruding from the body of the backpack. Over the "chimney", a lid is stretched, the position of which is also adjustable, from both sides using a total of four straps. On the underside of the lid, there is a so-called SOS label in German and English.
There are two pockets on the lid of the backpack – one hidden internal one for storing travel documents, the other is external and larger, and I usually store my wallet, small camera, and similar small items that I need to have at hand at all times. The phone or keys can be stored in two zippered pockets located on the hip belt. I use another pocket on the front outer side of the backpack only rarely, for storing small items like paper tissues. Side pockets made of stretch fabric can also hold a 1.5-liter PET bottle well. In the bottom pocket, there is enough space for a rain cover for the backpack; it is adjustable and also equipped with tightening elements.
What is attractive from the outside?
Compression straps are an important part of every backpack, especially important for larger backpacks. Vaude Centauri abounds with plenty of compression straps and various loops. When the backpack is empty, it can be tightened quite a lot, so nothing gets in the way, and I really appreciate that. The backpack is delivered without elastic bands on the lid or on the front of the backpack, but it is not a problem to buy them in any haberdashery and thread them according to your own needs, as I did. And there is a whistle on the chest strap!
Overall a great backpack for traveling
Overall, I would definitely recommend the Vaude Centauri 65+10 M/L to everyone who cares about how their backpack is made, but at the same time appreciates quality and a modern look. Thanks to the significant volume, you can fit not only enough clothes into the backpack, but also a sleeping bag, an inflatable sleeping pad, a laptop, plenty of food, toiletries, etc. This backpack has proven itself so well that I recently decided to buy its smaller relative, the Vaude Assymetric 42+8, which is suitable for shorter trips and is similarly cleverly designed. I'm already looking forward to more traveling because now, thanks to Vaude backpacks and their hip belts, my back doesn't hurt even with life on my back :)
