| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| high-quality materials and workmanship | cannot remove back reinforcement |
| great design | |
| large number of pockets – on shoulder and hip straps, on the top lid, elastic side pockets | |
| main backpack compartment with zipper | |
| strap adjustment according to height | |
| plenty of loose loops | |
| rain cover in a small pocket at the bottom of the backpack |
The Prokyon backpack was created by the popular German manufacturer specifically for less demanding hiking. Its size, shape, back system design, hip belt, and many other features reflect this.
Even in this line, Vaude was not inconsiderate to the environment. During production, emphasis was placed on the use of eco-friendly materials, environmental friendliness, and other principles typical for products with Green Shape certification, which can warm the hearts of many environmentally conscious individuals. It certainly did for me.
Backpack construction options
The Prokyon 32 backpack provides all the features necessary for simpler hiking. The volume can hold everything needed for day trips or weekend getaways. The shape of the backpack tapers slightly towards the hip area, which, among other things, allows for optimal weight distribution and stability when carrying. The top part of this hiking backpack is covered by a lid that contains a top zippered pocket, so you can easily store the most important things in this easily accessible separate space.
Another part of the backpack is the main segment, which you can easily increase by a few liters if needed. A big advantage is the access to the main part via a zipper as well. On the sides of the backpack, there are side stretch pockets where you can insert bottles of any volume, as well as other things you want to have readily at hand. And finally, regarding vertical organization, it is necessary to mention the pocket for the rain cover, which is, of course, part of the backpack.
Carrying it on your back is made possible by shoulder straps, the left of which has a pocket providing space for things you need to have at hand and under control. There is also a lightweight hip belt, also with a pocket, this time on the right side.
Furthermore, there are loops on the backpack for attaching necessary items that have a larger volume and no longer fit inside the backpack. The option to insert a hydration bladder is also interesting.
Stress test in Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country worth exploring, both in the south and in the north. The backpack underwent a two-week stress test here, and another followed in the Czech Republic. But the diverse Portuguese environment was more than enough for me to get a comprehensive picture of the features of this sports backpack. It succeeded in the mountains in the north as well as in the warm regions of central Portugal.
After two weeks of intensive carrying on my back, I am not afraid to say that this backpack is not just for sports, as the manufacturer states, but is almost universal. However, it performed excellently when worn in nature, for which it is designed.
Practicality
The backpack is very practical thanks to the number of pockets it offers. Not only can you organize your things well (important lighter items at the top in the lid pocket, small items in the side pockets on the shoulder and hip straps, the rest of the things in the main compartment), which is important when traveling. But you can also easily access your things under all conditions. This is mainly enabled by the zipper located in the main space of the backpack. This allows you to open the backpack like a suitcase and easily reach even items placed at the very bottom without complicated rummaging.
However, I found the information from the manufacturer that the pocket on the shoulder strap is intended, among other things, for a phone, quite funny. In the era of large touchscreen phones, very few phones fit into this pocket. However, I believe that everyone will find something to put in this pocket, whether it be keys, a spoon, money, or any other small item.
However, it may happen that if you wear the backpack for a long time only in a tank top, the pocket on the shoulder strap will slightly rub against your arm. I can say from my own experience that during long wear, it was not a very pleasant affair. But don't worry, this problem can be solved very easily. In the area of the pocket, there is a loop where you can "tuck" the empty pocket, and it will definitely not get in your way.
Carrying
Due to the size, shape, and construction, I dare say that carrying this backpack must be pleasant especially for women. It is significantly eased by the shoulder and hip straps, which are padded and can be adjusted very well. I especially appreciated the chest strap, which is partially elastic, so whether you are walking in a tank top or putting on warm clothing, the strap adapts comfortably to the layer of your clothing. The straps and back system also allow for significant stability. In addition, you can adjust the shoulder straps according to your height and preferences, which is another big plus.
A positive is also the option to insert a hydration bladder. And if you don't prefer this way of transporting liquids, you can carry water in bottles on the sides. These side pockets are elastic, so you can take a bottle of almost any size with you. And if you have two bottles, you can nicely balance the backpack on both sides.
However, I see a negative in the inability to remove the back reinforcement. There is access to it inside the backpack (velcro), but when you start pulling the reinforcement out, you will find that it is almost impossible. After all, sometimes treks come where every gram is precious to you and removing the reinforcement could be a welcome change. But unfortunately, that is not possible.
Features
Among the features that often come in handy is the rain cover hidden in the bottom-most pocket of the backpack. Another is the separate compartment in the main part, where you can put various maps, tickets, papers, but especially a hydration bladder if you like this form of drinking.
Extra loops that appear on the sides of the backpack are suitable for attaching a sleeping bag or sleeping mat. They are easily adjustable, so the final volume of the backpack can be much larger than the stated 32 l. It depends on you how much you can carry.
Appearance
I must admit that I chose the backpack largely because of its appearance. The design of the backpack is amazing. Even the overall color coordination is very pleasant. The Cedar wood color combination that I chose seems absolutely ideal for nature to me. The main color is green, the plastic parts are gray, and the padding is burgundy. If you don't want to "scream" on hikes, this choice is quite ideal.
However, the Vaude Prokyon model line also offers classic black and blue colors.
Final evaluation
This comfortable backpack is suitable mainly for day trips or weekend getaways thanks to its volume (32 l). But as my experience confirmed, you can use the backpack for errands in the city as well as longer trips, it depends on your needs, comfort, and how many things you need to carry with you.
You can easily increase the 32 l volume thanks to various loops on the sides of the backpack. After adding a sleeping mat and sleeping bag from the outside, the resulting number can be much higher.
An advantage when carrying is provided by the fully contact back system F.L.A.S.H. NT and quickly and easily adjustable shoulder and hip straps, which contain small pockets, which is sometimes very practical.
A big positive is also the zipper in the main space, which allows you to find things in the backpack without rummaging.
I am definitely satisfied with my choice and I am already looking forward to other trips and treks during which this backpack will have my back.
