Last month we added a new range of lightwave tents, and today for my first post on the cheaptents.com blog I’m going to tell you a bit more about the Lightwave Fastpack 40 and 50 lightweight backpacks. These bags already come well recommended getting best in Test (Trail Magazine Oct 08) and Recommended Buy (TGO Magazine July 08).
To quote Lightwave the rucksacks are designed to be …
comfortable, lightweight and highly water-resistant bags for long day/weekend hiking trips. Whether you count them as relatively small backpacks or very large daysacks, they combine – as you would expect from Lightwave – a sophisticated carrying system with a very low weight.
Lightweight they are weighing in at 1.10 and 1.15 kg this said the overall construction quality is robust and there is a nice feel of qaulity to the bags. The bags are classed as highly water-resistant, with all the seams on the main body taped or welded and although I haven’t had a chance to properly test this yet I’d imagine that it would take more than a bit of rain before having to face soggy sandwiches at lunchtime.
The pack design itself is fairly simple, consisting of a single compartment which is hydration system compatible, top lid with quite a large pocket, stretchy stash pockets on each side along with 2 ice-ace/walking-pole holders and compression straps. The back system uses two pre-curved, ultralight tubular-aluminium stays combined with a moulded back panel covered in airmesh. The padded hip-belt has hip bone cut-outs, sliding sternum strap fittings and inward pull belt adjustment system.
The overall look of the bag is simple and modern, styled in pleasant pastel shades with a contrasting gray.
To sum up the lightwave fastpack is a simple, lightweight, no-nonsense rucksack that is virtually waterproof.
Rucksack Rating: 3.5/5.0 
Fore more information on buying rucksacks have a look at our rucksack advice page or check out our full range of rucksacks and backpacks.
