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Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40 backpack review

A pricey pack using 3D printed panels to offer ventilation and durability – but does it work? Rob Slade tests the Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40 backpack in the Brecon Beacons

Our rating

3

Rob Slade

Published: May 31, 2023 at 11:42 am
Our review
With an extremely high price tag and slightly lacking comfort, this pack misses the mark a bit, but offers a sleek design and a waterproof inner

Pros:

Waterproof liner Slimline design is good for scrambling

Cons:

Huge price tag Hard to find items inside

Hiker wearing black backpack.
With 40 litres of space inside, Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40 backpack offers plenty of room for extra layers when you need them. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

RRP £400

No, that’s not a typo. This pack will set you back some £400. But why is it so expensive? And is it worth the money?

Let’s start with that first question. Jack Wolfskin has created this range of unisex packs (there’s also a 20 and 30-litre option) to solve what it sees as a consumer conundrum. Do you want a pack that offers durability or light weight? Comfort or ventilation?

Whether or not that is indeed an issue that’s yet to be solved is perhaps down to personal opinion, but the solution the brand has come up with is a back system made up of four individual 3D-printed panels.

Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40
It may be spendy, but the Aerorise 40 is not bling, thanks to the discreet charcoal colour and simple styling. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

According to Jack Wolfskin, these open-cell structures, with their thousands of individual struts, offer enhanced ventilation while maintaining comfort and improving load control (and minimise waste thanks to the 3D printing process).

The brand also says that by 3D printing these patterns, it can provide ‘different degrees of vertical and horizontal firmness’, ensuring support and comfort exactly where it’s needed. What’s more, it also claims that the design reduces back temperatures by up to 5°C.

Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40
The main reason for the big price tag is the back system, featuring four pads of honeycombed material made using 3D-printing technology, designed to keep your back comfortable and cool. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

It’s not clear what that temperature difference is based against, but what I can say is that compared to standard foam panels, it certainly feels more vented and marginally cooler.

That said, I didn’t find it particularly comfortable when worn with only a single base layer, especially compared to a pack with a trampoline-style back system.

There’s also a hip belt, which feels comfortable and breathable enough, and effectively takes the weight of the pack.

One of the other USPs of this pack is the waterproof inner, which is fastened with a roll top in the same way as a dry bag. In addition to this, there’s a separate section beside it, where you can hang a hydration reservoir or stash other layers that don’t need as much weather protection.

Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40
The main compartment is effectively a big dry-sack with a roll-top. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

The liner itself proved to be waterproof, which really is a handy feature,, but I found it slightly difficult to find things inside easily when needed due to the entire bag being black.

Additional storage is available in the form of a large, handy zip pocket on the top loader style lid, two elastic side pockets ideal for water bottles and a small zip pocket on the hip belt.

Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40
Side pockets soaked up large water bottles easily. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

Feature-wise, aside from what’s already mentioned, you’ll find a whistle on the sternum strap, bungee cord on the sides and attachment points on the front for poles or ice axes.

Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40
Neat loops easily accommodated hiking poles. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

However, I was a little disappointed by the latter as the top part of these attachments was so close to the bottom loops that it was difficult to really achieve a secure result. Plus, these top attachment points come in the form of detachable Velcro-style fasteners, which means they could very easily get lost.

While it’s always great to see innovation, I’m not sure this quite hits the mark, particularly at that price. It doesn’t help that the bag itself has several other shortcomings, either.

The waterproof liner is a nice touch and its slimline nature would be great for scrambling, but there’s better organisation, comfort and more reliable pole/ice axe attachments elsewhere.

Facts at a glance: Jack Wolfskin Aerorise 40 backpack

  • RRP: £400
  • Volume: 40L
  • Rain cover: No, but waterproof lining
  • Hydration bladder compatible: Yes
  • Hiking pole attachments: Yes
  • Whistle: Yes, on sternum strap
  • Ice axe compatible: Yes
  • Weight: 890g

Also consider...

Osprey Manta 34L men's backpack

RRP £170

Osprey Manta 34L
The Osprey Manta 34 backpack hugs Rob's back like a friendly bear. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

With 34 litres of space, the Osprey Manta 34 is that bit bigger than the standard daypack size. The extra volume is valuable for day walkers who want to carry extra layers – for changeable weather on coast or hills, for example. The back system and harness are extremely comfortable, and the pockets have been thoughtfully designed for practicality. It's bristling with useful features, including a rain cover and hydration system. Exceptionally high quality and make this backpack really stand out. Read our full review of the Osprey Manta 34L backpack here.

Ready to buy? then try our deal-finder...

And for women...

Osprey's equivalent pack for women is the similar Mira 32.

Deuter Trail 30 men's backpack

RRP £125

Man wearing Deuter Trail 30 backpack in the countryside
The Trail 30 is packed with features. Image: BBC Countryfile Magazine / Steve Sayers.

Looking for more hacks for the perfect back support? The foam-layered back panel on the men's Deuter Trail 30 backpack (or Trail 28 SL for women) could divide users, but this rucksack has plenty of other great features to recommend it.

There are ice axe and walking pole attachment points, with both offering a very secure fit when in use, a rain cover, provision for adding a hydration bladder and compression straps on the side of the pack.

A top loader backpack with a zip pocket on both the inside and outside of the lid, two side pockets, one elastic and one zipped, and a long zip on the outside front of the pack that allows you to access the main compartment, the organisation of the Deuter Trail 30 make it a standout hiking backpack. Read our full review of the Deuter Trail 30 backpack.

Looking for more options? Check out our roundup of the best hiking backpacks to buy in 2023.

Rob Slade

Outdoor gear reviewer and content editor

Rob has been chasing outdoor adventures for over 15 years and has extensive experience of hiking and camping. Those adventures have taken him to places like Norway, all corners of the UK and snowy peaks in the Alps. Always one for a challenge, he’s currently working his way through all 189 mountains in Wales. Rob has been reviewing outdoor gear for over eight years and was previously editor of Adventure Travel magazine, but currently works as a content editor for 220 Triathlon.
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