Gear Review: Kulkea Micro Pack, a multi-activity daypack

By Wendy Clinch •  Updated: 10/10/17 •  4 min read

Fall is a season that gives you plenty of options. One day you could be hiking to see the changing leaves, the next you could be skiing in an early season dump.

Which is why it’d be great to have a daypack that can seamlessly transition from one activity to another. So when Kulkea contacted me about taking a look at their new Micro Pack, a multi-sport day pack, I was intrigued.

I’ve been a fan of Kulkea’s since a few years ago, when I encountered them at the Boston Ski & Snowboard Show. They sent me their Powder Trekker boot bag to review, and I absolutely loved it. Not only was I impressed with the way it was made, but I was blown away by the variety of  features it had to offer (you can read my review here). I’ve been through a number of boot bags, and for me, this was by far the best.

Could the Micro Pack live up to the standards of the Powder Trekker? Let’s take a look.

Features

Out of the box (technically, a plastic bag), the Micro Pack looks really nice: sturdy, well made, with lots of compartments to stow your stuff. At the  top, there’s a goggle/sunglass compartment; below that, a secure compartment for your wallet/phone/keys. Unlatch the clips, and you’ll find the main compartment, which is great for keeping an extra layer, or maybe even your lunch or snacks. You could also easily snug another layer between that compartment and the one for your wallet/keys; the straps would hold it in place (see the third picture below). The pack also has a drink caddy that can hold a couple of water bottles, and a number of loops and hooks for suspending whatever you like. There are padded, easy to adjust shoulder straps. And this is handy: the straps have a special pocket for lip balm, a clip for an emergency whistle, and a universal strap for gloves, hats or whatever item you want to hang.

This velcro strap is perfect for my gaiter!

This velcro strap is perfect for my gaiter!

MicroPack1

Lip balm pocket and clip for an emergency whistle.

 

But what makes this particularly useful for skiing is its ability to be clipped to a Powder Trekker boot bag. This allows you to carry both to the slopes as one unit, unclip the Micro Bag, and use it as a ski daypack. It’s also easy to unclip when you get on the lift. And there’s a hook on the back for your helmet, too.

 

 

Helmet attaches to the outside.

Helmet attaches to the outside.

The Micro Pack attaches easily to the Powder Trekker boot bag.

The Micro Pack attaches easily to the Powder Trekker boot bag.

 

So what’d you think, Ski Diva?

As a day pack for hiking, I give it a big thumbs up. I love how there are all these different compartments for my stuff, so I’m not rummaging around in one big area trying to locate this or that.

Sadly, I haven’t skied with it yet, but I like what I’m seeing. It seems easy to use, and a great way to keep an extra layer or pair of goggles handy throughout the day.

BTW, we’re giving away a  bag on TheSkiDiva forum right now. The contest is open to Ski Divas only, so if you’re a registered member, head here for a chance to enter. We’ll take entries until 5PM (Eastern Time) on October 29, and the winner will be randomly selected later that day.

For more information on Kulkea, go here. MSRP for the Powder Trekker is $119.95.

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