Big Agnes was founded over 20 years ago in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and is named after the local big mountain. They had the simple aim of designing and making better outdoor gear that encouraged people to get outdoors and enjoy camping and exploring.
Over the years Big Agnes has grown its reputation into one of the most renowned premium outdoor brands on the market. They pride themselves in making innovative, comfortable, lightweight and practical gear for outdoor activities, with a specific focus on camping.
Their core product range includes tents, sleeping bags and mats with a specialism in “sleep systems that are designed to work optimally together to give you the best nights sleep possible.
They have also expanded into high performance equipment to support your camping trips including camp furniture such as chairs and tables, backpacks and travel luggage as well as apparel to complete your kit list.
As well as innovative designs, Big Agnes are also well regarded for their eco-friendly approach to manufacturing, material sourcing, and facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment. For example, this includes the use of NetPlus® post-consumer recycled nylon, made from discarded fishing nets in some of their sleeping bags, quilts and backpacks. Many of the Big Agnes Sleep Mats utilise insulation made from recycled nylon ripstop, as well as a new initiative to utilise highly renewable sugarcane in the production which is also sourced in a carbon-negative manner.
Indicating their focus on sustainability, where possible Big Agnes is starting to look at designing products from top to bottom for circularity i.e. using recycled materials to create a product that is fully recyclable at the end of its life. A huge step forward in outdoor equipment manufacture.
Although Big Agnes have, since their incorporation been focused on eco-friendly processes and materials, they have recently taken a step further by joining the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, which takes a stand on the importance for the outdoor industry to work together to address climate issues and sustainability.
Big Agnes is a brand we are pleased to welcome into our store to provide a range of award-winning gear designed to help you enjoy, protect, and preserve the outdoors.
Big Agnes UL Sweetwater – Ultralight weight focused packs
Big Agnes have made their name creating ultra lightweight outdoor equipment and the UL Sweetwater utilises the years of development and innovation to deliver a trail pack that won’t weigh you down, but how does it fair in terms of practicality, function and fit?
Big Agnes describes the UL Sweetwater packs as “ultralight running vest style backpacks” and they certainly fit into that sweet spot between the smaller capacity, streamlined but lighter weight running vests and the larger capacity, but typically heavier and bulkier hiking packs. It is available in 3 capacities: 28, 43 and 60-litre, each with almost identical designs.
The 28L is the perfect size for long distance trail runs and all-day hikes, the 43L is perfect for fast and light overnight trips and the 60L steps up to meet the demands of multiday trips when every gram counts.
Weighing in between just 800g (28L) and 1.5kg (60L) the UL Sweetwater is seriously light for a pack offering these carrying capacities and you’ll really notice that when you start to tire, but does that lightness come at the cost of features and durability?
Feature wise there is enough to keep you organised without being too many to forget where you put stuff! The main compartment includes a reservoir compartment for a hydration system, while there are also secure pockets included inside and outside the top closure cover which are ideal for small essentials. A pocket on the waist belt would have been nice, but without one it does mean there is no interference with arm movement if you’re wearing the pack for running.
The main compartment has a neat extendable capacity feature thanks to the spindrift collar that not only allows you carry more or less gear depending on how much you need on a particular trip, but it also acts as a shield to protect the contents of your pack from wet weather.
As per the running vest DNA there are small pockets on the chest straps that are perfect food, a phone or a small soft flask/water bottle. Perhaps the most beneficial storage features for those wanting to minimise stoppage time are the extensive mesh pockets and attachment loops on the exterior of the pack. This means you can quickly and securely stash gear without having to open the main body of the pack.
One slight issue for some might be the closure mechanism, which is a small, very lightweight cord loop mechanism. While this works perfectly and creates a secure closer it can be a little fiddly and with gloves or cold hands could be a bit tricky to close quickly.
Fit wise it’s hard to find fault with the UL Sweetwater even fully loaded the pack fits really well, which is undoubtedly thanks to the running vest style design. The pack sits exceptionally well, close to the body and with minimal movement or bounce which means you can pick up the pace whenever you feel like it.
The pack is designed so that the main compartment sits relatively flat with the proprietary integrated frame system transferring weight directly into the frame sheet, through the lumbar, down to the articulated hip belt. What this means in reality is that provided you load the packs weight well it will be well spread across your shoulders and onto your hips meaning no pressure points or feelings of being pulled backwards by the weight. The load lifters on the shoulder straps of the 43 and 60-litre models enhance this even further.
Positive sustainability credentials are high on the Big Agnes agenda, and the UL Sweetwater reflects this. The materials where possible are all recycled, with the main nylon material being derived from discarded fishing nets as well as further recycled content in the foam and webbing.
Big Agnes isn’t likely to be on your outdoor gear radar as yet, primarily due to its low profile in the UK so far, but we think based on our first impressions that is likely to change and it could well become a go to brand on your outdoor gear shopping list. Check out the range we have available here.
