Eureka Apollo III Backpack
By David Loveland

My first thought when I saw this backpack was "great, it's Eureka.." Eureka has a good name in outdoor gear, and this backpack stands up to its reputation. My second thought was "Man, but it sure is Yellow!"

While outfitting for a three-day winter trip to Utah's High Uinta Wilderness Area, I found this backpack to be the perfect size for what I needed- namely a pack that I could carry with me on a summit attempt. On winter trips, I pull most of my gear on a sled, and I just needed something I could take on the summit attempt. This pack fit the bill perfectly. Although it was too small to fit my winter bag in the sleeping bag compartment, it was perfect for food, stove, clothing and a couple of hydration systems.

The suspension system was a breeze. I found the adjustable everything to be a great plus, and all adjustments seemed instinctive. The straps that adjust the weight on the shoulders are a different color than the support straps, making them easy to see and keep you from tugging on the wrong straps. The straps were well placed and I liked the on the go adjustability. The Daisy Chains that are in a double row down the back, and again on the convertible fanny pack are great for attaching gear.

It has the usual double ice ax loops but I was concerned that it didn't have any water bottle pockets. A later trip down a slot canyon showed this to be a wise idea. The narrow profile was great when the canyon narrowed down to just enough room for me to squeeze through. The water bottles would have had to go inside the pack anyway, and I didn't hear that expensive zzzrrrriiiipppp that usually serenades my wider backpacks in the Narrow canyons I take them in. I have holes in other packs to show where the sounds came from, but this pack with its narrow profile didn't even scratch. Most people use an internal hydration system anyway.

I liked the large spindrift collar- it allows you to overstuff the pack, and the top- which is a convertible fanny pack, expands with it so as to always cover your gear stashed inside.

On the list of things I didn't like is a lack of separate compartments. There is a drawstring divider at the bottom for sleeping bags, but like I mentioned, my winter bag filled it plus took a large chunk out of the rest of the storage space. The chest strap only hooks in one place, you can adjust the tightness, but not where the webbing connects. The attachment point is always one inch from the left strap. I liked the compression straps on the side, but would have liked some more going right down the back, I would use them to attach my tent to. If you use the side compression straps to attach things to, like a mattress or tent, you defeat one of the great features of this pack, the narrow profile.

All in all I liked this pack, and feel like it is a great trail companion. If you are one who likes to have a separate pocket for everything, this isn't for you, but it you don't mind trading numerous pockets for the narrow profile, this is your pack.

In addition, the very comfortable suspension system, durable material and reliable construction makes this a great pack.

Volume: 4100-5040 cu. in.
Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz.

David Loveland is a new contributor to GearReview.com specializing in winter backcountry adventure.

For more information contact:
Eureka!
1326 Willow Rd.
Sturtevevant, WI 53177
1-414-884-1500