USWE F6 Pro – First Look
“Nobody likes a dancing monkey on their back” – We grab the USWE F6 Pro pack and see if it’s a mover and a shaker.
USWE are a Scandinavian company who have developed a full range of riding packs from recreational XC use to flat out Enduroing and big days on the bike. All of their packs make use of a novel 4 point suspension harness instead of the more traditional rucksack approach. The F6 Pro is their largest pack, with 15L of storage in 2 compartments and a 3L Shape-Shift baffled bladder. In addition there is a sleeve on the back that can be used to carry a helmet/pads/huge coat.
The 4 point harness is probably the main talking point of this pack. Ditching the idea of sternum and waist straps in favour of gathering everything together at one point on the chest, USWE say that they have removed the annoying bob and weave of an unsecured pack without compromising freedom of movement or security. Under the arms and just above the central buckle are short sections of elastic that allow for a snug but unrestricted fit. They call this “No Dancing Monkey” technology, and first impressions are very positive!
Enormous velcro straps give a full range of adjustment via a couple of different buckle options, and the hose from the bladder. The bladder is their top end “Shape-Shift” model with a central baffle to stop it from bulging and making odd shapes on your bag, again, so far so good. It also features a full opening at the top for easy cleaning and drying.
The inside of the pack is full of little sleeves and pouches to keep you organised, but still manages to leave plenty of room for bulkier items like a coat, first aid kit, lunch and so on. Both the main and smaller compartments have full length zips meaning you can throw the bag open to find that last mars bar you’ve stashed at the bottom.
If you aren’t into the rowdy green/yellow there is also a toned down black and red option, and for those who travel lighter there’s the F4 Pro and F3 Pro models that have 9 and 3L of storage respectively.
I’ve had a couple of rides with the F6 so far, and are really impressed. It took a ride or so to get the fit on the harness sorted out, not being sure how tight to do it up, or where was best for the buckle to sit. With it dialled in, you forget that you have a bag on your back! I’ll be sure to jam as much as we can into the pack and ride all summer in it, just so we can bring you a detailed review.
PRODUCT FEATURES, F6 PRO™
NDMT™ (PAT.PEND) 4-point suspension harness
Multi size adjustable straps for individual fit
Mesh ventilated ergonomic shoulder straps
Airstrips back panel
3,0L (100oz) Shape-Shift™ Bladder
Big flow 45 degree bite valve
Internal organizer pocket
Padded media pocket
Full face helmet carry
Trail helmet carry
Hydration tube clip
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, F6 PRO™
Volume: 15 L
Hydration capacity: 3,0 L (100oz)
Weight: 929g *Inc. bladder
Dimensions: L 52cm x W 38 cm x H 8cm
Sizing: M-XL (one size), multi size adjustment
Colors: Black (#201250), Neon Yellow (#201251)
RRP £99.99
Enduro-modeling by Tom Fryer.
