It is now less than a month to the first day of Spring so we’re already planning and daydreaming about the backpacking trips we’re going to go on so thought now would be a good time to review the Vango Contour 65. A reliable backpack can be as crucial as sturdy boots or a weatherproof tent and the Contour 65 is (as the name might suggest) a 65-Litre pack designed for trekking.
Features include an adjustable harness, durable buckles, detachable rain cover, and more but how does it fare outdoors? Read on to find out if this is the pack for you:
Key features of the Vango Contour 65:
- Durable fabric – Excel Eco 600D - Recycled 600 Denier yarn, back coated with PU for a multi-purpose, robust fabric
- Adjustable back system with ergonomic hip belt
- Shoulder fit guide – shows when the rucksack has been correctly adjusted Side compression straps
- Walking Pole Attachments
- Detachable Rain Cover - included in the base of the pack to keep pack dry and aid visibility in low light
- Good value at £70-90
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the pack doesn’t look like it’s trying to break the mould featuring a classic trekking backpack silhouette with a smaller compartment at the foot with zip access, two side pockets, and top lid with zip pocket. The 65-litre capacity will be well-suited for most expeditions e.g. DofE.
Material and Construction
Constructed from Excel 600D Polyester, the Contour 65 is rugged enough to withstand rough handling and the occasional scrape against rocks or trees. The fabric strikes a good balance between durability and weight, making it resilient without adding unnecessary bulk. Reinforced stitching at key stress points ensures longevity, even when the pack is fully loaded.
Capacity and Organisation
With 65 litres of storage, the Vango Contour 65 is designed for extended trips where enough space for your essentials is non-negotiable. It provides plenty of space for a sleeping bag, clothing, food, and equipment, with a range of compartments to keep everything organised.
Main Compartment
The spacious main compartment is accessible via both a top-loading drawstring closure and a lower sleeping bag compartment with a zippered divider. This dual-access system is highly practical, allowing you to quickly retrieve gear stored at the bottom without needing to unpack everything.
External Gear Attachments
The Contour 65 is equipped with multiple gear loops and attachment points, including daisy chains and compression straps, making it easy to carry hiking poles, sleeping mats, or ice axes. These features enhance its versatility, allowing you to adapt the pack for different types of adventures.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is where the Vango Contour 65 really shines. Designed for extended wear, it features an adjustable back system, ergonomic padding, and thoughtful weight distribution to minimise strain over long distances.
Self-Adjust Back System (SA Back System)
The standout feature of the Contour 65 is its Self-Adjust (SA) Back System, which allows you to fine-tune the back length to achieve a custom fit. This is particularly important for a backpack of this size, as a poorly fitted pack can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or even injury.
We found the back system quick and intuitive to adjust, with clear markings and a secure locking mechanism. During testing, we found that adjusting the back length was easy, even when the pack was partially loaded.
Padding and Ventilation
The Contour 65 has padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a back panel, all designed to distribute weight evenly while providing a comfortable fit. The back panel incorporates ventilation channels to reduce sweating; while it doesn’t match the airflow of some more premium designs with suspended mesh back panels, it offers decent breathability.
Weight Distribution
Even when fully loaded, the Contour 65 handled weight impressively. The padded hip belt helped transfer weight from shoulders to hips, which is what we’re looking for as it reduces strain on your upper body. This makes it more comfortable to carry for hours at a time, especially with a full pack.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is a key strength of the Vango Contour 65. The robust construction ensures it can handle the rigors of multi-day trekking, whether you're navigating rocky trails, scrambling over boulders, or setting up camp on uneven ground.
Weather Protection
While the pack’s polyester fabric offers some natural water resistance, it is not fully waterproof. However, the included rain cover provides excellent protection in wet conditions. Stored in a hidden pocket at the base of the pack, the rain cover is easy to deploy and securely attaches to the pack, even in windy weather.
Weight and Packability
At 2.05kg, the Vango Contour 65 is not the lightest pack in its category, but its weight is justified by its durability, capacity, and features. For ultralight hikers, this may feel heavy, but for those prioritizing comfort, storage, and long-term use, the weight is manageable. When empty, the pack compresses reasonably well for storage or transport, though it doesn’t pack down as compactly as some minimalist designs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Generous 65L capacity for multi-day trips.
✅ Highly adjustable SA Back System for a custom fit.
✅ Durable materials and reinforced construction.
✅ Excellent organisation with multiple compartments and access points.
✅ Includes a rain cover for reliable weather protection.
✅ Comfortable weight distribution, even for heavy loads.
Cons:
❌ Slightly heavier than some competing models.
❌ Back panel ventilation could be improved for hot climates.
❌ Rain cover, while effective, adds a minor extra step in wet conditions.
How does it compare?
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a premium option in this category, offering a cutting-edge Anti-Gravity suspension system for superior comfort and ventilation. While the Atmos is lighter and more comfortable, it comes at a significantly higher price. The Contour 65, while less refined, offers similar capacity and durability at a much more affordable price point.
Final Verdict
The Vango Contour 65 is a robust, feature-rich backpack that caters to adventurers who value reliability, comfort, and organisation on multi-day trips. While it may not appeal to ultralight hikers or those seeking the latest premium innovations, it more than holds its own in terms of durability, adjustability, and practicality. At its price point, it offers excellent value for money and is a dependable companion for trekking, backpacking, and extended camping trips.
If you’re in the market for a spacious, versatile backpack that performs well in real-world conditions without breaking the bank, the Vango Contour 65 is a strong contender.
Final Rating: 4.0/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐