Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 Review
If you are in the market for a budget running backpack, you could do a lot worse than look at the Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12. The Velocity 12 is actually marketed as a bike pack, but will work just as well as a back pack you can use for short runs, such as commuting to work.
Key Features
- Sternum Chest Strap
- Front Pocket for valuables
- Four side mesh pockets (for water bottles)
- Raincover included
- 12L capacity
- Hydration bladder compatible.
- Size: 44cm x 24cm x 13cm
- Weight: 660g
Material and Ventilation
As with most products in this category the Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 has a system for reducing the build up of sweat on your back whilst you run. The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 backpack includes a channel down the spine to allow the movement of air and hopefully ventilation. The backpack itself sits more flat onto your back and, More so than other backpacks in the category, so there is a slight risk of sweat build up.
The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 backpack is actually made from Nylon, or to be specific a mixture of Nailhead 420D, Cross Rip 300D and Armatech Plus 600D. Now we’ve got that out of the way…lets explain what each of these does. Nailhead 420D is a very tough and hard wearing nylon fabric which has tiny projections on the surface. The theory being that these tiny little projections actually prevent any abrasions on the surface of the material, clever eh? Cross Rip 300D is a matrix of reinforcement threads inside the normal nylon fabric which increases the strength and tear resistance. Finally Armatech Plus 600D is an abrasion resistant fabric from Jack Wolfskin made from crinkled polyester yarns which help provide a durable waterproof coating while also being colourfast and UV resistant so your bag is less likely to fade after heavy exposure to the sun.
The build quality of this back pack is what you would expect from a Germany manufacturer, of the highest level. It comes across in the feel of the material and every day use of the pack. When there are problems with any product the reports of customer service response from Jack Wolkskin are excellent. Being based in Germany we have heard and read stories of broken parts being replaced free of charge!
The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 comes with reflective strips built into some of the seams. Along with the anchor loop (to attach a light) it means this backback is suitable for use in all seasons of the year. This is definitely an advantage (to be seen!) for anyone out there looking for a bag to use running to work and back.
One of the best features of the Velocity 12 range is the variety of colours available. While other manufacturers limit you to maybe one or two colours, Jack Wolfskin practically spoil us with a choice of six variations. Choose from yellow, black, blue, orange, dark steel and red.
Straps
Jack Wolkskin describe the straps as including a ‘full-contact suspension system”. It is true that the straps are easy to adjust to fit many different sizes of person, although unlike some other products they are made from a solid material as opposed to mesh. The advantage of them being made from mesh is ventilation is massively improved. This does stand again the Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 as the straps may cause the build up of moisture underneath them. At this price point however, it is hard to grumble too much given the other positive features of this product.
The waist belt provided is annoyingly thin and perhaps the worst feature of this backpack. It doesn’t offer much in the way of support or padding so can dig into the hips if tighten to much. As with the solid straps, it is possible to overlook this issue given the great price point of this bag.
As mentioned above, there is an anchor loop at the bottom of the back which is useful for any number of things. You could attach a lightweight running jacket or a light (for night time running).
Size
The bag has a rated capacity of 12 litres, which compares well to other products in this category. There is certainly a balance to be had between space, weight and the amount of stuff you can carry inside. The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 doesn’t have any capacity to increase this capacity further, like the Deuter Race EXP Air pack. As a result the bag is only big enough to fit an iPad into and not a full sized laptop which might deter some people. It depends what you intend to use the bag for ultimately. You will be able to fit a work shirt into it on top of the iPad, but not must else.
Weight and Capacity
At a weight of 660g, this one of the lighter bags available, perhaps as a result of the lack of internal compartments. The back pack does have four web compartments on outside which can be used to store anything from gels to water bottles. There is also a zipped compartment on the back which is useful for stashing your mobile phone or wallet
Hydration Options
The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 backpack does include an option for inserting a hydration pack, although it is not supplied with one as standard. Again different options are available depending on your needs.
Conclusion
The Jack Wolfskin Velocity 12 offers exceptional value for money and will make an excellant first-time bag for the running commuter. The bag offers a decent amount of storage space and strong build quality.
Pros
- Excellent customer service from manufacturer.
- Rain cover included
- Great value for those people with less demanding uses
Cons
- Thin support strap around the waist.
- Hydration bladder not included
