Review on Columbia Mens Classic Outdoor Daypack Backpacks by Dawn Wright

I bought this backpack to replace an old model of the same Columbia Classic backpack I've been using for over 6 years and I wear it all the time with me. Trips to Italy, Canada, Japan, Iceland on weekends and public holidays. This bag has never let me down. However, it is aging due to wear and tear and it is time for a replacement. This newer model has made some changes to its classic design. Some of them I like and some I don't. Firstly the older model has a top pocket zip on the lid from the front towards the quick release buckles and so the zip is always on the bottom when I open it to get things I need to watch out for. so nothing falls out, especially when I'm digging in the dark. In this new model, the zip has been moved to the back of the lid (on the back of the backpack) and thus to the top of the backpack, preventing items from falling out when the zip is unzipped. This is an improvement. However, the zipper's locking tab, which is supposed to prevent rainwater from penetrating through the zipper, isn't seated properly. Instead of placing it on the back of the backpack, it should be on the other side of the zipper. The design now has a flap that faces up when stuffing things in that top pocket and instead of having to zip it up it now collects all the rainwater like a cup. The designer didn't seem to have thought this through. It's a shame. Second, in the older model, the interior of the pack is completely two-layered, with a nylon inner layer. Despite being two-layer, the material isn't durable and it's not waterproof, and water can seep in even in a light drizzle. This new model has no inner layer other than the back layer. In the package there is a very light waterproofing layer that is effective. Water penetrates even with a fine drizzle. I highly recommend putting the industrial waste back inside before loading the backpack or putting on the rain cover. The lack of an inner nylon layer, while fragile, is a disappointment. Third, the older model has two sets of attachment points on either side and on the top pocket/lid. While they don't come in standard hiking gear sizes (regular hiking straps don't fit through the holes), they're a nice feature as I can still attach other items to my pack with cords or ropes. This new model has only one attachment point in the middle of the front of the pack with a loop in the middle of the bottom of the pack. Fourth, the old model comes with a removable waist belt/strap. Because the strap is attached to the backpack and not sewn into it, it cannot be used to distribute the weight of the backpack to the lower back. However, I have often used it to bring the pack closer to my body to redistribute weight or center of gravity. A hip belt is therefore useful. The new model does not have a hip belt. Fifth, the bottom of the older model is covered in faux leather. This new model has a nylon bottom. I feel like many missing features were removed to simplify production and reduce costs, not to improve the product. I think these features improve the backpack and I would like to see them in the next model. Overall, this is still a nice backpack with a classic design. However, it definitely doesn't feel as durable as the older model. I'll have to wait and see if and how this will hold up over the next 6 years.