Quechua Arpenaz 10 & 20 Review: The Better Choice Is?

The Quechua Arpenaz is a really affordable backpack. It is available in two versions – the 10-liter and the 20-liter. In this comparison, we’ll put them side-by-side and check out what exactly the differences between the two are, and which one is the better option for you.

Naturally, that’s going to depend on what you want to use the backpack for – one is a better option for hiking, while the other is a much more suitable choice if you need a daypack.

If you’re thinking about getting this pack and want to know everything about it first, you have come to the right place!

Quechua Arpenaz 10 Vs. 20: The Specs

The first thing we’ll look at is the basic specs of these packs. You can learn a lot about a backpack just by looking at its size and capacity – and that usually determines what activity it’s best suited for. So, take a look at the comparison table above.

The Arpenaz 10 is obviously the smaller backpack. It is shorter, weighs less, and has a much smaller capacity. And that is one of the reasons why it’s the better choice for everyday activities. Its capacity is definitely not enough for some longer hiking trips, but it is suitable for school and daily commute. However, the size is not the only reason – the back panel also plays a huge role there, and we’ll talk about that a little later.

Funnily enough, the material of the smaller backpack actually makes it a decent choice for shorter hiking trips. Nylon is the best material for outdoor backpacks because it is incredibly durable. Plus the smaller Arpenaz is water-resistant, which makes it a great choice in rainy weather.

But so is the larger pack. Even though it’s made of Polyester, it also features water-resistant properties which are awesome. I find it to be one of the more important features of a backpack, especially in the fall season.

Overall, neither of these backpacks is perfect. But they are so affordable that they’re worth a shot – with a price tag under $10, even if you only wear it two-three times you’ll get your money’s worth.

And you can choose from a wide variety of colors. The smaller pack is available in 8 different colors, most of which are pretty bright and fun. But of course, there’s also a standard black one. The larger backpack features less variety – only 4 colors to choose from. And all of them are pretty tame, except for the bright yellow!

Quechua Arpenaz 10 Vs. 20: The Shared Features

These two packs share more than just their name. In fact, they have quite a lot of features in common, so we’ll check those out first. However, keep in mind that all the features listed in this section are actually all the smaller backpack has to offer. The Arpenaz 10 unfortunately does not sport any unique features, unlike the larger backpack.

Shoulder Straps With Thumb Loops

One thing that both of these Quechua packs have is comfortable shoulder straps. They are padded with foam and completely adjustable, which makes it easy for everyone to get them to fit nicely.

Generally, you want to tighten the straps until the backpanel is flat on your back – there should be no space between them.

And, both backpacks feature thumb loops on their should straps, which is a nifty little feature. Especially because you can use them to carry additional gear – just use a carabiner to attach something to the loops. However, the loops alone can’t be adjusted, so you won’t really be able to use them for anything larger. My first thought was a sleeping pad, but it can’t really fit through these.

The Main Compartment

Both of these backpacks have one main compartment. They differ in size and capacity, and that’s pretty much it. There are no pockets or dividers in either backpack, and that’s a little disappointing. In terms of organization, the Arpenaz backpacks don’t have a lot to offer, especially the smaller one.

However, you can fit your necessities inside the main compartment. And if you look at the smaller backpack as a school pack, it can definitely fit your laptop, iPad, and some books inside. You won’t get any sleeves or slip pockets for them, but you will be able to carry them with you in this backpack.

Zippered Front Pocket

There is a zippered front pocket on both of these backpacks. Obviously, it’s larger on the Arpenaz 20 than on the Arpenaz 10, but it’s not a huge difference. And since this is the only pocket on the smaller pack, it greatly improves its organizational capabilities. You can use it for all the things you would want to keep separate – like your phone or tablet.

Then again, if you want to use the pack for outdoor adventures, you won’t get too much use out of it. It can’t fit a spare layer of clothing, and anything bulky will protrude into the main compartment and take away from its capacity. But you could use it for some snacks, maybe your GPS and GoPro – it’s the perfect size for those necessities.

Padding Of The Backpanel

The back panel is fully padded on both packs. This means that either Arpenaz will feel soft and comfortable on your back and that the contents of the main compartment won’t poke you.

In addition to that, this also ensures that the backpacks will retain their shapes, even when they are completely empty.

And, it does a better job of protecting your gear inside the pack – I feel much more comfortable carrying my laptop in a padded compartment. It just gives me peace of mind, knowing that at least there is some foam to cushion its fall, even if I can’t put it in a dedicated sleeve.

Benefits Of The Arpenaz 20

Those shared features are pretty much the only features of the smaller Quechua backpack. The larger Arpenaz has several other features, which honestly make it the better choice for me. Let’s see why that is.

The main reason why I think that the Arpenaz 20 is the obvious choice for hiking is that it has a ventilated back panel. And shoulder straps. This makes it so much more appropriate for outdoor activities, especially if you’re considering some more difficult hikes. You will sweat, and you do not want your pack to soak all that in.

No, you want your pack to breathe, and to allow your back to breathe as well. Now, the ventilation on the Arpenaz 20 is not excellent, but it’s about 100 times better than the non-existing one on the Arpenaz 10.

The lighter material on the back panel and shoulder straps indicated that those parts are ventilated. You can see that it doesn’t cover the entire back of the Arpenaz 20, but just enough to get you through the day.

So, if you are primarily looking for a trekking or hiking backpack, the larger Quechua pack is by far the better choice.

Sternum Strap And Waist Belt

The Arpenaz 20 pack is also equipped with a sternum strap and a waist belt. Another reason why I consider it to be the superior pack for any outdoor activities.

A sternum strap will do a great job at ensuring that the backpack stays on your shoulders at all times. And that its weight won’t shift too much so that you don’t have to deal with sore back or shoulders the next day.

The waist belt is even more important in this regard. Its primary function is to transfer the load of the pack to your hips, which are the largest muscles in your body. It’s a crucial feature for any longer hikes, as it will ensure that you stay comfortable throughout your adventure.

However, the design of this waist belt is pretty disappointing. It’s just a strap of nylon, and it is bound to make you uncomfortable after a couple of hours. It’s going to cut into your stomach and hips, and that’s not really a pleasant feeling. I’m used to seeing padded and ventilated hip belts on high-end backpacks, and this one looks terrible in comparison. But for $20, it’s about as good as it gets.

Side Stretch Pockets

Although the Arpenaz 20 seriously lacks some internal pockets, it does have two side stretch pockets. Which are great for any items you want to have more easily accessible than others.

This feature can come in handy both for outdoor adventures and for the everyday commute. You can use them for water bottles, pens, umbrellas, and pretty much anything you want. As long as it can fit inside.

The pockets are made of mesh, and they are stretchy. But, keep in mind that mesh is not the sturdiest material out there, and it could tear if you put something sharp or pointy in one of the pockets.

Larger Capacity

The Arpenaz 20 backpack has double the capacity of the smaller pack.

So, if you generally tend to carry a lot of stuff with you, be it to school or in the mountains, you will definitely benefit from its larger capacity.

Especially because the difference is not negligible – 10 liters is a lot. However, that also means that it’s the heavier pack.

But since its entire weight is still under a pound, I think that’s no reason not to get this pack.

The Pros And The Cons

Quechua Arpenaz 10

Pros:

• Compact: Small and lightweight
• Shoulder straps are adjustable and padded, ensuring a good fit
• Front zippered pocket provides some organization
• The better choice for kids and teens

Cons:

• Seriously lacks features
• No ventilation whatsoever
• Small capacity means you can’t carry a lot in it
• No internal pockets, or external side pockets

Quechua Arpenaz 20

Pros:

• The better choice for hiking, camping and similar adventures
• Backpanel is somewhat ventilated and offers more comfort
• Sternum strap and waist belt are useful inclusions
• The better choice for adults, size-wise
• Larger capacity and better organizational capabilities – more pockets

Cons:

• Waist belt is not padded and will make you uncomfortable after a while
• No pockets or dividers in the main compartment
• Ventilation system could be improved

Quechua Arpenaz 10 Vs. 20: The Final Verdict

Both of these backpacks are really interesting. For one thing, I was a little bit shocked to see their prices – and I had to refresh the page a couple of times, just to make sure that it’s not some sort of bug.

So, we have to have their affordability in mind, when judging their features. No, they don’t have too much to offer, but they definitely have more than you would expect in their price ranges.

The Arpenaz 10 backpack is the better choice for everyday activities, or as a pack to bring us an additional bag for a trip. That’s because it’s pretty small and remarkably lightweight, and it’s easy to carry it around all day. And, it can definitely fit everything you would need for an average school day.

The Arpenaz 20, on the other hand, is the right choice if you want a backpack to take on your outdoor adventures. You will benefit from its larger capacity, ventilated back panel and shoulder straps, and the inclusion of the sternum strap and waist belt. Even though the waist belt is somewhat disappointing, I really appreciate that they included it anyway.

And that’s it. I hope you found this comparison useful, and that it helped you figure out which of these two Quechua backpacks is the better choice for you. Head over to Amazon to check out their prices and all the different colors that they are available in!