Vaude Brenta 30 Review

What really sets Vaude apart as a brand is its commitment to producing high-quality outdoor gear that’s as good for consumers as it is for the environment.

The Vaude Brenta 30 is the epitome of this commitment. Made both ethically and sustainably, this is one durable day pack that won’t let you down. With a 30L capacity, it’s the perfect size for a day on the trail or an inner-city mission. Plus, you’ll be comfy wherever you are, thanks to its awesome suspension system.

Here, we’ve reviewed some key aspects of the Brenda 30 so that you can decide if it’s the right bag for you – enjoy!

Materials And Durability

Any good backpack designed for life on the trail needs to be tough, and you’ll want it to last you a while too. So what is the Vaude Brenta 30 actually made of? And will it stand up to the challenges of outdoor life?

Materials

The main fabric is comprised of 71% polyamide (also known as nylon) and 29% polyester – both of which are renowned for their hardiness and ability to stand up to the type of wear and tear this bag will likely encounter in the great outdoors.

The second fabric is 100% polyester while the lining is 100% polyamide, and both (as well as the main fabric) are coated with polyurethane for added protection, so there really aren’t any weak spots in the construction.

Water-resistant?

Polyamide and polyester both naturally repel water, as do polyurethane coatings, so you don’t need to panic if the weather suddenly turns on you. Plus, the whole bag is coated in water repellent Eco Finish (more on that below), so you’ve definitely got time to search for cover without your gear getting damp, phew.

Eco-friendly?

We’re very pleased to inform you that this is one eco-friendly backpack. Vaude has gone to the trouble of collecting waste PET plastic bottles, cleaning them vigorously, and melting them down to produce granulates that are spun into high-quality polyester and used in their backpacks – cool huh? On top of that, less energy is used in the manufacturing process compared with traditional methods, which means less CO2 emissions – so it really is win-win.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Eco Finish water repellent coating doesn’t contain the environmentally-harmful fluorocarbons often found used to treat outdoor gear.

Overall, the Vaude Brenta 30 features durable, abrasion-resistant materials that not only repel water but are also kind to the environment – well done Vaude!

Carrying Comfort

The Vaude Brenta 30 is designed primarily for hiking, but its sleek design and manageable size mean it doubles up as a great bag for day-to-day life. But whether you’re carrying a load up a mountain or commuting to work with your gym gear on your back, you’re going to need a comfortable pack. So how does the Vaude Brenta 30 perform in this department?

Suspension

A key selling point of the Brenta 30 is its Aeroflex Suspension System. This is essentially a mesh back panel joined to a lightweight aluminum internal frame that ensures the weight of your pack is distributed evenly, right down from the shoulders to the hips.

The foam of the back panel is super comfy, so you won’t feel any sharp items in your pack protruding into your back, and there are patches of mesh to allow airflow and keep your back cool. Ventilation is improved further by the positioning of the back panel slightly off the back to promote airflow.

We love that the torso length is adjustable, a feature often reserved for high-end bags, and you can also alter how far the pack is actually held off your back to optimize ventilation and comfort.

Straps and belts

As well as being able to alter the torso length and tension of the pack, you can easily adjust the shoulder and hip belts too, so you can be sure to get the perfect fit.

On top of that, the shoulder straps are economically designed to make sure they don’t restrict your movements, and both these and the hip belt are mesh-lined to keep you cool and feature soft padding to stop and sores from forming. We’re happy to see there’s a sternum strap present, which further helps with weight distribution and also features a tube clip if you’re into hydration systems.

Overall, we’re impressed with how many features this daypack has to ensure you stay comfy on the move.

Organization And Accessibility

A crucial feature of any backpack is being able to get what you need when you need it – whether that’s a first aid kit or a train ticket. The key to this is good organization and accessibility, so let’s see what the Brenta 30 has to offer.

Lid

The Brenta 30 is sealed via two slide and release buckles on the lid. The lid itself has plenty of room for any quick-grab items, such as a map or first aid kit, and it also features a mesh pocket and key loop for further organization.

Main Compartment

The main compartment can be accessed by unclipping the lid, but there’s also a super handy zip that lets you delve inside without removing the lid at all. There a hydration pouch compartment on the inside and the tube leaves via a hole above the right shoulder and attaches to the sternum strap.

Exterior Pockets

Most of the pockets can be located on the exterior of the Brenta 30. There’s a large front stretch pocket that’s super handy for shoving in an extra layer and dual side stretch pockets that are ideal for water bottles or snacks.

Our main complaint is the size of the hip-belt pocket, you probably won’t get your phone in there. We’d also like a few more pockets within the main compartment. However, all things considered, we’re pleased with how many storage options this daypack has.

Extras

Aside from its durable materials, great comfort, and range of organizational features, does the Vaude Brenta 30 have anything else to offer? In short, yes!

We mentioned earlier that the Brenta 30 is constructed from water-resistant materials. Eventually, however, water may still penetrate your pack via the zips and other areas. But fear not, to stop this from happening, the Brenta 30 comes with an integrated, detachable rain cover, so you can hike on no matter what the weather throws at you. It also features two loops for attaching walking poles or ice axes that can be further fastened down with toggles, and there are heaps of compression straps that help to keep your load steady.

We’d also like to mention the Vaude Green Shape label assigned to this product. But what does this mean? Well, it’s assigned to eco-friendly products as we mentioned earlier, but it also means the production process involves fair working conditions for all those involved – making this a bag that’s good for people and the planet.

Value For Money

Obviously, the cost is an important factor for any purchase, so does the price of the Brenta 30 seem fair? Absolutely!

For around $100 (depending on the seller) you’re getting a durable daypack with great comfort and organization. Suitable for use on the trail and in everyday life, you’re essentially getting 2 for 1 with this bag and, you often find that sustainable products cost a bomb, but Vaude has done a great job of using eco-friendly materials while keeping costs down.

Rating

With a total rating of 92/100, the Vaude Brenta 30 is clearly a winner. It dropped a couple of marks for the lack of internal pockets and small hip belt but, overall, it did very well across the board.

Verdict

So, is the Vaude Brenta 30 worth it overall? Absolutely!

If you’re looking for a weather-resistant daypack that can be used for various purposes, it’s a great option. With tonnes of features usually reserved for more expensive or larger bags, such as tonnes of pockets, great suspensions, a hydration pouch, and an adjustable torso, this bag offers great value for money.

Plus, it’s as good for the environment as it is for you – what’s not to love?!