Review -

The Review | Amplifi Stratos MkII Pack

Crossing over from the snow sports world, Amplifi are a quality German brand providing protection, backpacks, and a whole range of gear to keep you safe on the hill. They are now targeting some of their packs towards the mountain biking sector, taking a material developed by British scientists for military grade body armour to bring new levels of protection.

The Amplifi Stratos MkII has its roots in snowboarding
The Amplifi Stratos MkII has its roots in snowboarding, and looks super stylish

The £150 Amplifi Stratos MKII pack fuses next level materials with super functional design. Amplifi have raised the bar in protection, using a new material, Armourgel, that meets the highest EN1621-2:2014 motorcycle back protector standards. It is certainly a well featured pack, with a fold away rain cover, a tool pouch, dedicated glasses pocket, hydration compatible, signal whistle, helmet carry and loads of straps for attaching gear. However, the backplate is the most interesting feature, drawing its roots from snow sports where speeds are much higher, the burly Armourgel material is strain sensitive (flexible in use, absorbent under impacts) and is perforated to allow breathability while still retaining its protective qualities. We were keen to see how it performed on the trail.

Amplifi are stepping up the game for protective gear in 2014, taking a material developed by British scientists for military grade body armour
Amplifi are stepping up the game for protective gear in 2014, taking a material developed by British scientists for military grade body armour
The pack features high ventilated, pre shaped shoulder straps
The pack features high ventilated, pre shaped shoulder straps
The pack is fully features with a separate tool pouch
The pack is fully featured with a separate tool pouch
The 3D shaped back protector is designed for adaptive shock absorption management
The 3D shaped back protector is designed for adaptive shock absorption management
The Stratos features a fold out Helmet carry system, and also hidden straps for DH lids
The Stratos features a fold out Helmet carry system, and also hidden straps for Full Face lids
The pack features neat sub divided compartments
The pack features neat sub divided compartments
In use the Stratos MkII sits securely on the back with no wobbling
In use the Stratos MkII sits securely on the back with no wobbling
Smaller testers reported that the harness was a little wide and difficult to cinch down
Smaller testers reported that the harness was a little wide and difficult to cinch down
This is a pack for those that value protection over weight
This is a pack for those that value protection over weight
The Stratos would make a great pack for lift assisted bike parks
The Stratos would make a great pack for lift assisted bike parks

Bottom Line

This is no pack for shrinking violets, this is a burly unit that looks like it could take a bullet. From the moment you pick up the pack it is clear that this is designed for big impacts, everything is well made and heavily stitched. The Amourgel plate is almost 2cm thick; and as it meets the highest motorcycle backplate safety standards you can be sure it is up to the job. This sort of protection comes at a cost, and in this case it is weight. Tipping the scales at a burly 1550 g this is not a pack for the weight weenies out there; but if you value protection over weight this will take the knocks. This would be ideal for those looking for a well designed and specified pack for lift assisted days, or those who also spend the winters in the snow.

For more information check out the Paligap website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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