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MEC Brio 60 Backpack
With features like load-transferring internal side wands, a quick-access zipper, and a lid that transforms into a waistpack, this bag presents tremendous value for alpine or weekend trips. 60L capacity.
Average Customer Rating:
out of
5
10 out of 10(100%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Brio 60 Backpack
Review 1 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:reconcrew
Location: Ottawa region, Canada
Age: 35-44
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
Tuff, reliable and multi purposed
Date: February 3, 2010
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
I was about to go on my RECONNAISSANCE course when I was told I should buy a "civilian backpack" for the course as they are more comfortable...so I bought this one. I added a CAMO cover for obvious reasons.
For those of you who do not know, the RECON course last 2 months and is quite the hellish experience.
This bag had between 70 to 100 lbs of gear in it and it worked perfectly. I also had two 3L water bags in it. The only issue I had was the shoulder strap buckles that gave in because of the strain that was put on them. Fortunately, I had brought the bag to a pro seamstress and had 2 extra HEAVY DUTY buckles added to the shoulder straps just before the course and as suggested by a friend.
The bag (and I) survived the course and I then used it while on Tour of duty in Afghanistan. for 7 months...the bag and I survived the Tour.
PROS: Lightweight, rugged, cost effective, many extra tie on points, compact for tight "trails" and easy access zippers.
CONS: Shoulder strap buckles could be stronger and it is not water proof (had to use the old garbage bag trick for "Canadian treks" and still kept the garbage bag in Afghanistan to keep the sand, scorpions and camel spiders out).
Great buy and I am shopping for another one now!
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Mikeee
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Age: 35-44
Gender: male
Gear Style: Minimalist
MEC MEMBER
Great Backpack
Date: January 28, 2010
I've had this pack for almost a year and done a few trips with it. Excellent pack for short or extended backcountry trips. Cheap, reliable and comfortable enough to consider using this over other established names. Carried approx 25kg on steep terrain over 8 days in Tasmania's sth west, Australia and happy with its performance.
Pros: Lightweight, Good Value, Reliable, Comfortable
Cons: straps unnecessarily long
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:sillygyrl8
Location: Toronto, ON
Age: 25-34
Gender: female
MEC MEMBER
Very worthy replacement
Date: January 5, 2010
I started pursuing an Outdoor education Certificate in the fall and I figured instead of borrowing, I would just invest in a new pack.
It has great features that is not found in other packs of this price. I was able to put my tent, sleeping bag, clothes, all my food, cooking equipment, and misc. items into it -- with the total weight around 32 lbs (the bag itself weighs almost 6 pounds) for a overnight 24km hike.
I love the full length access zippers, the pockets in the lid and the RAP lets me have easy access to first aid, snacks, and maps. the harness system is easy to adjust, & the hipbelts were comfortable. shockcords were easy to slide my jacket or hoodie through them, when I got hot/cold.
Cons - the compression straps and the slack can get in the way, the side mesh pockets (if the pack was full) were useless to put in water bottles.
on MEC bags - can you put a tag somewhere on the bag to indicate model/size/std/lg/short, or dimensions online - as the brios all look similar, after cutting the tags, you won't be able to distinguish a 60 or 70 (unless you have both sizes there to compare) - I was trying to figure out which size was available to borrow through the school.
I'm definitely excited to have many more trips with this pack!
Pros: Rugged, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
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Review 4 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:weekendwarrior
Location: Honey Harbour, ON
Age: under 18
Gender: male
Gear Style: Minimalist
MEC MEMBER
Excellent Bag!
Date: November 30, 2009
I bought this pack last year for short-trip uses to the local crag. It is absolutely awesome! Plenty of space for all your gear, and the top compartment is great for snacks, flashlights or personals. Also, there are many straps and buckles to keep your load in place. The only downfalls I can see to this bag are that the excess straps can sometimes be a bother, and it is not very waterproof. Excellent buy, well worth the money!
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
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Review 5 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:mctaser
Location: Waterloo ON
Age: 45-55
Gender: male
Gear Style: Minimalist
MEC MEMBER
Versatile and great value for money
Date: November 24, 2009
I wanted a comfortable Alpine style pack that would be good for a weekend trip or an expedition longer than a week. It had to be adaptable to different kinds of trips, but at the same time I didn't want to spend too much.
Right from the moment I tried it on in the store I loved this pack. It sat comfortably on my hips and could be cinched in for a fit so good it hardly felt that I had a pack on!
I first used this on a hiking/trekking trip in the Austrian Alps, going from hut to hut from valley to valley (Berliner Höhenweg). I carried about 10-12 kg and there was tons of space left. The side straps cinched the contents down very securely. I love the side pocket to access clothing (use stuff sacks to organize space). The quick access pocket was useful for hats/mitts and poles could easily be attached to the outside. The spacious pocket in the top cover was great for snacks and sandwiches. Despite the terrain (one day was up 1400m and down 1000m) the pack could be cinched tight for good balance but was never uncomfortable.
I particularly liked the detachable top cover. I used it as a waist bag for flights and day trips, where I could keep valuables close. I even carried the whole pack on as cabin baggage (most other kit was in another suitcase).
Advice: I probably should not have got the long 62 litre size - just too long for allowable carry on luggage. I haven't used it yet, but get a raincover!
Pros: Simple, Good Value, Comfortable
Cons: Straps too long
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Review 6 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:thecanucksforthecup
Location: Simcoe, ON
Age: 18-24
Gender: male
Gear Style: Minimalist
MEC MEMBER
Amazing Value.
Date: October 11, 2009
This offers incredible value. Easily holds my tent, sleeping bag, food for about a week and anything else I might bring, although I do try to be minimal. I like the side zipper access, for when you have to get something out of the bottom. This pack is also extremely durable. Pretty much an ideal pack for beginners. I can't really say enough good things about this pack. The only cons are that the materials could be more waterproof and it is a bit on the heavy side. I may eventually get something larger for hiking excursions that last longer than a week, but this thing really is pretty great.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: Heavy
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Review 7 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Wetcoaster
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
Indestructable, but heavy
Date: October 8, 2009
If you want a pack that will last nearly as long as you will, then this is a decent bag for a lifetime of hiking. That being said, it's a heavy pack that may wear you out before it wears out.
It's got all the gagetey goodness that a lot of us tend to like (straps, webbing, pockets and zippers) as well as the durabiltiy we'd expect from MEC, but it weighs a ton. Perhaps it could do without a few of the zippers and the long back pocket to save on weight and just get back to the good old top loader style without the side zip.
Empty, it weights nearly as much as the base weight for many trekkers. For the weight, I'd hope that it would be fully waterproof, but of course at the price, it's not...but for 20$ more I'd gladly take that upgrade over extra pockets and zippers, especially for west coast hiking.
This was my entry level pack, and I'd recommend it to anyone getting into multi-day hikes. The waist bag/top flap is nice a big and my favourite part which I use more than the pack itself for short excusions, fishing trips and frizbee golf.
The suspension system is nice and stable. Comfort is good. It handles heavy loads well - I havent used this pack in a while for trekking, but I use it a lot for carrying a 3 person PVC inflatable raft for hike in lakes. Likely a 40 lb load for just the boat, and I've had heavier loads, but I prefer to be down around 30lbs for treks, so the weight of the pack alone rules it out for multi day treks for me.
That being said, I fear that in the near future my ultralight pack (a nice 2lb 62L) will wear out and I'll be back to the Brio60 for a while, but I have an old aluminum frame pack that I think will get used first since it weights slightly less and is equally stable and comfortable.
Good value, but could cut out some gadgets and pockets to save weight, or go to water proof materials.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value
Cons: Heavy
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Review 8 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Fishfinder
Location: Sylvan Lake, Ab
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
not a single stitch blown in 5 yrs!
Date: October 8, 2009
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I've had this pack for about 5 yrs now and since I have no other luggage whatsoever this is all I use anytime I leave the house. I have been extremely rough with it and it has not blown a single stitch, it's comfy and has tons of space. It does not have a lot of exterior pockets, but has ample straps to hang stuff off. The quick access zipper is great and you should also buy the rain cover for it. YOU WILL FIND A BETTER PACK FOR THE PRICE. If I ever do finally wreck this backpack I will be back at MEC to buy another within days.
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
Cons: only one exterior pocket in top of bag
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Review 9 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Twoifbysea
Location: Mississauga, On
Age: 25-34
Gender: male
MEC MEMBER
Good Value !
Date: September 23, 2009
Purchased this with budget in mind for my first interior trip with my two boys. Held 4 days of food, my tent, 3 sleeping bags, clothes and all gear !
As i was/am new to interior trips I probably could have even squeezed another 15-20% into it with a little more creativity packing.
Good, Solid pack at the righr price and I plan to buy another this year for my wife !
The lid that turns into a pouch was helpful in giving me quick access to first aid kit, matches, flash lights etc..
* One small con is the lack of outside storage/pouches.
Pros: Rugged, Good Value
Cons: could use more outside storage
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Review 10 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
Effectiveness:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
By:Field Girl
Location: Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Age: 25-34
Gender: female
Gear Style: Performance Driven
MEC MEMBER
Still taking my abuse!
Date: July 15, 2009
I purchased the 60L in 2005 and am very pleased with it. My work takes me into the wilderness for multiple week trips, and I use this pack to haul all my gear and samples. I abuse this pack, and it keeps coming back for more! I love the side-loading compartments. For the small gear that I use constantly, I just strap a couple of drawstring water-bottle holsters to the hip strap and everything is within easy reach. The quality is excellent - I can tell I will get many more years out of this pack.
Pros: Rugged, Lightweight, Simple, Good Value, Reliable
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Not enough time outdoors anymore Matt
Location: Oakville, ON
MEC MEMBER
Excellent, very comfortable pack
Date: June 8, 2009
Very comfortable pack. Spent 4 days with 70Lbs in it without any pre-conditioning (shame on me) and had no complaints about the load. Almost no outside pockets makes stowing and accessing items that are used throughout the day a bit of a pain but I would still buy this pack again anyway - comfort+capacity/price outweighs the lack of pockets.
Pros: Comfortable, Large Capacity, Highly Adjustable, Lightweight
Cons: Not Enough Pockets
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Review 12 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Noah
Location: Toronto
MEC MEMBER
Great Back Especailly for the Money
Date: March 26, 2009
I hitchhiked over 5500km across Canada in the winter months with this pack. Being my first such trip I overpacked, but it stood up well to high weight, between 40lbs and 45lbs, after I had built up some muscle I was able to haul that load pretty comfortably. Solid and durable, went from plane holds to dirty pier squats to a brief stint as a chair and took all the abuse with a good natured smile. I used the detachable fanny pack top that I had originally rolled my eyes at in the store more than I thought. Slung over one shoulder like a messenger bag, I would use it when I had settled in one place and was making day trips into town or as a carry on on planes.My only gripe was that after I had stuffed it to capacity, not using stuff sacs to organize my gear it was a pain to get the sleeping bag in and out of the bottom, I suppose that's really my own fault though.
Pros: Large Capacity, Comfortable, Highly Adjustable
Cons: Difficult To Load, Not Enough Pockets
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Review 13 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Heinz
Location: Edmonton, AB
MEC MEMBER
Simple Yet Effective
Date: February 18, 2009
This is a great, yet simple back pack. I've backpacked with these particular one for 3 years. It's lasted through plenty of airports and being chucked/tossed around.
It terms of security for the plastic clasps, which are always a hazzard, I used plastic disposable zip ties to keep them closed.
The top pouch is pretty roomy for a toilettry kit or any other easy access item, as well as the side zippered pocket. You can't see the side zippered pocket, but it's great for putting other quick grab items, such as a towel, first aid kit, sweater, shirt, a pair of shorts, etc...
The hidden pouch on the opposite of the top pouch is great for putting emergency funds / documents / snack bars / other small stuff.
Save your money! You don't need a big fancy pack with a bazillion zippers. And watch out for those big un-zippable day packs, as they can throw off your center of gravity as they "jutt" outwards, and that can shift the weight from your hips onto your back.
Simple is great!
Pros: Comfortable, Large Capacity, Easy To Load, Highly Adjustable
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Review 14 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Kobayashi
Location: Toronto
MEC MEMBER
Great Pack
Date: January 10, 2009
Best pack I've ever had. Been using it for backpacking trips for the last 10 years. Only broke a zipper thing in the top pouch, other than that and still holding up well.
Easy to pack, love the ability to expand and strap down as needed. Comfortable hip belt. Great all round pack.
Pros: Lightweight, Highly Adjustable, Comfortable, Easy To Load, Large Capacity
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Review 15 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Zoran
Location: Calgary, Canada
MEC MEMBER
simply the best
Date: November 12, 2008
The best pack I`we ever have. Beside the comfort, capacity and excelent adjusting capabilities, durability is simply amazing! After three years of hiking, camping and traveling, this pack is still like a new. No doubt, I`ll buy the same one again.
Pros: Comfortable, Highly Adjustable, Large Capacity, Easy To Load
Cons: None its perfect
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Review 16 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Tyler
Location: Toronto On.
MEC MEMBER
Brio 60 awsome pack
Date: October 28, 2008
Ive used the pack on many short and long out trips
probably the best use for the bag is that i live out of the bag for two months every summer as a camp counsellor in temagami.
probably the best use for the bag is that i live out of the bag for two months every summer as a camp counsellor in temagami.
Pros: Large Capacity, Lightweight, Easy To Load, Comfortable, Good amount clip space, Highly Adjustable
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Review 17 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:The AdNat
Location: Ottawa, ON
VERIFIED REVIEWER
Best value and most comfortable by far
Date: October 5, 2008
A friend and I went on a multi day hiking expedition. She brought this pack and I brought an Arc Teryx pack designed specifically for women and costs about 4 x what the Brio does. We both found the Brio pack so much more comfortable!!! We ended up trading who carried which pack because the Arc Teryx hurt both our backs. Go MEC!
Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Load, Comfortable, Large Capacity, Great Price, Highly Adjustable
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Megan
Location: Prince Edward Island
VERIFIED REVIEWER
6 years and still goin' strong
Date: August 26, 2008
I've got a precursor to this pack, before the top part converting to the waistbelt was introduced (and back when there was a Brio 50?). I bought it in 2002 initially for backpacking 'round Europe but keeping my options open for wild camping and whatever else. Really, I have no complaints with it. Referring to the problems mentioned in other reviews: it is top-loading, but I've just got accustomed to packing it that way (one big compartment allows flexibility in what I carry anyway). Might not have a lot of pockets but I find I use small light bags to divide things up inside anyway. The straps are long, so for plane trips I just tie adjacent straps together, buckle-up all buckles and that's worked fine. I've taken this bag on extended hostelling trips and on multi-day hiking/camping trips. Haven't had a zipper or a strap act up yet, seams are all still fine. My bag went cross-country in the hold of Greyhound buses, being chucked in by baggage handlers and it suffered no more than getting dirty. It's survived a lot of plane trips as well. My backpack was even thrown from a motorcycle with me and got scraped along the road; I have scars and the bag has none.I like that I can adjust the pack to carry a range of loads (the perk of those long straps); I've cinched up all the straps and carried what little I needed for a weekend camping trip and I've expanded it all out to carry nearly 20 kilos to transport my life's possessions for a move. The adjustability also extends to my comfort in carrying those loads, for which it's been excellent as well.As it stands now, my pack is scuffed but otherwise the same as the day I bought it. I fully expect to get another 6 years out of it if not more. Pretty good considering I paid [$] for it.
Pros: Easy To Load, Highly Adjustable, Large Capacity, Comfortable
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Review 19 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:Deep Sea Diver
Location: Vancouver, BC
Solid pack
Date: July 20, 2008
This is a fantastic pack! Very simple and without unnecessary bells & whistles. I've used it for extended backpacking trips and it has served me very well.
The only minor complaints I have:
- The top comes off as a waist pack, which I think is unnecessary. I've never used it as a fanny pack, so I cut off the waist straps.
- The adjustment chords are a bit too long for my liking. Most of the time it's no big deal, however if you travel by plane and want to check in the bag, the hanging bits can get stuck so you better tuck them away.
Overall, it's very solid pack and can take a lot of abuse. In my opinion, the best value for money.
Pros: Comfortable, Easy To Load, Highly Adjustable, Large Capacity, Lightweight
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Brio 60 Backpack
Overall Rating:
out of
5
By:jennycat
Location: Vancouver, BC
VERIFIED REVIEWER
indestructible
Date: June 15, 2008
I've had this for two years and in that time I've been on nearly 20 planes, countless trains, several overnight buses, and across two continents, and it looks as new as the day I bought it. I have no explanation for this. It's a fantastic pack for the price - the best I've ever had. Unless you're hardcore pro and need some $500 pack, this is for you.
My only complain is that loading it can be a bit of a pain until it's half full, since it doesn't have a frame and can be a bit floopy, but if you prop it up, fill it up, within a couple minutes it's fine. The top pouch also holds an ungodly amount of stuff.
I've carried this thing through airports, while holding in my hands more weight than was in the pack and still could barely feel it on my back. It's very comfortable and quite adjustable. I've even taken it on flights with tiny baggage restrictions, and used it on weekend trips as well as long-haul. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.
Pros: Highly Adjustable, Comfortable, Lightweight, Large Capacity
Cons: Not Enough Pockets, Difficult To Load
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