KIMMLite AR25L / OMM MM25L

Overview

KIMM became OMM when Karrimor stopped sponsoring the KIMM event. That is all that has changed.

The KIMM design philosophy is to design products that are engineered for their designated purpose and not over-enigineer them. In the case of their backpacks this translates into using lightweight waterproof ripstop nylon for the bulk of the pack with heavier materials used for key panels - such as the base - where abrasion is likely.

This pack like all of the OMM packs has been designed from first principles to be light by using a mixture of good design and careful choice of fabrics. For example, the padding in the straps feels very thin but since the pack is not designed for large loads it doesn't matter.

The pack has been designed in a way that allows you to remove features that you don't want without invalidating the guarantee. The bungee compression straps can be easily removed to save weight. The belt pockets can be cut off. The mesh can be cut off and you will STILL have a valid guaranteee!

Key Features

• 575g as shipped. 515g with straps removed
• Large central compartment
• Bladder compatible
• Removable foam back padding / seat
• Large zip pockets on belt (surprisingly useful)
• Large mesh pocket on RHS with compression straps for platypus or water bottle
• Two mesh water-bottle pockets
• Front mesh stuff-pocket for coat etc.
• Mesh hood pocket with keyring clip.
• 2 Ice-axe / Walking stick loops (removable)

Outdoor Testing

This pack has been used for most of my summer overnight trips and has proved to be very good at the task. As Autumn approaches I find it is now just a little too small for the gear that I carry mainly because I need a very warm sleeping bag and this takes up most of the space.

The pack is at its best when lightly loaded (< 5Kg / 11lb). As the weight approaches 7Kg/15lb then I personally feel the desire for a more rigid frame. The pack is still comfortable with the heavier weight but not as comfortable as a conventional 'framed' heavyweight sack.

The pack may be light but it is not showing any signs of wear despite a bit of bushwacking.

I have removed some of the compression straps and walking pole loops that I don't need. I tend to choose a pack for a trip that is just big enough for what I need and so compression straps are pointless for me...

The mesh exterior pockets have proved to be very useful for holding wet gear and the pockets are well designed so that things do not fall out.

Early Conclusions

The pack is not designed to last forever it is designed to be light and used for a number of years. It is designed for lighter loads and has a design limit at ISTR around 12Kg. Within these limits it performs very well.

When you consider that it weighs around 1/2 of what most daysacks weigh you will see the benefits that shaving a whole 500g off your weight achieves.

Overall, I was not expecting much from this pack but it has proved to be much tougher and much more useful than I would have ever imagined. It is a 'real' pack but at a fraction of the weight of a real pack.

I would rate this pack as a true design classic. Every aspect of it has been designed with weight and functionality in mind and this has been achieved by removing weight and strength from the pack where it is not needed and leaving it in place where it is. Whoever designed it knew exactly what was needed and how to achieve it.