Most recently I used a Zpacks backpack for an extended period. It was an older model from 2016 that my father had given me. Before my hike the pack had only been used on the Wonderland Trail and was then replaced by another model. The Dyneema material already showed clear signs of wear, the shoulder straps were too narrow for me and the padding could hardly be felt any more. The mesh system on the back, which you can tension yourself, drove me to such despair that I preferred to put up with the sweating. So you can guess that I was anything but happy with the pack. The first thing I bought new after that experience was a backpack. Admittedly, it was not meant to serve the same purpose as the Zpacks but, above all, to be small and light for shorter trips in moderate temperatures.
Fairly quickly I came across Blindbananabags and their Plantain 35L model online. By now this pack no longer seems to be in the range – at least I can’t find it on the manufacturer’s website. If you are interested, though, it is worth asking the manufacturer directly. I would still like to write this article to draw attention to a European brand.
Scope of the test & note
I carried the pack on the Camino Primitivo, the Ith-Hils-Weg and the Harzer Grenzweg. In total I used it for about 1,000 km before writing this article.
The Plantain is a 35-litre pack without a hip belt, frame, load lifters or other bells and whistles. I will therefore not go into how much weight it can sensibly carry. As a general rule of thumb for packs without a frame and hip belt: about 9 kg total weight can be carried comfortably, while with a hip belt up to 12 kg is possible. Personally, I have no problem carrying 12 kg without a hip belt either – even over longer distances. This pack, however, is not intended for long trips with a lot of or heavy gear, nor for trips with few resupply options. That is not a shortcoming of the pack; it is simply not what it is made for.
Technical data
- Material: Ultragrid (pack body and side pockets), Ultrastretch on the front pocket and shoulder straps, Dyneema stretch on the bottom pocket
- Weight: 411 g, 35 L in size L, weighed myself
- Features: removable hip belt available, various shoulder straps available, the manufacturer also makes custom versions in some cases
What I like about the Blindbananabags Plantain 35L
- Workmanship
- Bottom pocket
- Pockets on the shoulder strap
I am particularly in love with the bottom pocket. Ideally I would never again buy a pack without this feature. It is incredibly practical to be able to stow small items or your rain jacket in it on the move without having to stop. The durability of the pack also makes a very good impression. You must not forget that you set it down at every stop, but after around 1,000 km I still see no signs of wear and do not have the impression that the workmanship leaves anything to be desired. All in all I was thrilled with the workmanship of the pack and cannot find any flaws – top-notch craftsmanship!
Another comfort feature that I didn’t know I was missing before is the pockets on the shoulder strap. You can stow your phone or a small water bottle there – simply great! In hindsight, however, I would only have needed one pocket.
Die Bottom Pocket im Einsatz 
Schultergurtasche
What I don’t like about the Blindbananabags Plantain 35L
- Shoulder strap for the Peak Design camera clip
- Choice of material: Ultragrid
I really only have one point to criticise, but for me it is the reason why I will be parting with this pack. The shoulder straps are not ideal for attaching the Peak Design camera clip. They are quite wide, and I have the version with the pockets on the shoulder straps. Unlike the pockets on my Durston Kakwa 55 or my Hyberg Bandit, however, these cannot be pushed aside to attach the clip underneath. So if you carry a larger camera, you should keep that in mind. That is also the reason why you always see me with the Hyberg in my videos and not with the Plantain.
I don’t like the Ultragrid material quite as much as some alternative materials. In terms of durability it is no worse, and it offers the best compromise between longevity and price. What I don’t like, however, is that it soaks up sweat and water and takes quite a while to dry again. That does not happen with materials such as EXP200 or Ultra. But then you have to weigh up whether you want to accept higher costs or a higher weight. It is also questionable whether these materials really are more durable than Ultragrid. In the end it is a personal preference and not a real disadvantage.
Photos of the Blindbananabags Plantain 35L
Verdict on the Blindbananabags Plantain 35L
I am really thrilled with this pack, which has met all my expectations. Unfortunately my requirements have changed in the meantime, which is why I have to part with it with a heavy heart. At first I was looking for a compact pack for short multi-day trips in good weather – without a hip belt. Now, however, a heavy camera has been added, and in its current configuration the pack is unfortunately not ideal for that. It is still in perfect condition, though, superbly made, and I am sure it will be a reliable companion for many thousands of kilometres to come. I also find it particularly impressive that it was made in Europe and did not have to be imported from overseas – although there are also alternatives that come directly from Germany.
Finally, I would recommend everyone to take a look at Blindbananabags if you are looking for a new pack. They even offer the option of ordering custom-made packs, and there are also packs with a frame.
Note
I bought the featured products myself. This article was not sponsored by anyone, and although I try to be as objective as possible, this is only my subjective opinion of the products presented.
