Gear Review: Arc’teryx Brize 25 Hiking Backpack

The Arc’Teryx Brize 25 is a comfortable day hiking backpack that is built to last a lifetime. The Brize 25 has a 25L main compartment, two side pockets, and an internal storage pocket. I’ve been using the Brize 25 as my sole hiking, travel, and photography backpack over the past few months and will share my impressions in this review.

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Build, Design, And Functionality Overview

Materials

The first thing I noticed when picking up the Brize 25 is the outstanding construction that Arc’Teryx is known for. The fabrics, stiching, and overall construction is top notch. The base of the pack is made from a high-tenacity N420p-HT nylon that’s taken an absolute beating without showing any signs of wear. The bottom panel is made from an even sturdier N630p nylon.

Storage, Pockets, Lid, Hydration

The Brize 25 has two side pockets that securely hold snacks, water bottles, and camera tripods. The side pockets are easy to reach, and I can quickly grab items and replace them without having to take the pack off. For photographers, the side pockets easily fit a compact tripod and the pack’s compression straps keep the tripod from moving around.

The Brize 25 uses a zippered lid for access to the main compartment. For internal storage, the pack has a 25L capacity which is more than enough for long day hikes. I can fit a down jacket, pants, a waterproof layer, food, extra water, and a small camera bag pretty comfortably.

There is a small zippered pocket on the inside of the pack that is great for small items like wallets, snacks, etc. There is also a zippered pouch on the top of the lid for items that I need quick access to like a headlamp, compass, or camera batteries.

Underneath the internal yellow pocket is a compression sleeve for hydration bladders and a port to run the hose. You’ll also find a clip to suspend the bladder and keep it from sinking into the pack. I haven’t tested this, as I prefer to use bottles.

Sizing

The Brize 25 comes in a ‘one size for all’ size regular. I’m 5’10” with a 20.5″ torso and this pack fits me perfectly. For those that are shorter and have a shorter torso, the pack will fit quite well. For those that have a longer torso, the waist band might ride a bit high.

Weight

The Brize 25 comes in just under 2 lbs. This is about the same weight as my higher volume Osprey Levity 45. The Brize 25 uses super durable and tough materials though, so the added weight is not a bad tradeoff for the durability.


Hip Belt and Chest Straps

The Arc’Teryx Brize 25 uses thickly cushioned shoulder straps that feel great even when the pack is weighted down with a lot of water and camera gear. The connecting sternum strap can be adjusted using daisy chain loops that run from top to bottom on the shoulders. There are no load lifters on this pack, which isn’t much of an issue since you can’t really carry that much weight with a 25L capacity.

The waist belt on the Brize 25 is made of the same thin nylon material as the adjusters on the shoulder straps. There is no padding or support on the belt, so it isn’t the most useful for transferring weight onto the hips. It does keep the pack from swaying side to side while hiking though.

Compression, Straps, and Attachments

For compression, the Brize 25 uses two straps on either side of the pack. With a small volume 25L day pack, I don’t find I need to use these very often for compression. I instead use them to secure taller items that I stow in the side pockets.

On each side of the pack, you’ll find a bungee strap to secure items like trekking poles. I also find these straps useful for wet clothes or filled doggie waste bags. At the bottom of the pack, you’ll find a single loop for ice or mountaineering tools.

Frame and Ventilation

The Arc’Teryx Brize 25 is a frameless backpack and has an ergonomic thermoformed back panel. This back panel is very comfortable, and uses a thick pad that feels like memory foam. The square cutouts do a decent job of providing airflow, but on hotter days my back gets pretty swamped. I’ve gotten a bit spoiled by the airy ventilation on my Osprey packs.

Performance

The Brize 25 has been a phenomenal option for day hiking. So much so, that it has kept all of my other packs on the shelf. The comfort, durability, and features are perfect for hiking, travel, and photography. The thickly padded shoulder straps make for comfortable outings even on long days. What I like most is this pack’s versatility, It works really well on short hikes with my son and wife, but can also handle an all day trek through the mountains.

The one thing about this pack that could be improved for hiking is the waist belt. It would be nice to have a thicker and more supportive belt that includes integrated pockets. A thicker belt would also allow for more weight to be transferred to my hips and keep it off of my shoulders. The pockets would allow for quicker access to some of my most used items.

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Closing Thoughts

The Arc’teryx Brize 25 is a super durable, very comfortable, and appropriately priced pack at $160. The Brize 25 is very well made and is sure to last a very long time, regardless of where your outings take you. The Brize comes in black, green, and blue, and can also be purchased in a slightly more expensive 32L option if you need more storage space. If you’re looking for an indestructible day hiking, travel, and photography backpack for your outdoor adventures, make sure to give the Brize 25 a close look.