Nov 21, 2009
Oakley are without doubt a leader in industrial design and have a range of backpacks that are very typically Oakley. Each Oakley pack has its own prime features. Get them all in one design. As the Kitchen Sink name would imply, it’s a backpack built to carry just about everything but the kitchen sink.
The Oakley Kitchen Sink offers every conceivable innovation, from a mobile phone pocket to a padded sleeve that holds a laptop up to 17″. The laptop sleeve can be access through the main compartment or from a convenient side access zip. The top storage compartment is compression molded to protect valuables like sunglasses and small electronics or can be used for a media player with it’s headphone port.
The top of the bag actually lifts up like a hatch by unclipping two beefy D-rings that latch onto a metal cable running around the circumference of the hatch which reveal a separate lockable cable zipper to seal the main compartment. A flap in the middle of the bag opens up to reveal a built-in organiser, and storage compartments tucked in to either side of the bag provide more space for smaller items. A unique compartment at the bottom is separated from the main storage area and has drainage ports for wet or soiled items. You also get plenty of pockets, attachment points and tie downs.
Besides all the storage spaces inside, the bag also has an array of straps and hooks for handling the beast once it’s all filled up. Three compression straps on either side of the bag make it possible to reign in your gear when it gets a little too bulky; while a strip of metal anchors in the middle provide a convenient place to tie down the bag with straps or Bungee cords. A heavy duty handle at the top of the pack allows for one-handed carrying.
The Kitchen Sink is a large backpack and when fully packed can be quite heavy. I have taken the pack interstate as carry on luggage but wouldn’t be suprised if one day was pulled up for it being too big and needing to be checked-in. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable and are designed to support the pack with fully laid up.
The Kitchen Sink’s design and quality is impeccable and faultless. Being a top of the range backpack and from Oakley, it is not the cheapest pack at AU$319.95. This is one ultra cool backpack that will have you stand out of the crowd.
