REVIEW: Wisport Wildcat 55

Continuing with our second Wisport Review. This time in the trekking backpack category. Wisport also has several models in their product range. We were provided with the Wildcat 55 from Camostore.de for testing. If you missed the first review of the Wisport Sparrow 20, you can read it HERE. The first impression of the Wildcat 55 was: "That thing is pretty heavy." With a 55 liter backpack, you don't necessarily expect a weight of 3.5 kilos, but upon closer inspection it quickly became clear why it was so heavy.

The Wildcat 55 is actually a true feature wonder. While testing, we didn't even notice some of the features at first glance, but more on that later.

With a trekking backpack, the main focus is of course on the carrying system, as larger loads should be carried comfortably over a longer period of time. Here, Wisport uses the in-house FAS PLUS Ergonomic Carrying System. It consists of two aluminum rods housed under the back panel. These can be removed upwards and adjusted to the shape of the back if desired.

The thickly padded shoulder straps with mesh are connected in the middle at the back by a similarly thickly padded center part, which can be adjusted in height to the aluminum rods using webbing. The center of the padding is cut out to allow for air circulation. The height adjustment is quick and uncomplicated, but there is no locking mechanism at the top, which is then taken care of by gravity.

For load transfer, a wide, detachable hip belt with mesh padding is used, which also performs its task with flying colors. It is fastened with a Fastex buckle, which also regulates the width. Tensioned backwards, relieved forwards.

In addition to the padding, the shoulder straps have elastic and inelastic loops - similar to the Sparrow - but here there are two on each side. The rotating buckles on the chest strap have been omitted here, but simple horizontal buckles have been used for fixing the drinking tube. Of course, the straps have Loadlifter Straps to pull the backpack towards or away from the back as needed. Fastex buckles for quick release complete the shoulder straps.

The equipment - and someone really put some thought into this - starts on the backside. In addition to the usual MOLLE loops on the hip belt (3 loops x 2 rows), there are two carrying loops on the back plate on the right and left, which offer a secure grip when stowing.

At the top, there are 2 large eyelets for securing the pack to vehicles or even transforming the backpack into a rescue seat when abseiling.

Then there is the well-hidden exit for the drinking tube, which is located under the velcro flap that also allows for the removal of the aluminum rods.

On each side, there is another carrying handle in the lower area. Above that, there are a total of 9 rows of MOLLE with 6 loops each. These serve, among other things, to hold the included external pockets.

Each external pocket holds 9 liters and is secured with a snow skirting including a drawstring and a lid with Fastex closure. The pockets are rubberized inside to protect the contents from moisture.

On the outside, MOLLE loops are again attached - 7 loops x 5 rows - with the outer loops being twice as wide as the normal loops. On the sides of the pack, there are two long compression straps that can also be pulled over the external pockets. To store excess webbing neatly, velcro loops have been installed here.

The front side has a small attached compartment that can be accessed via a zipper. On the outside, there are 4 rows x 8 rows of MOLLE, with the top two rows disappearing under the cover when the Wildcat is not fully packed. In the middle, there is also a loop for trekking poles or similar. Inside this pocket, which can be opened completely, there are more loops on the underside of the cover (4x5 rows), covering a flat zippered pocket. In the middle at the back, there is a zipper for access to the main compartment, making it easier to access smaller items. Above the pocket is a velcro field for patches, and below that, it continues with the MOLLE madness - here the Wildcat has been equipped with 2 more rows of 6 loops each, bringing the total number on the front side to 10 rows.

In a backpack like this, you would expect a zipper for the sleeping bag compartment next, but here there is another zipper - what could that be for?

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
Send us your news: [email protected]