Review: Nemo Resolve 15L Endless Promise Pack
From Nemo
Before I get into my thoughts on this backpack, I wanted to see what Nemo is saying about the Resolve 15L Endless Promise Pack. From their website, Nemo says, “A simplified pack for swift ascents, the fully recyclable Resolve™ 15L daypack features a revolutionary set of NEMO-exclusive fabrics for an abrasion-resistant, water-resistant exterior and a groundbreaking foam alternative with excellent cushioning and wicking properties.”
Here are a few of the specs of the Resolve 15L endless Promise Pack before the review.
Price*
$159.95 for Backpack
Sizes*
Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
Width: 10 Inches (26 cm)
Height: 17 inches (45 cm)
Weight*
Backpack: 1 lb 15 ounces
Colors*
Citron, Blue Granite, Smokey Olive
Features and Benefits
Recycled CERO™ fabrics used on Resolve are solution dyed to reduce water waste while promising excellent strength and waterproofing.
Positioned at the body’s heaviest sweat zones, the CCubed™ recycled, recyclable cushioning wicks away sweat and helps dissipate body heat and moisture.
NEMO takes full responsibility for all Endless Promise® products, from production to end of life, and designs them for total recyclability to stay out of the landfill.
By accepting the challenge of mono-polymer construction and building Resolve™ from just a single type of material, this product is fully recyclable, further keeping waste out of the trash.
Wide, flexible shoulder straps conform to the body for immediate and long-lasting comfort.
The active-inspired geometry creates a pack that moves with you, without disrupting your journey.
A large panel load compartment easily fits larger items, like a hydration bladder or extra layers.
A hidden security pocket keeps valuables stashed away and secure while shoulder strap pockets can house snacks or other easy-access essentials.
Adjustable side pockets keep water bottles easily accessible and can expand to house an extra light layer or rain jacket.
2 removable compression straps can move from the bottom to the side, to keep your load secure or lash on extra items.
Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.
* All Information from Nemoequipment.com and subject to change. Make sure to check the website for latest information.
As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I was given these products so that I could write this review. All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with these products. I’m not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different.
What I Liked
The outdoor world is full of so many great products these days that it’s hard to even know where to start. Thankfully, blogging gives me the opportunity to try so many brands that I’ve wanted to, but never had the chance to- Nemo being one of them. I have never used anything from Nemo Equipment, but I’m grateful I was able to test out a backpack on my first go . There sure are a lot of things to like about the Nemo Resolve 15L Endless Promise Backpack.
Immediately upon putting this backpack on, it felt comfortable. I did, of course, have to adjust all of the straps to fit my body properly, but damn… it felt good! I primarily used this pack for my two main hobbies in the great outdoors: biking and hiking. I’ve wanted a solid pack that wasn’t too big and would be perfect for my shorter, daytime adventures. This 15L did the trick.
Overall Fit
It was extremely easy to fit this bag to my body before heading out on the trails. The Nemo Resolve was designed to be one size fits all and is completely adjustable. The foamed padding of the waist and chest allowed for a secure fit and helped distribute weight evenly. I always pack a lot of food and water on my trips. Not even once did the fit or structure of the bag ever cause friction or any areas of tension, before or after my activities.
Two other things I noticed on the fit were the wider straps and the internal steel frame. I believe both of those features really helped distribute the weight, as well. The frame really helped hold the shape of the pack and was strong enough to keep it from folding in, yet still felt it molded into my body. It was a solid structure that felt light and easy.
Storage
This 15L is technically divided into 3 sections: main compartment (large), secondary pocket (small, fairly hidden pocket on top) , and two water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The entire pack has enough organization without being extra like guacamole and overwhelming me. And trust me- I love some good organization! This is just enough given it’s smaller in size compared to other daypacks.
The main storage compartment of the Nemo Resolve 15L
I used the main compartment for all of my outdoor essentials. I always carry a rain jacket, food, extra water, and sunscreen. Inside this section, there are attachment points, as well as another storage pocket that has zippers and can hold smaller items. That is usually where I put my eyedrops, extra chapstick, and car keys. I don’t really consider the secondary pocket (section on top of the pack) large enough to be a full section, but I do use it for quick grabs like sunglasses, wallet (on the bike trail when we stop off for food!) and tissues.
The two pockets on the side of the backpack are where I always put my primary water bottles. As I mentioned above, I always bring another one in the main compartment. The thing about this pack is that those pockets have straps that are adjustable and can expand to hold all different sized water bottles, even the big boys! When I originally looked at the specs of this product, I read that you can put a rain jacket in there! I wouldn’t trust myself to do that, but the straps seemed pretty sturdy and did a good job keeping my water intact every single time.
The Secondary Storage Pocket in the Nemo Resolve 15L Pack.
Back Panel
According to Nemo, the back mesh is a recyclable alternative to foam. The cushioning is 97% air for superior moisture wicking and breathability. As I mentioned before, the entire pack felt structured, but extremely comfortable, especially the padded back frame. It was just the right combination of support and flexibility making it all not feel so stiff!
Speaking of moisture wicking and breathability, the fabric of the back panel material I think really helped with that. Whenever I use this bag, I feel it dries quicker in the back than a lot of packs I’ve previously used. It’s not to say it didn’t get wet from my sweat (because I sweat a lot), but it definitely dried quicker, especially when I took the pack off for a period of time. It ultimately made a difference in wicking away sweat and keeping me cooler, especially in the brutally hot and humid Northeast Summer!
The back of the Nemo Resolve 15L Pack.
Recycled Materials
If there is one thing I love more than a quality product, it is a product that has sustainability. I’m extremely intentional about doing what’s best for our Earth as much as I can. I consider myself a minimalist and one who has very little, buys very little, and needs very little. When it comes to fashion and doing what’s best for the environment, I’m more intentional than I’ve ever been, even though I’m still a work in progress. I try to avoid fast fashion as much as possible and buy sustainable, durable pieces that will last a long time or thrift.
This bag was built to be used, abused, and reused for as long as possible. Literally. When the bag does come to the end of its adventure, Nemo has created it to be fully recyclable so it never reaches a landfill! You can send it back to the company so that it can prevent further waste and live on for another outdoor enthusiast. Wowowow! I love this! Talk about a company I want to support!
Another thing worth mentioning is the fabric of this bag. It is made up entirely of recycled/ recyclable PET. Instead of using the typical unrecyclable foams for cushioning, they introduced material that avoid harmful off- gassing with EVAs. Besides the material being good for the environment, the fabric is thick and holds up impressively with heavy use. This is a pack built to last!
Durability
I took this pack up to the Adirondacks (ADK) on two separate occasions since receiving it. I mention my trips to ADK because the weather and elements are way harsher up there compared to my easy, predictable, mountain-less neck of the woods that I live and venture in around often. Plus, I like to test products out in as many environments as possible and to do so many times before writing a review. It’s only fair. And if it holds up well in ADK, it has always proven to be a great product.
Unfortunately (and also fortunately) I didn’t get to test this pack out in the rain, which would’ve helped me write an even more in-depth description of its durability and how it holds up in all weather elements. I somehow have had nearly all blue bird sky days in my adventures with this pack! Maybe it’s… dare I say ….. good luck?!? But it did get roughed up around climbing rocks and roots on the many steep inclines and me being me- very, very clumsy and hard on my items. This bag gets roughly thrown around and used a lot and there’s nothing to show for it!
What I Didn’t Like
This backpack is high quality and it was very hard to find its shortcomings! If I were to be nitpicky- I would definitely say I didn’t like the selection of colors. I would have preferred a larger selection to choose from. But again- this is me trying to find something I don’t like and having to look really hard to do so!
Anything else worth mentioning that I possibly found a downfall of this pack was a “me problem.” I often carry way more than I should in this smaller pack and find it causes, as you’d imagine, improper weight distribution and tension, especially in the shoulders. I don’t have any issues when it’s lighter weight, but thought it was worth mentioning if you stubbornly try to pack a bag to the brim like I do. What I’m saying is…. it’s not you Nemo, it’s ME!
Wrapping up the Nemo Resolve
I loved the Nemo 15L! It’s definitely on the smaller side of daypacks that I’ve used, but I didn’t or wouldn’t want any more storage or space unless I was doing an overnight adventure. It’s my first choice of all of my packs for shorter hikes and on longer bike rides when I want more room for extra clothes and food. Time and time again- it has been able to carry everything that I need without being too much for any activity.
Even though this bag is good for hikers of any experience, I also think it’s a great starter daypack for anyone who is looking to get outside for their first time. It’ll show you what a quality pack is and help you ease into this activity easier than just buying any bag on the market. It provides great stability and support and is completely functional to carry everything you need. I’d recommend Nemo to anyone!
