Big Agnes Parkview 63 Review

The Big Agnes Parkview 63 is an excellent, big backpack for men. It offers lots of storage without being heavy.

Big Agnes Parkview 63L Backpack for Multiday Hiking, Fog, Large

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Table of Contents

Pros / Reasons to Buy

Lots of storage
Lightweight for a big backpack

Cons / Reasons to Avoid

No zip to access the main compartment
No rain cover

This is a big backpack with plenty of loops and straps for attaching extra equipment. The pockets are all big, too, so you will have no problems organizing and stowing your gear. It’s ideal for tall men, with the smallest torso length being 46cm/18 inches. It’s well made from tough, durable materials, but no rain cover is included.

Compare to Similar Products

Product	Osprey Atmos AG 65	Osprey Kestrel 48	Osprey Aether Plus 70	Gregory Paragon 58	Gregory Baltoro 65	Big Agnes Parkview 63	Osprey Aether 65	Granite Gear Blaze 60 Women	The North Face Women's Terra 55	Dueter Air Contact Core 60+10

Buying Options
Our Award	Best for Men	Best Lighter Backpack for Men	Best Large Capacity Backpack for Men					Best for Women	Best Lighter Backpack for Women	Best Large Capacity Backpack for Women
Size	S/M - L/XL	S/M - L/XL	S/M - L/XL	S/M - M/L	S - M - L	M - L	S/M - L/XL	WS - UL	XS/S - M/L	W - Regular
Weight	2 - 2.2 kg	1.9 - 2.1 kg	2.5 - 2.8 kg	1.5 - 1.6 kg	2.1 - 2.4 kg	1.6 - 1.8 kg	2.2 - 2.3 kg	1.3 - 1.4 kg	1.6 - 1.7 kg	2.1 - 2.3 kg
Capacity	65 - 68 liters	46 - 48 litres	68 - 70 liters	58 litres	65 litres	63 + 10 liters	65 - 68 liters	60 liters	55 litres	60 + 10 liters
Load	13.6 – 18 kg	9.1 – 15.9 kg	14 – 27 kg	22.7 kg	22.7 kg	22.7 kg	14 - 27 kg	22.7 kg	N/A	15 - 20 kg
Pockets	9	10	8	6	10	8	5	6	5	8
Torso Lengths	43 - 58.9	40.5 - 58.5 cm	43 - 58.5 cm	38 - 60 cm	40.6 - 55.9 cm	46 - 56 cm	43 - 58.5 cm	38.1 - 60.9 cm	35.5 - 47.7 cm	35 - 62 cm
Rain Cover	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes

Editor’s note: This article is part of our buyers guide to waterproof hiking backpacks. See other articles in this series:

Looking for other waterproof gear? Check out our buyers guides on:

Analysis and Test Results

If you are heading out for several days in the backcountry and you like to take as much equipment with you as possible, then the Big Agnes Parkview 63 could be ideal. You get lots of generously sized pockets as well as two rows of daisy-chain webbing, bungee cord loops, and zig-zag compression straps. The lid and the hip belts are detachable if you want to save weight, but this is a deceptively light backpack for its size. It would be nice to have an extra full-length zip on the front to allow easier access to the whole of the main compartment. It is made from durable materials with high-quality zippers and padding where you need it.

Although it has a very good water resistant coating this backpack doesn’t come with a rain cover. The internal frame helps to distribute the weight evenly between your hips and shoulders. This backpack is only available in two large sizes, but it is easily adjusted to fit a range of body shapes and sizes.

See the Big Agnes Parkview 63 in more detail:

Performance Comparison

Material

The primary material used to make this backpack is recycled high-tenacity Mipan robic nylon with a solution-dyed ripstop grid. This is a tough, puncture, and tear-resistant material. The base is reinforced with heavy-duty twill fabric. The lining is nylon taffeta. The perimeter frame is made of aluminum, and the back panel is injection molded foam. The exterior pockets are made of stretchy, fine-woven, anti-snag mesh.

Breathability

The back panel is contoured and anatomically curved with a wide air channel covered in mesh cut into it along the spine to provide plenty of ventilation and improve breathability.

Waterproofing

The UTS environmentally sustainable coating helps to make the backpack very water resistant. The zippers are also waterproof. However, the backpack is not waterproof and does not come with an integrated rain cover, so you will need to buy one separately.

Dimensions

The Big Agnes Parkview 63 features a spindrift collar that can be extended to provide an extra ten liters of capacity and fifteen centimeters of height if needed. There are only two sizes available – Medium and Large. There is a woman’s version of this backpack called Garnet 60L.

Sizes	Capacity	Weight	Load	Measurements
Medium	63 + 10 liters 3844.5 + 610 cubic inches	1.64 kg 3.10 lbs	22.7 kg 50 lbs	74 x 15 x 28 x 24 cm 29 x 6 x 11 x 9.5 inches
Large	63 + 10 liters	1.84 kg 4.1 lbs	22.7 kg 50 lbs	79 x15 x 28 x 24 cm 31 x 6 x 11 x 9.5 inches

Fit

This backpack uses the Load Wrangler Plus system to adjust the torso length. The attachment on the strap is slid into the notches on the orange plate to get the desired measurement. Some users have had issues with the measurements being too large, so make sure you double-check the fit.

The hip belt is tightened by pulling the ends of the straps forward and together. The shoulder straps, load lifters, hip adjustor straps, and sternum strap all have loops on the ends to make pulling and adjusting them easier. The sternum strap can also be slid up or down to get it in the right place.

	Torso Length
Medium	46 – 51 cm 18 – 20 inches
Large	51 – 56 cm 20 – 22 inches

Storage

Storage is one area where the Big Agens Parkview 63 excels. The main compartment is roomy, and the spindrift collar gives you an extra 15 cm (6 inches) of extension. The only access to the main section is through the top, as there is no zip on the main body. There isn’t a divider to section off the bottom of the main pocket, either.

The floating lid has two zippered pockets, one internal and one external, with a clip for keys. On the front of the pack is a small zippered exterior pocket with a key clip. Next to this is a big, stretchy stash pocket. On each side, there are large stretchy mesh pockets that are great for holding water bottles. The hip belt has two 1.5-litre pockets. The hip pockets are removable.

Comfort

The hip belt is extremely comfortable and adjustable. It has an upper and lower strap that can be lengthened and shortened as needed. It is also possible to attach equipment to these straps. The fins of the hip belt are triangular with cut-outs in the center. Not only do the cut-outs save weight and increase breathability, but they also mean the hip fins mold closely to your frame.

The shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel are covered in stretch woven fabric to make them more comfortable. The shoulder straps are contoured to increase comfort and stability, and the hip belt is attached directly to the perimeter frame. The Open Range Hip Belt is designed to go behind the back panel to provide flexibility.

Features

The top lid and the hip belt pockets can be removed to reduce the weight of the pack. Although a rain cover is not included, you do get a 7-litre trash can stuff sack that can be attached to the outside of the pack if desired.

The Big Agenes Parkview 63 has plenty of attachment points if you need more storage. There are bungee cord loops for equipment like ice axes and trekking poles. Daisy-chain webbing runs along the front of the pack, with lash loops at the bottom. There is also a grab handle at the top of the pack.

Inside the main compartment is an internal sleeve for a 3-liter water bladder, but there isn’t one included. A hook and exit port, along with a hose keeper clip on the sternum strap, help to make it easy to use a hydration system. The interior pocket mesh is semi-transparent, making locating your gear easier.

The Hoist Compression system is used to stabilize the load. Side compression straps zig-zag from the bottom of the pack along the sides to the top.

Durability

Big Agnes has made every effort to make this backpack durable. The primary material used is ripstop to make it more tear-resistant, and the base has thicker, tougher material with a 1,500 mm UTS coating.

Big Agnes provides a Limited Warranty for its products, covering defects in manufacturing or materials. They will decide whether to repair or replace defective items or offer credit based on the original purchase price with a receipt. However, this warranty excludes damages from normal wear and tear, owner alterations, misuse, accidents, and uses other than intended. Although Big Agnes endeavors to repair gear, they are not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

Sustainability

Big Agnes has long prioritized sustainability, using recycled materials since 2007 and aiming for 100% PFAS-free products. Joining the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, they’ve strengthened their commitment to climate action and sustainability. Despite being a smaller brand, they utilize resources effectively, focusing on impact measurement and goal-setting. Their efforts include repairing gear, upcycling returned items, and donating to charitable causes, reflecting their dedication to producing durable, sustainable products.

Conclusion

This is a well-made backpack with plenty of storage options. It’s a shame there’s not a full-length zip to easily access all of the main compartment, but there are plenty of pockets, webbing loops and straps for all your equipment. It is tough and durable but doesn’t come with a rain cover. The Big Agnes Parkview 63 is a good choice for men looking for a practical, capacious pack that isn’t too heavy but is comfortable to carry.

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