I have always been attracted to the idea of developing powerful Ukrainian brands that could compete and represent Ukraine effectively on the global markets. That's why I am delighted when I see equipment that prestigious international manufacturers would not hesitate to release under their own label. Today, we will talk about just such a backpack, meet the Fram Tempo 50.

Fram Tempo 50: nothing superfluous

Evolution of Ukrainian backpacks

It all started with replacing the Soviet "koloboks" and "yermaks" in the 90s with "anatomical" ones, which were often sewn by tourists in garage conditions, often with years of mountaineering experience. This gave rise to "Volkovsky", "Ponurovsky" and many other "named" backpacks. I owned a fairly decent "Shmatovsky" specimen, and I must say that it left quite a good impression.

The first major brand that introduced copies of "Deuters" to the Ukrainian market in the early 2000s was "Terra Incognita". However, after in the 2010s much more innovative and lightweight backpacks from many top-tier global brands appeared on the shelves of outdoor stores, they pushed Ukrainian backpacks into the cheap niche, and it seemed like development in this area had stopped. Of course, there are a few successful models from the residents of Zhytomyr with "Travel Extreme" and the niche lightweight ultralight manufacturer "Liteway". However, the position of a Ukrainian trekking backpack bestseller remained vacant. And finally, we have a team of developers who have taken this ambitious goal seriously.

Fram Tempo 50

For those familiar with the Ukrainian outdoor scene, there's no need for additional introduction to the Fram team. These are experienced alpinists with numerous successful ascents of challenging technical routes, including in the Himalayas. Last year, I had the opportunity to test their Fram Lukla 65 backpack in Montenegro, and I must say it turned out to be very well-balanced, becoming my favorite and primary backpack.

This year, despite the war and the fact that the main forces of the Fram team are currently focused on producing equipment for the front lines, such as the Fram Osh 100 backpack designed for the military, promising newcomers are also emerging. While we won't touch on the announced ultralight backpack with dyneema for now, the prototype of the serial model, the Tempo 50, evokes excitement and a desire to hold it in hands and examine the details.

And it's not surprising, as it didn't just appear out of thin air. It's the result of extensive testing and improvements, where you can see solutions that Fram's developers refined in their earlier products, primarily designed for mountaineering. And even in the Fram Tempo 50, you can read this signature, because what do we love about assault backpacks? Lightness, durability, simplicity, and comfortable fit. All of this is present in this backpack. There are no shelves instead of pockets, but we're talking about a trekking backpack, so that's how it should be. So let's talk more about the specifications.

The main advantage of this backpack is its weight of 1100 grams when loaded with 50 liters. Moreover, the manufacturer did not use overly lightweight materials that would require a significant reduction in the weight of the equipment you plan to carry in it. The primary fabrics include durable Oksford 340D rip-stop and reinforced Cordura 500D on the bottom and back – in areas where maximum abrasion resistance is needed.

In order to streamline the design of their backpacks and achieve impressive weight characteristics, Fram Equipment minimizes the number of seams. Typically, this approach involves a single top entry point. However, in this case, we have an innovative solution – thanks to a YKK zipper strategically placed along a seam, this backpack can be unfolded like a suitcase when needed.

This is fantastic because, if desired, you can use it as a side entry only, or fully unfold it to access all your belongings in the backpack. This is a very convenient feature that sets this backpack apart from other trekking competitors.

It features plastic hardware from the well-known specialized brand Woodjin, and it's worth noting that everything fits together confidently and reliably in this component. I especially liked the small chest strap – a very charismatic detail. By the way, in this element, the developers also came up with a fresh solution. Instead of a slider, they created two positions on elastic bands that can be quickly changed if desired.

The back panel of this backpack is adjustable and can be finely tuned to fit the specific user. It is minimalist yet snug. How did the developers achieve this? The semi-curved aluminum frame creates a space between the back and the backpack, allowing for ventilation. On the sides, there are two elastic pockets that are spacious enough to hold items for drying as well as larger water containers. At the back, there are reflective loops where trekking poles can be attached.

For those who have foam sleeping pads, they will appreciate the option for lower attachment. Here, credit should be given to the Fram developers, as they made the straps long enough in contrast to Western manufacturers who often implement this feature only symbolically, making it quite challenging to secure even a compact pad. These straps will also work for securing tents.

Another pleasant feature of this backpack is the presence of two elastic pockets on the straps. They are spacious enough to accommodate most mobile phones, GPS devices, or energy drinks and bars for those who prefer to have them easily accessible. The hip belt pockets are made from a combination of durable material and elastic mesh, making them perfect for storing small items like a mobile phone. The belt itself is soft and comfortable - nothing extra.

The top lid, in the Fram tradition, is completely removable and has two compartments with key attachments. Inside, there are also straps with fasteners for small items like flashlights or elastic bandages. On the backside, there is the traditional Fram handle, allowing for easy transportation from place to place. By the way, the main compartment closes with a roll-top, and the material inside has a DWR coating, which means it can protect you from light rain, but I wouldn't put it to the test in a Carpathian downpour.

Inside the backpack, there is a hydration system attachment and an outlet, so those who use this device will not have to give it up for the sake of this backpack.

Speaking of potential improvements to this design, I mentioned that the developers have extracted the best from the materials they work with. The next step would be to use premium fabrics, such as 3D meshes for constructing back panels, which would lead to a shift into a higher price category. Therefore, as it stands now, I believe this backpack has turned out to be original and well-designed for its intended purposes.

So, if we combine all the ideas implemented in this backpack with its approximate price, I would say that we have a potential new star on our hands. It is excellently balanced in terms of weight, comfort, and durability. This is not just a successful backpack model; it represents the evolution of Fram's improvements over a decade of developing backpacks for mountaineering and trekking.

Pros:

• Weight of 1.1 kg for a 50-liter capacity;
• Well-executed elastic pockets on the straps and belt;
• High-quality hardware;
• A zipper that allows the backpack to be fully opened;
• Well-thought-out and ergonomic design;
• Comfortable and soft back panel and belt.

Cons:

• Rain cover will need to be purchased separately.

Conclusion: Fram Tempo 50 is a strong contender for the best trekking backpack in the Ukrainian market. It's suitable for those who meticulously consider every gram of equipment, as well as for those who seek a convenient and well-designed backpack. And of course, special thanks to Fram for not halting their development, even during times of war, and for creating models that can proudly represent our country on the international market.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.