NEMO Persist 30L All-Adventure Review

We spent countless days wearing the Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure across multiple seasons and sports to ensure our field testing was exhaustive. We also conducted multiple objective tests to analyze water resistance and the weight-to-volume ratio.

Performance comparison

Comfort

The Persist 30L offers some great attributes when it comes to comfort, with generous padding and effective wicking from the back to the hips. We did have a few qualms about the shoulder straps, all of which were related to carrying heavy loads, and these ultimately caused a reduction in the overall score for this metric.

The recycled CCubed cushioning of the Persist 30L performs just like Nemo advertised, with decent wicking across the back, shoulders, and waist, even in warmer months. With light to moderate loads, the padding was also plush and inviting for long days. The most substantial setback proved to be the firm sides of the shoulder straps that sit outside the cushioning. These dug into some testers' ribs when the bag was loaded with more than about 25 pounds. However, this wasn't an issue if we kept the sternum strap looser. The shoulder straps were also comfy for those with wider frames. This was a very comfortable backpack for our whole testing team when the loads weren't too heavy, and when the bag was fully loaded, broader chests or a looser sternum strap kept our ribs and shoulders happy.

Versatility

The Persist 30L has a plethora of features, making it a great bag for a wide variety of applications. With generous dimensions that make for easy packing, it also allows one to bring a diverse gear list depending on the day.

Offerings like the retractable water bottle holder in the hip belt and bungee-secured side pockets made hydration access a breeze, regardless of the activity. The generous hip and shoulder pockets performed admirably for outdoors missions where fast snack access was key. These same features became very handy for travel, and the side straps were incredibly effective for carrying skis. Ultimately, this is a do-it-all backpack, keeping in mind that for the heavier loads, you'll need to mind how tight the sternum strap is due to the aforementioned comfort issues.

Ease of Use

The Persist 30L is among the best-scoring options in our whole lineup in this metric. While it is generally intuitive to use, what stood out were its feature offerings. Although some shoppers may want simplicity, others may want something with all the bells and whistles for a “one-bag-for-all” purchase.

As we've mentioned previously, many features are included in this bag, leading to the label “the Cadillac of daypacks” among our testers. There are ample zippered pockets on the shoulders and hip belt for snacks on the go, but they're also big enough to accept a cell phone or anything else you might want to access without taking the pack off. The U-shaped top opening makes it incredibly easy to load the bag with a variety of gear, and the dimensions are wide. The quick-access divider in the main pocket was a tester favorite, allowing us to snag layers quickly without rummaging through the whole bag. The adjustable bungees on each side were great for carrying equipment on the outside, even including skis.

The hip belt buckle proved very durable, though it wasn't quite as user-friendly as a more classic buckle design. If you're looking for a daypack that delivers a long list of extra features, this should be on your list to check out.

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Weight-to-Volume Ratio

An important metric to consider for any daypack is not just how big it is, but how big it is relative to its weight. This wasn't the strongest metric for the Persist 30L.

With a total weight of 50.2 ounces, the Persist isn't the lightest option. When considering it only offers 31 liters of capacity, its score drops even more, delivering a weight-to-volume ratio of 1.62 ounces. However, it's important to note that the Persist is made with the most robust nylon we have seen in the lineup yet, and that durability inevitably comes at a cost: weight. Fortunately, given the generously wide dimensions and several exterior attachment points, we could easily fill this bag to its capacity and even extend beyond.

Construction Quality

This is the metric in which the Persist 30L really shines, thanks to Nemo's use of high-denier nylon. We also found quality stitching and durable attachment points that proved reliably useful throughout field testing, confirming this daypack as a leader in durability.

The Persist 30L utilizes a 300 denier ripstop nylon in the upper, with a staggering 900 denier ripstop nylon in the lower. This is substantially more robust than the 70-200 denier nylon used in most daypacks we've laid our hands on, and our drag/field tests showed only minimal wear and tear on the bag as a result. When things got stormy, the CERO water-resistance fabrics kept the pack's contents dry, though a pack cover would definitely be advised in more intense rainstorms. The attachment systems, from the bungee side straps to the ice axe/trekking pole loops, were also trustworthy.

Should You Buy the Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure?

If durability is a priority, the Persist 30L really belongs on your list for consideration. Secondly, if you're shopping for a daypack with useful features, this might be the right pack for you. While the comfort of the bag with heavier loads left something to be desired, keeping the sternum strap set to a looser fit completely alleviated this complaint.

What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?