The NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia
If you spend a lot of time on the trails, then you know the difference good gear can make. After hiking boots or shoes, your hiking backpack is arguably your most important piece of gear. It holds your water, food, layers, and anything else you might need for a day on the trail. Although a cheap backpack will get the job done on short hikes, hiking backpacks have technical features that allow them to be lightweight, breathable, and supportive, making for a better hiking experience.
I recently tested 16 daypacks for our full hiking daypack guide. After thoroughly trail-testing each backpack, there was one clear winner: the NEMO Resolve 35 L Endless Promise. Read on to learn about my experience with the Resolve and why it sits at the top of our list.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Best Hiking Backpacks to see if another option suits you better.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sustainably made | Top security pocket is difficult to access |
| Incredibly durable | Only two color options |
| Adjustable water bottle holders | Back panel isn’t class-leader for breathability |
| Supportive back panel |
First Impressions of the NEMO Resolve
Gear Capacity: 35 L
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 9 inches
Hip-Belt: Yes
Gender: Women’s, Men’s
Additional Sizes: 15, 25
In terms of color selection, the options for the NEMO Resolve are limited. For women, there’s a yellow and a purple option, neither of which jumped out at me online. I opted for the yellow and in person it looks like a muted highlighter yellow. If given more choices I would have selected something else, but it’s fun and I had no doubt it would be easy to spot on the trail (which is a good thing in my book).
During my initial at-home try-on, I was impressed with the design of the NEMO Resolve. The back panel is extremely cushioned and supportive, and it seemed nice and breathable. The backpack has two external water bottle holders, a large central compartment, and an assortment of smaller pockets and attachment points. On paper and in person the NEMO Resolve seemed like everything I could want in a hiking backpack, but there was only one real way to find out: It was time to hit the trail.
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Smiles for miles when wearing the Nemo Resolve. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
Notable Features of the NEMO Resolve
Like a lot of things from NEMO, the Nemo Resolve is made as sustainably as possible. Designed to remain in use for as long as possible, the Resolve was created to be incredibly durable and repairable. When the Resolve does reach the end of its life, NEMO has created it to be fully recyclable to ensure it never reaches a landfill.
The Resolve sports NEMO’s signature CERO fabric, which is woven from solution-dyed fibers, has a tear strength up to three times higher than the industry standard, and is also up to 20 times more water-resistant than other packs on the market. The backpack is also made from recycled PET. Although I can’t speak to those specific stats, I can vouch that the Resolve is insanely durable and reliably waterproof.
The Resolve is fully adjustable. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
I live on Oahu in Hawaii where it is hot and humid, and rain showers are a frequent encounter on hikes. The cushioning on the back of the pack is strategically placed so that it’s simultaneously supportive and breathable. The cushioning is made from recycled materials and is 97% air, which helps it to wick away sweat and keep you dry.
I’m not in the know about the science behind the cushioning, but I will say that my back felt significantly drier and cooler than it typically does while hiking with a backpack. The cushioning is also on the back panel as well as the shoulder straps and waistband, which is super nice.
The back panel is 97% air, making it incredibly breathable. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
The Resolve is designed to be a one size fits all pack and as such, it’s fully adjustable. I’d recommend spending some time at home getting it fitted before hitting the trail — I didn’t and had much more success on my second go with the pack once I had it properly fitted. The padded waist strap paired with the sternum strap allows for a comfortable, secure fit, even when your daypack is fully loaded.
It’s nearly impossible to go on a hike in Hawaii without getting sprinkled on. While I’ve always had a rain cover for my backpacking backpacks, I’ve never had a waterproof day pack. And let me just tell you, it’s nice. When the Resolve is fully zipped up, your gear stays completely dry, which is a game changer for when the temperatures drop and your fleece is still cozy, warm, and dry.
The adjustable water bottle pockets are a game changer. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
Another perk of the Resolve is that it has two external water bottle holders. I really appreciate when a pack has water bottle holders but to make matters even better, the water bottle pockets are adjustable, so you can accommodate both slim and large bottles. The pack also has a zippered security pocket on top and multiple attachment points for clipping gear to the outside of the backpack.
The Resolve comes in multiple size options: 15 L, 25 L, and 35 L. I tested the 35 L pack and found it to be plenty spacious for a long day hike. The Resolve also comes in both men’s and women’s styles, which helps for a more secure and tailored fit.
The zippered security pocket is hidden but a tad difficult to access while on the move. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
Drawbacks of the NEMO Resolve
There’s not a lot to complain about when it comes to the Resolve, but there are a few small details that I hope NEMO improves upon in the future. As I mentioned in my first impression of the backpack, it only comes in two color options. It’s not a huge deal and most of my hiking backpacks end up tinted brown thanks to the rich Hawaiian mud, but it would be nice to have a few more options. Also, while I didn’t experience overheating, some testers have noted that the back panel lacks breathability in truly hot temperatures.
Another small issue I have with the pack is the zippered security pocket. It’s hidden, which I guess is nice if you’re stowing your wallet or valuables in it, but it’s a bit difficult to access while on the move. I typically use my top zippered pocket for quick grab items like my cell phone and chapstick, so I prefer it to be incredibly easy to access, but that may just be me. The pack does have small pockets on the straps that you could use instead to stash small essentials.
Sustainable, breathable, and durable, the NEMO Resolve is a winner. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The NEMO Resolve is an incredible hiking backpack. Not only is it sustainably made and fully recyclable at the end of its life, but it’s comfortable, durable, and breathable as well. Available in three different sizes in both men’s and women’s sizes, the Resolve is fully adjustable, so it’s easy to find the perfect size and fit regardless of your body shape and size.
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Editor’s Note: Check out the rest of our picks for Best Hiking Backpacks. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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