Review: Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack

A sustainably crafted backpack that introduces innovative design elements aimed at enhancing comfort and performance.

At 35 litres, this Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise Backpack sits in that upper end of daypack size. You could stretch it for a single overnight outing, but I feel it mostly works for day hikes because it lacks external bottom compression/storage straps. I like the tapered shape, which is wider at the top and narrows at the bottom, helping with weight distribution. The 3D-printed back panels are a clever touch and show Jack Wolfskin’s focus on sustainability, which is nice to see. That said, I have to be honest that I don’t find it especially comfortable, and at £350, it’s definitely at the very top end of the daypack market. Impressive on paper, but not the pack I’d hoped it would be.

Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack: The stats

Features of the Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack

Back system and shoulder straps

Hip belt

A padded waist belt with ventilation core holes forms part of the pack harness, helping to distribute weight while keeping the belt breathable and lightweight. It also features small mesh pockets; while they can hold essentials, I couldn’t fit my iPhone comfortably.

Roll top closure system

There’s a roll top in the main compartment and the outer section uses a drawstring with toggle with a clip at the top of the back panel to secure. I like the woven loops on both the drawstring and the toggle. They let you tighten or loosen the opening quickly even with gloves on – a handy touch for colder conditions. The pack also features a built-in RECCO reflector at the top, adding a useful safety element for mountain use.

Side pockets

The side pockets are a good size for water bottles and feel secure. Made from stretchy mesh, they can be tightened further with the compression straps, keeping whatever you carry firmly in place.

Compression straps and gear loops

On each side of the pack runs a vertical daisy-chain system that anchors both compression straps and gear loops. The compression straps benefit most from this setup, staying secure while still being adjustable to different load shapes. The top gear loops, however, are slim velcro tabs looped on the daisy chain. While this makes them flexible in positioning, it also means they’re fiddly to secure and easy to drop. By contrast, the lower gear loops are permanently stitched into the webbing, providing a much more robust and reliable attachment point.

Zippered pockets

The pack features a zippered lid pocket positioned near the closure system, which opens down the side rather than across the top. This design makes it quicker to access but also increases the chance of items slipping out if you’re not careful. Two hip belt pockets provide space for essentials, though their limited capacity means they’re really only suited to smaller items.

Hydration compatible

There’s a dedicated internal compartment for a hydration bladder, with the tube routed over the right shoulder only, rather than offering central or dual-side options. There’s no clip or attachment inside to secure the bladder, so it simply sits in the compartment.

Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack review

Fit and comfort

The shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded and comfortable from the start, and the chest strap helps keep the load stable. The issue comes with the back panels: the 3D-printed design provides ventilation, but the stiffness creates pressure points, and the pack sits a little further from your back than I’m used to. I hoped that carrying heavier loads might soften the panels or make them feel more natural, but that didn’t happen. Over time, it never felt like the pack became part of me. A pack I love feels almost invisible on my back, moving with me rather than sitting on me, but this one never reached that point.

Practical details and usability

There are definitely pros and cons when it comes to the usability of this pack. On the positive side, the compression straps are well designed and flexible, making it easy to adjust the load, and the side pockets are roomy and secure, which is really handy on the move. On the other hand, the hydration system feels underdeveloped. The bladder compartment doesn’t have a clip to hold the bladder in place, so it can slump if the pack isn’t full, and the tube only comes out over the right shoulder, which limits flexibility. The small zippered pockets, including the top pocket and hip pockets, aren’t quite big enough to be truly useful. Additionally, the pack’s all-black design makes it harder to locate external features or specific kit inside the pack in low light. I would never normally purchase a black pack, I prefer bright colours or contrast highlights to improve accessibility and visibility when out in the mountains.

Waterproof design

Described by Jack Wolfskin as waterproof, this aspect of the 3D PreLight Rise 35 really comes down to an inner roll-top bag attached to the main compartment with four points of Velcro. This means there are effectively two closures to secure your inner gear: first you roll the inner bag and secure with a clip, then pull the drawstring on the outer pack and secure with another clip. The setup does offer some versatility, letting you keep part of your load in the dry bag and part outside, but in practice it can be a bit difficult to quickly locate items since both the inner and outer bags are the same dark colour. For a pack at this price point, I had expected a more integrated waterproof solution. You can easily buy a dry bag and insert it in any pack of your choosing, potentially at a much lower cost.

What I love the most about the Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack

The shoulder straps and hip belt are comfortable and adjustable, and the side pockets are spacious and secure. I also appreciate the drawstring and toggle closure with woven loops, which is handy in winter or with gloves on. On top of that, the pack feels well built. I use it a lot and carry heavy loads, and it still seems robust and durable.

What I don’t love so much about the Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise 35 Backpack

For me, the pack leans heavily on the appeal of its 3D-printed back and waterproof inner bag, but in practice, those features don’t make it noticeably more comfortable or practical. Comfort is key for any pack, and the stiff back panels do create some pressure points, so it doesn’t fully settle on my back. I have a slim, tall build, which may explain some of the fit issues, but I also let a couple of friends try it and none of us found it particularly comfortable. The Velcro-attached waterproof liner feels less flexible than using a separate dry bag, which I often prefer for colour-coding or organising kit. The hydration system and small zippered pockets work, but there’s definitely room for improvement.

Verdict

The 3D Prelight Rise 35 has some interesting ideas, and there are aspects I like, but overall it doesn’t quite deliver on the fundamentals for me. At £350, it’s at the very top end of the backpack market. I would expect a pack at this price to nail comfort, storage, and usability. While it has thoughtful touches like the compression straps, side pockets, and build quality, it just isn’t a pack I reach for first in my kit.

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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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