someguyinoz Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Hi all, What pack did you all take? I'm going to pack light and will hopefully get everything in a decent size pack, with a small pack as hand luggage with my netbook and stuff in it. Go a camping shop and have a look? Any useful features, recommended makes, offers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Mine went all over with me for years. It wasn't anything fancy, just hardwearing, biggish and comfy to cart round for extended periods. TBH try them on and see what feels comfortable. I always liked the ones with 2 sections (one large and one not so big on the bottom) and a few side pockets and so on. Its amazing how much you can get in one. And how heavy they can be once packed :swoon: If you are planning on sleeping in YH check the bedding situation and see if you need to pack a sheet etc to use or if they are provided. Bed bugs are something to bear in mind also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
someguyinoz Posted January 16, 2013 Author Share Posted January 16, 2013 Yeah I don't want like some state of the art Vango thing with allsorts of features because I think it would just cry out steal me! Plus they're like 3 figures! Nice heads up on the bedsheet, hadn't thought about that. I've got a really ultra light sleeping bag I might take as it's like the size of 2 pairs of socks when in its bag! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebourvellec Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Get one that has a side zip rather than putting all stuff in top, I felt it was easier to get to your stuff if you are only staying a night or 2. Most hostels wont let you use your sleeping bag. I had a small one but only used a handful of times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Go to a "proper" bush walking shop and don't stint but choose one that feels good (you may be wearing it for long periods) - good waist belt, adjustable back, etc. keep it neat though, you don't want bits hanging off all over the place. My current one has a zip around cover for straps so that you don't have straps getting caught in airport machinery - tiny bit of extra weight but I think it's good and would get it again. I wouldn't get a hybrid pack/trolley though, I'm a purist and dislike carrying weight I don't have to. Mine has a detachable day pack which can be useful but I don't much like it as a long term day bag as it doesn't have any separate pockets - it'd be perfect if it did! You'll probably find 45 - 50 litres to be big enough for light packing but if you are a bloke you might go bigger as you'll be able to carry more. My 45 litres usually weighs in at around 16-18kg without the strap on pack (20-22 kg with it). Once you start carrying things like sleeping bags, waterproofs, etc it does tend to gobble space so you might want to go bigger. I've got a Kathmandu but I don't know that I would specifically recommend them - its not bad though but I had to have it repaired after its first trip - it's fine now though. My son swears by packing cells and having seen him having to haul out shoes at Sydney quarantine I can see the appeal. I think he may have got his from the US though. Have fun choosing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelP Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 I've always used Macpac - not sure if you can get them in the UK. A bit pricier but they're tough and last forever. I have a Cascade and it has lasted many treks and train/bus trips in Asia. Mont are also very good - and they do more lightweight packs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
someguyinoz Posted January 16, 2013 Author Share Posted January 16, 2013 What you mean don't stint, skimp? Ie not get a cheapo one? Cells? Like different compartments? I like the sound of that! Also the strap cover. Nice work people! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Kenning Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Strongly recommend Macpac. I still have mine from 2001 and use it occassionally. It was worth the intial outlay of two hundred pounds back then. The amount of people I met who had bought cheap ones, then wondered why they had to replace them two months into their trip was astounding. It is also worth getting one with a zip-off day pack as already suggested. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 What you mean don't stint, skimp? Ie not get a cheapo one? Cells? Like different compartments? I like the sound of that! Also the strap cover. Nice work people! Yes sorry, don't get a cheap one! Cells are like little zipper bags that keep a brick like shape - go into a proper bush walking store and you will find them. I think the ones my son has are Kifaru (but he's a kit snob - check out Kifaru but then see what you can get locally)http://edcforums.com/threads/kifaru-ultralight-possibles-pouch-pics-words-heavy-on-pics.99659/. I am planning on getting some in the future but I think they are only available on line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERYSTORMY Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I am not a backpacker. But I work bush all over the world. I recommend Berghaus. Particularly the crusader. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
someguyinoz Posted January 17, 2013 Author Share Posted January 17, 2013 Thanks people! Yes Berghaus seem to keep appearing repeatedly. I like their gear. Looks like I'll have to fork out 3 figures though but long term investment I guess! But I work bush all over the world. - International playboy hey stormy? ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
someguyinoz Posted January 17, 2013 Author Share Posted January 17, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuWtgBVmPvk I think we have a winner! Got loads of Vango camping stuff. My initial idea of not having a posh one so it's not as nickable has gone out of the window but that's only 75-80 quid. Saves me taking me little pack too. Something tells me this guy has reviewed one too many backpacks and could snap at any moment ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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