Equipment |
Backpack |
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Equipment backpack
Important thing is to check what the maximum load is recommended for a given model. Once I was buying the biggest available backpacks, up to 100 liters. Now, I prefer the smaller and lighter backpacks. I just need to be careful to not overload it, because it might be uncomfortable to carry. The picture shows my backpack loaded with 25 kg of stuff, when it wasn't designed for such weight. The hip belt was not able to support the weight.
Backpacks are usually made of Cordura, which means very good durability and resistance to abrasion and tears, but a relatively heavy weight. Simplifying the complicated controversy, Cordura in another word is reinforced nylon with high density (500 or 1000D). One of my backpack weighs 3kg, which is a massacre!
Now when I hiking, if I don’t do rock climbing or passing through a dense bush, I’m taking a backpack with an internal aluminum frame - Mariposa 60 (price €230) from US company Gossamer Gear. Capacity 60 liters (36 inside and 24 in outside pockets), very light - 865 grams! Made of 100-200D nylon, much stronger than my 2013 70 Denier model. Backpack doesn’t look beautiful, it isn’t waterproof, nor has any zips. According to the manufacturer the maximum load is 16 kg. Definetely worth checking are ZPacks, however I'm not big fan of air ventilation as I prefer carrying my weight next to my back.
However, if you are planning a backpacking trip in Africa or Asia, where your stuff will be thrown on the roof or to the boot, then stick with a traditional backpack with external frame. I read some good reviews about the following companies such as: German Deuter, British Karrimor, American Osprey, or Swiss Mammut.
Zipped backpacks are less waterproof than that with the cord. Zips are heavy, water comes through them and they like to break. My backpack is with a cord, but the fabric is so thin that water will eventually get through it. To protect the stuff inside the backpack from the water, there are two ways. The first one is to put over the whole bag the rain cover. However, I decided for second option - keep my stuff inside in dry sacks, as I keep items packed in bags anyway. They are called Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks and are made by Australian company specializing in lightweight accessories Sea to Summit. The varieties are in sizes from 1 up to 35 liters (weight adequately from 13 to 46 grams, price €11 - €28). Note, ultraweight series are lighter than lightweight series.
The essential travel attribute is a small backpack. When we are arriving to the hostel, throwing the luggage in the dormitory, we washing up and go explore the city. We won’t carry our big backpack, that is why we need the little one. We carry in it the most valuable and useful things, like camera, book guide, phrase book, torch, GPS, rain jacket, etc. It is important to have a zipper with two handles. For example, when travelling overnight I use a padlock to secure the small daypack, joining both of these handles. A thief won’t get access easily. For hiking purposes where will be relatively few visits to the civilization, I decided to carry a lightweight Ultra-Sil Day Pack (€27) from Sea to Summit, just 72 g, capacity 20 liters.