Backpacks

So my K-Way Venture 70 may be going into retirement

I have sent it in for repairs (second time I have done this, last time it was the stitching on some of the zips). The clip on the hip buckle has broken and the fabric on the hip belt has been worn through in 2 places. I will see what happens with repairs, but I don't think they can do much aside from just replacing the clip. I am concerned that something structural may fail soon seeing as these problems haven't been too serious.

I bought this backpack for R900 (well, actually also 10% off due to some sale at the time) in November 2010. It has done 1336km in the Berg - actually literally only missing my first 7 trips to the Berg (6 of which were day hikes and not to the top, and 2 were before I turned 10) and 249km of day hikes that have used my 40L pack. The pack has done a full GT, has been on 30 different passes and has functioned as a backrest on countless occasions. RIP Venture 70 (unless they manage to fix it or replace it)...

Anyway - anyone got views/experience with the Black Diamond Element 60L Pack ? Might be pushing it a bit to do a GT with a 60 litre pack, but I think I can make a plan.

No experience with the BD 60L but if I were you I wouldn't worry about only having 60L at your disposal.
I was coping fine with my Osprey Kestrel 48L when we did our GT (attempt) in Sept. Granted I packed light (only 13,5kg for a 6 day GT which included half a 3 man tent) but if you shop smart and pack smarter then a 60L shouldn't be a problem at all.

(GT attempt as it was aborted 130km into the GT due to injuries - knee strain)

I haven't tried a 60L before, but I did an overnight cave hike with a 40L once. I have decided to give the BD pivot belt packs a miss after doing some research on problems people have experienced with it. I'll wait to see what happens with my Venture 70 and then see if I should get a new pack.

Grandeur wrote: (GT attempt as it was aborted 130km into the GT due to injuries - knee strain)

Looking forward to a writeup

I am retiring my Backpacker Badger (20 years old) and looking for a replacement. I try to get away once a month and my hikes are usually 3-4 nights, a 60 litre pack for a small person is what I am comfortable with. Currently looking at the Capestorm, Kway and 360 my budget is R1400.00 Any feedback will be welcome.

Hi Dave,

I am very new and just recently acquired the Osprey Kestrel 68 l.

After a 3 day hike I am very impressed and happy with my purchase. Osprey's Lifetime Warranty is also a great incentive to purchase the product.

There might be a second hand one still available very close to your budget.

www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/42-notice-board/55648-used-gear-for-sale.html?start=10#63265

vanhimself beat me to it. Osprey might break the budget a bit, but the quality, comfort and unbelievable warranty (they fix or replace for free even if the bag is 30 years old) can't be beaten.
I have found the most useful feature of my Osprey(s) over any other bag I've owned is the hydration system; the bladder sits between your back and the main bag, which means you don't have to open your bag and unpack half your stuff to refill water. I had previously used hydration systems, but tended towards using water bottles instead. This has now changed and I only use a hydration system because it's just so quick and easy to use.

There seem to be two backpack threads in the Gear section, have a look through this Backpacks thread for lots more tips, suggestions and comments.

I also have the Osprey Kestrel 68. Its a quality bag, and its a lite bag. I got in special from iWarehouse for 1600 a few months ago. Look around for deals. The price in the link from vanhimself is cheap, as its selling for 2200 now at iWarehouse again. In other stores I think it 1899 or something.

I have had 10 backpacks in this life. Plus some daypacks I use only occasionally.

Black Diamond and Osprey are the best by far in my experience. I think there are great alternatives available but not in SA so I won't go into that.

My 2 favourites for Berg hiking are the BD Mission 50 and Osprey Variant 52. They are both very light (1.6kg) and extremely comfortable. The BD is slightly softer but the Osprey is better balanced with a lower center of gravity.

Overall I favor the Variant because it has great features and swallows gear like a 70 litre!

My best advice is to get the best pack you can. It will be with you far longer than any boots and preserve your back for many hikes.