Backpacks

Just a quick question - what is the plus part as in 40 plus 10? Is the bag 40L or 50L and where does the extra 10L come from? Maybe a stupid question but would like to know anyway

Maybe I'm ignorant of why it's called a plus 10, but I think of a 40+10 as a 50L bag...good question though

PeterHowells wrote: Just a quick question - what is the plus part as in 40 plus 10? Is the bag 40L or 50L and where does the extra 10L come from? Maybe a stupid question but would like to know anyway

I think the extra 10L comes from the lid flap not being fixed, but rather able to extend upwards to add extra volume.
Lid flap all the way down = 40L total capacity
Extended all the way up = 50L total capacity

The + x-number of litres can mean different things with different brands of backpack, I think (I have seen ones that have zip-off day packs that list the day pack capacity as + x-number of litres).

On my Deuter 50 + 10 litre backpack, I was told that the extra 10 litres was available if you filled the main compartment all the way (there is quite a lot of extra material that can "bulge" out of the top of the pack and be closed with a drawstring), and lengthened the straps of the floating lid accordingly. I have never come close to using this option, though.

I'm pretty sure the +10l on the Deuter packs refers to the floating lid.

LouisW, I'm sure you'll enjoy the pack. I have the 65+10 ACT Lite and I really enjoy it.

I haven't seen any ACT Lite packs at any CUM store

I haven't seen any ACT Lite packs at any CUM store

Yes, I used to get quite irritated with Cape Union Mart until I found out the following:

Cape Union Mart stores don't all stock the specialist gear listed on their website unfortunately (I think there are one or two bigger Cape Union Mart's in Jo'burg that stock everything on the website). Any Cape Union Mart should be able to order any product listed on their website for you to look at, though (just keep in mind that it will probably take a few weeks to arrive). I did this when buying my Thermarest Mattress from Cape Union Mart (you only have to pay if you decide to buy the product once it arrives in your store). Phoning the stores ahead of time can also save you an unnecessary trip

Question, do you remove your sleeping bag from it's compression sack and place it in the sleeping bag compartment of your backpack or do you keep it in it's compression sack?

I tested it on my wife's backpack which was delivered yesterday (Deuter 50 + 10SL) from CUM (also the wrong model) and we had quite some difficulty getting it in there. We had to remove the sleeping bag from the compression sack and then stuffed it into the bottom of the pack. (the sleeping bag is a Trail -5 Snr Cowl bag).

I now know what Ruth is talking about, it is so annoying when you order a product from a online store and it is not what you thought it was. CUM need to get their ducks in a row.

I remove mine from the stuff bag it comes in and put it in a compressible dry bag, eg the Sea to Summit eVent bags (the best I've found so far) or JGear dry bags. it packs smaller and stays dry. I pack it in the bottom compartment, usually with either my tent or clothes (which are also in compressible dry bags).

Ditto..

I use the same product and it protects the bag well and allows me to pack it smaller