Backpacks

Hi PapaD,

Thanks for the review. Its a great price for a great bag!
I assume your next upgrade will be a mattress?

GerritHuman wrote: Hi PapaD,
I assume your next upgrade will be a mattress?

Gerrit!!

I have an inflatable in the pack, always carry the foamy though.. All-weather blanket, foamy, then inflatable, but still battle with hips..

Still a few k's/nights left in that foamy though!! 3 new ones in the gear cupboard!!!

Cheers
Papa D

Hi. Does anyone have experience with the Naturehike products? I'm looking for a very light pack and their 60l Ultralight looks interesting at 1.16lg including rain cover:
www.naturehike.co.za/collections/packs-bags/products/60l-ultralight-hiking-backpack
Thanks!

What's your take on the backpacks on takealot for an overnight hike ?

www.takealot.com/skywalker-camping-bag-60-liter-backpack/PLID72692227/

Do you think it will be able to strap on a yoga mat ?

Rather look for an old 'backpacker' brand one on FB marketplace or gumtree. You'll get a robust, low tech bag designed with berg hiking in mind.

It will have straps for a mat on the back that should fit a foam mattress or yoga mat, though these bags were designed before yoga mats were considered the most essential piece of hiking equipment after an iphone loaded with Instagram & tiktok. That's a cynical joke about certain niches in contemporary hiking culture rather than a snide remark directed your way.

In addition to the above comments, the linked Takealot bag doesn’t appear to have a hip belt so this bag will make the shoulders feel very tired very quickly.

I generally try have more than 50% of the backpack weight resting on my hips with the hip belt and this stops my shoulders from getting tired and sore.

Invest in a proper bag, it will last many many years and the initial cost will be long forgotten

Hi everyone!I thought I can ask some advice on this thread instead of creating a new one.I am looking to replace my old Deuter 65 + 10 (75L) which weighs ± 3kg empty. I want something lighter (less than 2kg) but still need a pack that has capacity for a 5 to 6 day hike (space for a tent, matrass, stove, food etc.). In the 65 - 70L range (I don’t want to go bigger than 70L). The brands that I am considering must be available in South Africa, so far it is Osprey, Deuter and Gregory. At this stage I am leaning towards the Osprey Aether Pro 70. I want a lighter pack but it should still be comfortable and be able to carry the weight for a 5 to 6 day hike. So my questions are:

• Which of these brands mentioned above do you you prefer?
• Which model of the three brands mentioned would you recommend?
• Does anybody have experience with the Aether Pro model?
• Any other advice, recommendations or thoughts you would like to share.

Thanks

I have a Osprey Aether AG 85 for heavy trips (climbing gear, etc.) and a basic Karrimor 65 for everything else, my partner has a Osprey Sirrus 50. The Osprey packs are fantastic in terms of features, quality, durability and comfort - especially when carrying heavier loads. Be aware that not all Osprey packs come with a raincover. It can be a bit of a hassle in this country (probably depending on where you live), but take the time get the right size pack and waist-belt for your back and waist.