Backpacks

Ditto on Osprey.

I have the Atmos 65L for normal hiking trips, and it has enough space for all my stuff (I'm 1.97m tall so my gear is generally a bit bigger and bulkier than the average) and then I also carry some of my wife's gear and food as well. I bought the Osprey Volt 75L a few years back when my kids were younger as I had to carry some of their gear as well, also a nice pack but I've only used it on two or three hikes so it sits on the shelf most of the time.

The kangaroo pouch on these packs have really been a game-changer for me. I can stuff loads of stuff in here, but I mainly use it to access clothes that I might need in a hurry, such as my outer shell, light fleece, poncho and pack cover. The Atmos also has two zipped pockets next to this pouch where I store my gloves, arm warmers/protectors, beany and buffs. Nifty little storage spaces that really enables me to compartmentalise my pack to such an extent that I can easily find stuff in the dark without using a light. The mesh at the back has also been a life saver. I tend to sweat a lot when it is hot and humid, so having a pack with PROPER ventilation on my back has made a big difference in comfort. I was initially a bit concerned that it could be too drafty in winter, but I can in all honesty say that it has never been an issue. It also has large hipbelt pockets - I can store a days snacks in here. I only have to delve into my ack for lunch, and then again at dinner time, which works well for me as my wife is a real slave driver when it coes to rest stops. 10min max and she's off again, so I don't have time to unpack my pack to find food.

I guess it's a bit like hiking boots - you have to find the one that works for your feet. The Osprey Atmos 65L ticks most of the boxes for me. Really the only thing I would like to be different is the weight, which, at around 2.2kg for a size L is on the heavy side. Other than that, I am completely happy with this pack.

I am aware of the different size packs. But does the waist belts also come in different sizes? Or do you get a standard waist belt with a medium or a large pack? For example is it possible to get an Osprey in a large size with a medium waist belt?

Thanks for sharing your experience with Osprey packs. It is definitely very nice packs!, which I am strongly considering. When you say you use the Atmos 65L for normal hikes, is it a 3-4 day hike or more of a 5-6 day hike? And would the accommodation be in huts or in a tent that has to be carried with?

wrote:

I am aware of the different size packs. But does the waist belts also come in different sizes? Or do you get a standard waist belt with a medium or a large pack? For example is it possible to get an Osprey in a large size with a medium waist belt?

 

It probably depends on the model, but yes you can mix and match pack and waistbelt sizes - my Aether AG allows for this. How this would work when buying from a shop I'm not sure, but would imagine an Osprey dealer could organise this (I suspect it may take time to order a different waistbelt in this country perhaps).

The waistbelt can be adjusted. It contains velcro straps which enables you to move the belt inwards or outwards to quite a large degree, so need for a medium or large type - it's literally a one size that fits most people as you adjust it to your waist size.

My hikes are typically 3 - 4 day events. The only thing that would change is the amount of food I take. I typically take a tent in summer, but prefer a bivvy bag in winter. I prefer caves over tents - more space and more cosy for me. at 1.97m tall I find most tents a bit cramped - even my Hilleberg Nallo at 2.2m is too short - my toes touch the bottom and then the bag gets wet from condensation. No such issues in a cave

Good afternoon. Does anyone know of an alternative for a backpack when hiking in the Drakensberg?
I injured my back and I am not allowed to carry weight on my back?

Consider hiring someone from Mnweni centre to carry your pack.

wrote:

I am aware of the different size packs. But does the waist belts also come in different sizes? Or do you get a standard waist belt with a medium or a large pack? For example is it possible to get an Osprey in a large size with a medium waist belt?


 

It probably depends on the model, but yes you can mix and match pack and waistbelt sizes - my Aether AG allows for this. How this would work when buying from a shop I'm not sure, but would imagine an Osprey dealer could organise this (I suspect it may take time to order a different waistbelt in this country perhaps).

I also have Osprey AG 60, it is really comfortable. You can adjust these things as much as you want, and you really can find the “perfect” fit. I regularly load mine with about 60 lb of gear (like camera, drones, and compact binoculars ), and it handles the weight really well.
 

Some feedback on the 2023 First Ascent Jupiter II 75l. Mine is till quite new, but here are my impressions so far:

Overall: 
I like the bag a lot, and will easily recommend it. The price:value ratio is excellent, and materials and build quality are excellent.

Features:
1. Hood: Large and spacious. Zips on the floor of the top lid, as well as underneath it. The hood is adjustable enough, but also a bit floppy... You have to pack the bag right for it to fit symmetrically.
2. Main compartment: lots of space, and very accessible from top, bottom and front. The front opening flap does not zip down all the way, just about 50% of the height of the top bag, which is somewhat annoying.
3. Bottom compartment: I was concerned about its space since the opening seemed small, but it's actually large enough to fit my tent and air mattress, which is great. The divider between the main compartment and the bottom compartment does not have a zip, only 4 hoop and peg anchors. This means that you cannot separate the compartments fully, say for wet or dirty stuff in one area. This is an annoying oversight imo as it often happens that some items get wet or messy, and I want to store them separately.
4. Side compartments: This is my biggest complaint with the backpack's design. The bottom two pockets where waterbottles typically might go are not stretchable, and have a very tight opening. Result: When my bag is fully packed, It is quite hard to get anything in or out of the bottom side pockets. They are also not positioned to enable easy reach of a waterbottle stored there. 
The two large side pockets that zip open are big enough, and expand ok - again depending heavily on how full your bag is packed.
5. Stretch mesh pocket front of the bag: Nice stretch and size. Seems l like a good choice of material that should last. Time will tell 
6. Harness / yoke: Adjusts easily, and fits comfortably. As a vitally important functional element of the overall pack, I am very impressed.
7. Hip belt: nicely padded, and adjustable on the fly. It is very comfortable, and one of the best features given the two snack/phone zips which are well positioned and easily accessible while walking.
8. Shoulder straps: Great cushioning, love the little stretch zip on one for GPS, phone or small snacks. Very comfortable even with heavier loads exceeding 20kg.
9. Rain cover: Works as advertised.
10. Straps in general: A little hard to adjust: it is as if the nylon straps don't glide as easily through the buckles on the thinner straps. Might get better over time with regular use. The hip belt works like a dream though. 
11. Hydration: I like that it has internal hydration as well as in one side pocket. Again: usefulness depends on how fully packed your bag is.

Hope this is useful to someone!  Happy hiking