Backpacks

I have seriously considered going the inflatable mattress route before, but there is 1 major reason I never went ahead with it - an extra 600g on my pack (I can't see how a high density foam matress could weigh more than 200g).

Just checked the CUM website, I see they have a First Ascent mat that is 352g. However, this mat is only 119cm long and therefore not much use for non-children...

What I also found interesting is that K-Way's standard self inflating mat is 600g but their Fast n' Lite one is 730g (although the latter it is bigger).

Why not weigh the foam mattress. I suppose it is comfort verses weight...sad, but you can't have your cake and eat it Always thought that this was a stupid expression, whats the point of having the cake in the first place

Affordable, Lightweight, Strong/durable - only two of the three is available at once.

I see some members mention the Backpacker backpacks - when they still existed, they carried a lifetime guarantee that was hounoured. It weighs a ton and last a century. Compare the material of the CUM bags with the old Karrimor and Backpacker bags - you'll notice the difference. don't go trailbreaking through dense bushes with the CUM bags - they rip from sharp branches and thorns.

Incidently, Backpacker is defunct and Karrimor is now a different company from the one we grew up with. Some chinese company bought the name.

For bigger packs consider what you want to use it for - hiking, those side pockets sticking out is nice. climbing through cracks and gorges those side pockets get stuck everywhere.

Water resistant is a marketing phrase. It means if you spill your cup things will not be too wet. Zips leak.

I've have Lowe Alpine, Berghaus, Mammut and Bckpacker bags. they all last very well and have been seriously abused. the Lowe Alpine 65 + 15 litre is the lightest of the big bags but also shows the wear and tear the fastest. Also the one I use the most.

But in the end there is a big consideration facter: Personal preference. Like cars, a german luxuary car is nice but the Datsun 1400 also gets you from A to B.

Some good advise, thanks! Not sure one can get a Datsun around anymore

I still have the old backpacker packs - but switched to the Deuter and very happy, a bit heavy, more hardwearing than the CUM range, but a lot more comfy and a lot cooler than the backpackers ever were. Ony one else using them?

I was looking at the Deuter ACT lite 65+10 backpack...www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=120&artnr=43770

I see it is about 1kg lighter than the Deuter Air Contact 65+10 that CUM sells. Great reviews and great pack. CUM doesn't include it in their range (they only go up to the 40l ACT Lite, why they only stock half the Deuter range beats me!)

Anyway, I asked them if they could order me one, they came back saying that I would need to pay 50% upfront, it would take up to 3 months and there would be no returns. I can buy one from REI online store and get it cheaper within 2 weeks. (And as limiting as it is, they do offer a return option).

As the countries supposed leading outdoor chain, who are the distributor and retailer of Deuter packs, I'm shocked that one has such limited choice options...and walk into most shops they only have "some" of the range instore.

Anyway...just my late afternoon rant ha ha...

Hi anthony, I know its a bit late to respond. I had the exact same problem as you, I wanted the 65+10 ACT Lite (for the weight benefit) but couldn't find it in SA. CUM were useless in helping me.
I got in touch with Deuter in Europe, and they mentioned that that model is not in the European range, but rather part of the US range. CUM import the EU range it seems.

Anyway, I got lucky in that a good mate was coming over from Chicago, and he agreed to bring the pack for me. I bought it on Amazon (along with a rain cover) and got it shipped to him, without hassle.

I've done one 2-night, hutted trail with it so far, and I'm very very happy at the moment. Busy planning some more trips this year with it. Its low-frils, has no bells and whistles, but its very comfortable and of course the weight saving is massive.

BTW this is my 4th Deuter pack (laptop bag, travel backpack, small hydration pack and now this one) and I won't buy another brand at this stage. Unfortunately my smaller 40l pack is a Vaude, and its not as comfortable.