Backpacks

BD Element 60L is 1.5kg for a proper large capacity bag and will whip the others for comfort too... you pay big though

Exos 48L from Osprey is 1.2kg also.. seen it in action and looks comfy if packed carefully

ASL wrote: BD Element 60L is 1.5kg for a proper large capacity bag and will whip the others for comfort too... you pay big though

Exos 48L from Osprey is 1.2kg also.. seen it in action and looks comfy if packed carefully

Does the BD Element have height adjustable shoulder straps? The websites I have seen don't mention it. Also doesn't seem to have a rain cover.
I have heard it is a fine bag though - need to get to Drifters to check it out.

I would dearly love to save some $$ and get this sleeping bag though due to weight (but that is a topic for another forum thread)
www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/hightail.html
www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/hightail-3s.html

I have an Osprey Kestrel 68 which I bought from Bush n Bundu (Pietermaritzburg) in March for R1100 and have used for a 3-day hike on the escarpment. It has adjustable shoulder strap height and Caesar of BnB spent time on setting it up to suit me and it was awesome (on the hike). It is really well made, is quite basic but does have some nifty features (eg snack pockets on waist belt) Main drawback is lack of side opening to main compartment (top load only).

I will add weight and pics when I get home again tomorrow.

Edit: Ok, Osprey say this pack weighs 1730g, my size M/L weighs 1905g (including built-in rain cover).
I have 2 pics:




(let me know if you want more specific pics)

It's this pack:
kestrel series
kestrel user manual

The 68 litre does not appear on the Osprey website anymore, but it has the same features as the smaller Kestrel packs.
The colour is Talus Grey but is more brown than grey/black.

Grandeur wrote: Just some feedback on the Cape Storm 60L + 5L backpack:

Cons:
Shoulder strap height isn't adjustable
No rain cover
No front entrance to main compartment]
No sleeping bag compartment
Hip belt has little padding
(I would hazard a guess and say it's a "small" 60L pack - doesn't look as big as some other packs of a similar size)

Pity about this cons, I was looking forward to having a look at one.

andrew r wrote: I have an Osprey Kestrel 68 which I bought from Bush n Bundu (Pietermaritzburg) in March for R1100 and have used for a 3-day hike on the escarpment. It has adjustable shoulder strap height and Caesar of BnB spent time on setting it up to suit me and it was awesome. It is really well made, is quite basic but does have some nifty features (eg snack pockets on waist belt) Main drawback is lack of side opening to main compartment (top load only).

I will add weight and pics when I get home again tomorrow.

Sounds like a great price! Looking forward to pics

Grandeur wrote: I did purchase this backpack but sadly it doesn't quite suit me size wise. .

Grandeur, where did you find the pack? I went to my local Sportsman's Warehouse and they haven't received stock yet.

joshilewis wrote:

Grandeur wrote: I did purchase this backpack but sadly it doesn't quite suit me size wise. .

Grandeur, where did you find the pack? I went to my local Sportsman's Warehouse and they haven't received stock yet.

I got it at Outdoor Warehouse in Strubensvalley - behind the Makro.
I also saw it at Drifters in Sandton yesterday.

Hi
Apologies for the late response but only seeing this now.
The Capestorm packs are simple in design with immediate practical needs taken care of.
Adjustment is limited but quality is good and it is super lightweight.
Played with it lots prior to launch and at the price you will pay it is good value for money.
Just be sure to fit it in store prior to purchase as the frame may be smaller than similar size packs.

Thanks KB. Would you recommend it? Only reason I'd buy it is to drop 500g or so compared to my Deuter (lightweight) pack.

Hey Josh
Long time...
If I was in the market for an affordable lightweight pack I would certainly consider it yes.
But this is definitely one you want to carefully examine in store as well as fit prior to purchase.
Don't purchase online, go to the shop and touch it as it won't work for everyone.
While I used the prototype I really enjoyed it and found it durable enough for most pursuits.
At the price they charge it is certainly good value for money.

Thanks. Long time indeed
I wouldn't buy online, will definitely go have a look at it. Thanks for your comments