Looking for a 65L hiking backpack

[ange]

A little late to the post, but another vote for OP, in my case the Strezlecki 65L. I love it being only 5'3, the harnessing system was the deciding factor. Being canvas its a little heavier, but its neat and trim, can access from the bottom. The comfort for me is very nice as a compromise for the extra 1kg or so compared to a lighter weight pack.

Edit:
I fibbed, I have the Styx II, not the Strezleci.

Last edited by ange on Sun 11 Sep, 2016 3:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[kneighbour]

I finally went for an Aarn pack.

[sa_cooke]

Thank you Kneighbour -- this is a really interesting topic. I've been walking in the Tasmanian bush for over 30 years. I started out not knowing anything about gear, so price was a deciding factor for me. I soon learned what I needed to look for before the "next" walk! These days the information available is huge. And I'm talking about access to experience, as much as comparison of features, etc. The information really does help those starting out. It's great to hear that you're out there enjoying the walking.

There has been a lot of great advice for you on this topic. One thing not mentioned so far is the confidence factor. In Tassie the weather is an issue, and certainly a factor to be considered when looking around for a pack. When I select a pack it needs to perform in the circumstances I'm likely to be in. Not only that, I need to know that the pack will perform in those environments. This is what I mean when I say I buy for confidence. I purchase a pack, I go for a walk, and I don't need to have any concerns about the pack. My confidence in the pack means it's one less concern I need have. This leaves space for me to be concerned about, and thus focus on, other things. It's pretty hard to focus on, say, navigation if I'm also worrying about the scrub trying to tear my pack up, or whether my sleeping bag will remain dry with the drenching I'm getting. I know the packs I use will keep my stuff dry, and survive prolonged scrub bashing.

So, yes, One Planet packs are expensive. They are also Australian made. They use robust materials, like reinforced canvas with extra layers of Cordura in areas that get lots of abrasion. They have harnesses designed to move with my body, and to transfer weight from my shoulders to my much more forgiving hips. And these features tend to be weighty. These are things that are not obvious in a shop, and this is where fora like these pages provide us with so much great information

Yeah, so great to see you here in these pages Kneighbour! And even better that you're out there and enjoying it!

I have a number of packs. One Planet McMillan, New Zealand-made Macpac Cascade, WE Contour... The list really does go on. I would like a OP Mungo though (something a bit smaller than a week-long pack, but more than a daypack) -- anyone had any experience with one please?

[kneighbour]

Yeah, so great to see you here in these pages Kneighbour! And even better that you're out there and enjoying it!

This is something I puzzle over a lot. When I am out there I rarely enjoy it. I also go road cycling every weekend, and have done for 10 years, without a break. I also do not enjoy cycling that much either. I am too overweight and unfit (and too old) to enjoy either activity much. I do it to keep fit - that is the primary motivation. Then to lose weight (which never works), and then to get away from civilization (the bush walking bit).

I am so overweight walking is a bit of a task for me. Bad back, sore joints, arthritis, etc. I guess I am fairly fit for my age (64), but it is still hard work and most walks are not that much fun. But when the walk is over, you feel good and want to get back out again. I think the adrenaline is a potent drug, or is addictive or something. It is hard to explain.

One thing I like is buying the gear. There is so much to learn and you can buy so much it is staggering. I did the same thing with cycling, and was known for having a different gadget or two on each ride. I went back to basics many years ago, but I am still in the 'buy anything that looks useful' stage of bushwalking. I thought cycling was a very expensive hobby, but apart from the bike, bushwalking leaves it for dead. One problem with bushwalking is that you seem to have to buy the same thing many times over, and that is something I am struggling with at the moment. And my wife is not as understanding about having to buy yet another backpack - or tent. Especially as each purchase is $500 or so.

I am currently thinking of getting a summer tent. I have a good one for winter, but it does not have much in the way of vents suitable for the Australian summer. I am looking at getting an MSR Hubba Hubba NX or something similar (will start another thread on that) but they are so expensive I need to sit back and think about it a lot. I really should have thought about this before I bought my first tent, but this goes for virtually everything I have bought.

[sa_cooke]

I actually do know what you mean when you say you don't enjoy it when you're out there but you do realise you have enjoyed it when you get back. I still have some concerns when I go into new and unknown (to me) area -- which I'm planning on doing again in October. Don't get me wrong -- I DO enjoy it. But there are times when trepidation sets in. These are times I am glad I have gear I am confident in.

Tents -- don't scrimp here. They are all that is between you and the elements. I doubt it snows all that much in Brisbane, but it gets cold and wet, and those are not nice together. Again, you need to consider what your requirements are when checking out tents. 4 season? 3 season? Summer-only? Two people comfortably? Solo walker? Weight is important. Generally, the lighter the tent - [edit] for a given purpose, the more you pay.