Hiking backpack

J

jacodebeer

Expert Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2011
Messages
2,863
Hi guys,

I'm looking into buying a hiking backpack, something of atleast 60litres.
I'm 2.05m tall, so I have quite a long back.
Budget R2000.
I'm looking for exeptional quality.
Deuter and Karrimor are my options.
What do you guys suggest?:confused:
 
TehStranger

TehStranger

Executive Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
6,088
I have a K-way Advance 85 and K-way Venture 60 and am pleasantly surprised at the high level of quality (especially since I got them at half price on stock clearance).

I had a Deuter before (it was stolen) and the Kway's really do hold their own in terms of quality compared to it.

That being said my money would go towards a Black Diamond Mercury 75 if you can stretch the budget ever so slightly. (Ignore the "Women's only" in the description, they have the wrong description in for that pack, read the correct specs here)

Otherwise check out the gear reviews on Backpacker and see what suites your budget and requirements.
 
Cius

Cius

Executive Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
8,348
With your tall frame getting the right fit will be very important. My preference is Karrimor or Vaude with Karrimor being the best reliable while still being bang for buck manufacturer out there. With whatever you pick get to a store with a professional who has actually hiked and let them help you fit it. Personally I would get a 75-80l pack for that money and just use straps to make it smaller when needed. It would suck to spend that much on a 60l bag and then decide to do a 5 day wilderness area hike where you need some extra space and not have it.

For fitting the pack it should sit close to your back and the hip belt should be comfortable as it should carry all the weight. Shoulder straps are not meant to carry weight, they are meant to keep the pack vertical against your back.
 
OMB

OMB

Mountain Man
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
39,590
I have 2 K-way backpacks, one framed and one just a day pack (can't remember the sizes and can't check because they're down in the Drakensberg), I'm very happy with both. I buy a lot of my gear from Cape Union Mart and I've ever had a problem with any of it.

Keep an eye out for their 80th birthday sale starting tomorrow, I hear they're going to have some good specials (not sure on what exactly).

Some specials are up on their website already but no backpacks
 
F

froot

Honorary Master
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
11,347
I +1 the Karrimor. I've got a 60 + 20 and it fits me fine, but would also fit a 2m guy just fine. Been using it for a few years now and it's rock solid. It costs in the region of R1500-1600.
 
zaidmo

zaidmo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
407
I've hiked the Otter Trail twice with my Karrimor 65+10l. I'm 1.67m tall, got it for about R1300 at Outdoor Warehouse.
I like the bag. Has a holder for hiking poles, easy to adjust the back portion, and generally comfortable (with lots of pockets)
 
TehStranger

TehStranger

Executive Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
6,088
jboyx989 said:
I am 2,00m tall and use this same backpack. Overall I'm pretty happy with it and it fits me quite comfortably.
Click to expand...

What do they feed you people? :confused: :p

I'm 1.83m and find the Advance 85 very comfortable, though I'm not sure if you can still get them locally, heard that they've been discontinued?
 
J

jboyx989

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
513
OP this might not be a factor for you, but I found using a backpack without a full zip down the front was a real pain. Always found it annoying to have to unpack half the pack to get something out from the middle...
 
M

mooks

Senior Member
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
897
Am I the only one who keeps reading this thread heading as Hijacking Pack?
 
W

Wide

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2013
Messages
197
Don't attempt to buy a backpack online. It would be best to try out many bags before you find the right one. Given your tall physique Karrimor may be better suited to you. Good brands include Deuter, Moutain Hardwear (try Parktown stores), Karrimor, Black Diamond, First Ascent (Excellent value), North Face and the store brands are also not too bad - K Way, 360 etc.

I found this website usefull when buying my bag- some technical aspects on fitting a bag:
http://www.ottertrail101.blogspot.com/p/equipment_15.html
 
Electric

Electric

Honorary Master
Joined
Jul 22, 2013
Messages
14,228
k-way transit 75 has served me really well.
I've used it on the Otter Trail as well as to travel abroad.
Very comfy and supports the weight well.
 
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