Gear

I am going on an expedition to the drakensberg mountain range with world challenge (for a month) i need a rucksack that has a capacity of around 65L and need recommendations

thanks

go to the biggest outdoor shop you can find with the widest selection and try them all on...buy the comfyist with the features you think you need

watch the wait though!! a pack that weighs 2.5-3kg empty is just gonna drag you down... and just cos it says ultralight in the name doesnt make it ultralight or even light!!!
make sure its only got features you will use...if you aint carrying a rope you dont need a rope carrying system the same goes for ski attatchments ice axe loops etc.

Macpac's are worth looking out for tough but if you pick carefully eg. the ascent classic, not too heavy.

hope this helps
andrew

Edward. I'll follow Mali's advice, don't rush. Take your time and buy the size you need (no more) at a weight you can carry and if you intend to use it again and again - get the best you can afford.

thanks guys, your ideas have been a great help, hopefully going to the shops this weekend to have a look at rucksacks

cheers

I'd also suggest asking to try it under weights (eg ropes). If the seller asks "why?", maybe make an excuse and leave the store.

A 'sack that is correctly sized to the length of your back helps.

I had a good fitting in a (the) shop in Braemar, loading up kit from drysacks and the like, and wearing my outdoors kit. It helped that I'd just come off 2 nights on the hills, so had everything with me :)

I look at gear reviews to give me an idea of what to go for. I'm in the 50L range, so can't help with good 65L packs, though.

I did World Challenge a bit more than a decade ago... I guess this means that you are about 17 and getting into the outdoor life? I wish you a fantastic time!

I made the mistake of falling for 'high-tech' ideas and bought an excellent pack with an awful back system that failed me badly (poor choice of materials). Shortly after, I learned my lesson and bought a MacPac Glissade. It is a superb pack and is going strong after 11 years of abuse.

So... consider whether you are likely to continue your outdoor adventures, and if so, do what you can to invest in a quality product that will last. Here are a couple of hints from my experience...

1) The more 'features' there are on a pack, the more there is to go wrong. If you don't need them, they are extra weight. Think carefully.

2) In general, a pack rated to 70 or 80 litres will be more comfortable carrying 65 than a pack rated to 65 litres (but you'll pay a little in extra weight). You might later be glad that you have some extra space - for bringing back the diamonds you discovered, for example.

3) Get a pack to suit your back - ask the store people to load the pack up to the weight you expect to carry and see how it feels. Get advice in adjusting the back system if it is adjustable.

3) Zips can and do fail. Try to imagine how the pack could function if any zips were stuck open (or closed). I would avoid anything that looks like it would be rendered useless by a failed zip.

4) I like (some of ) the packs made by these brands (alphabetical) but most are pricey so do your research :
Arcterxy
Berghaus
Gregory Packs
Haglofs
Jack Wolfskin
Karrimor
Lowe Alpine
Macpac
Millet
Mountain Hardwear:
Mountain Equipment
POD

Email me if you want any comments about my World Challenge experience…

John

Hi Edward...
did you find anything this weekend?

John

I'd also recommend the Osprey range of packs. I use the Aether 70 and find it very comfortable and not overly expensive (£130).

Good point well made, Ben... never tried them myself but heard good things...

hi thanks your advice was all really helpful, i went to the shops this weekend and got a lot of help from the staff in Tiso. Eventually i ended up getting the Osprey Aether 70 as it was the most comfortable and hopefully it will help me when im trekking through the Drakensbergs. Thanks for your help. Also thank you John for your offer of information about your experience of world challenge. No doubt i'll end up getting in contact with you about it at some point.

thanks again guys

Good choice...
I look forward to hearing from you about World Challenge,

(I was on their first trip to Nepal in 1995)

John