The army of the Netherlands in the 1990s had a 25L daypack and you could clip on an additional bag on your chest for the sleeping bag. This kinda remind me of that. I also have seen people rebuilding US ALICE(and other NATO countries 90s webbing) gear into similar setups. It can be weird to have so much stuff on your chest, especially if it's close to your face. Personally I have found it not better than a backpack with a belt if you are the kind of outdoor enthusiast that likes to get into all kind of bushes. After many experimentations with backpacks I ended up with a 60L ultralight backpack from Granite Gear. The reason for me is that I replaced most of my gear with ultralight option either because I want to carry more useful stuff with me that raise my comfort level in the wilderness or I pack only minimalist gear, because I want to collect stuff(herbs, wood pieces, tree sap etc.) from the forest and I need the volume to carry it. I have been thinking about just getting a back frame with straps and strap a 80L heavy duty construction bag onto it.
I just wanted to say a big thank you! I've been looking at stuff recently - backpacks, shoes, raincoats etc - and none of them were "just right". I'm VERY particular about stuff - I know what I want and need, but can't find the exact thing. You've solved 3/3 of those in the last 24 hours, since I found you. I don't know if it's because we're similar in the sense that I also value freedom of movement, lightweight-ness, sensory stuff etc (might be my ADHD, not sure if that's the case with you also) but basically I just wanted to say thank you! Yes it'll be expensive but at least I know what I want - there's always sales or 2nd hand, at least I'll know it's "just right". All the best to you, and I might see you on a trail somewhere in Ireland :)
I wish I were in the market for a new pack, looks very comfy. For your larger pack I would recommend trying to adjust the waist strap so it hits at or just below your belly button and the sides are on top of your iliac crest (upper ridge of your hips). I spent years wearing my packs too low and they felt terrible, now they feel like they belong.
Whilst starting to watch this video I was reading the description you’ve put “Aldi 40”. I came this close 🤏 to running over to the Aldi near me to scour the middle aisle for this! 😂 Love these style of packs. Used the Ultimate direction fastpack 40 for ages but hated the design for the hip belt. Got so used to having this style of chest mounted backpacks when hiking that I’m struggling to move back to more conventional style of backpacks.
Hey man, im new to the channel and have been a long time camper. I want to say that these videos are incredible, it’s scratching an itch for unseriousness and fun that todays most popular camping youtubers just cant scratch. Good on ya.
very similar to ZPacks Super Nero Ultra 50L Backpack with vest straps. I'm becoming a fan of running vest suspension systems and slowly converting all my packs.
Nice! Interesting pack. As a bigger guy (600lbs+) I like a pack that doesn’t have a waist strap. When I trail run, the waist strap just feels uncomfortable
Nailed your superhero landing more gracefully than I would have:) Your orange fluffy coat looks comfy. Thanks for sharing the pros and cons about the backpack.
Great roundup, though my abused lower vertebrae disintegrated in sympathy as you landed your jump. Interesting pack. Might be a summer option for next year.
Great insights-thanks for sharing! Despite being a trail runner, I hadn’t really considered this style of pack for hiking or camping before. For thru-hiking, I usually use an Osprey Levity 45, which weighs 860g-not exactly ultralight in the weight-weeny world. But after watching this video, I’ve been looking into Salomon rucksacks since I’m a fan of their running vests. Have you had any experience with the XA 35? It's 35 litres and only 600g, so it looks like a solid option.
Wait I actually love this pack! I’m a fair weather hiker and mainly go out for overnight or 2 night trips, so just need something minimal. Oooo I’m very tempted to add this to my collection in addition to my main hiking pack.
60litre version I don’t think would work with this kind of system. I think this is the limit. Won’t do me in winter though, but for summer it’s been great
Intriguing. Been looking at Atom packs, based in Keswick, which are actually more expensive and now I have another option. What are the trousers you’re wearing in the video, please?
Nice review. One thing - both you and the manufacturer talk about the roll-top which will give you an extra 12 liters or so. But I would have liked to see how the pack works with both the lid on and the roll-top filled to the brim. As it is now it looks more like a gimmick than a real usefull side of the pack.
Good point! It does work, I used it to store my sleeping bag and a jacket for a week on west highland way. I don’t think you get the full 12litres though but the time you’ve rolled it. Prob closer to 10.
Do you not find the extra top bit flops about, not being connected to the bottom part of the bag? What you reckon to opening it up to one large compartment?
@ it doesn’t as long as the main compartment is completely full and you tighten down the side straps. I’ve had a summer down sleeping bag and a small jacket in the rolltop with no real issues.
Cannot believe you didn't mention the jetpack feature that you were showing in the thumbnail! But seriously, really interesting pack and a great review.
Good to see someone else is latching onto Sierra designs* style stretchy strap bottle holders, I wouldn't buy a pack without them now! * - I appreciate they never invented them, yes ;-)
Hopefully this style backpack become more popular. 15 l of the running backpacks might be too small for 3rd and 4th season. This will fit warm clothes inside, which I’d use it for.
Wow, just checked the actual price for the backpack! €290 - €310, that's just insane, sorry! Especially because I've some doubt how the material will do over a longer time of use. It would be quite interesting to get another review after, maybe, one year.
Yeah it’s really expensive. But was the only bag I could find with the features that I needed. I’ve used it for about the equivalent of two solid weeks so far and no damage so far.
@@StephenJReid I totally understand you! I've just decided to import some outdoor clothes from the UK to Germany, but I know that these clothes (Buffalo Teclite Shirt & Harrier Explore Waterproof Jacket) are absolutely worth the money, regarding their functionality, build quality and the service provided by the company. Since your backpack already showed some missing quality control, I've some concerns that this might not the case for your backpack.
Off topic: what's the name/purpose of the metal thing on stone next to you? I've hiked in the UK and I've seen them, but I don't know their name or purpose
It’s a Trig point. Was used by mapping companies to measure heights and I think also distances. They had a device that would sit on the top to take measurements
Love this bag, I noticed it when you were doing the highland way and was hoping you’d do a vid on it! 🤓 I was recently looking for a new rucksack ticking all this one’s boxes and would be perfect if not for one issue, I’m 5’1 so the first requirement is a short or woman’s back fit😔 this severely limits the options of hybrid packs on the market as it’s still very male dominated on the equipment front and there’s not tons to choose from to start with. I love lots of front storage otherwise I’m taking it off every few hundred meters to get camera things out. Also wanted lots of exterior storage options as I tend to overpack warm layers in the winter that I’m constantly taking off and putting back on when I stop with the camera for a while. Ended up getting the newish osprey tempest velocity which is also a trail running inspired pack. Haven’t worn it for more than a couple of hours at a time yet but so far pretty comfortable, no sore spots and distributes weight nicely. There’s a slightly odd fit around my lower lumbar area in that the packs back bends and sits flat there but I’m hoping this is more to do with the way it was stored (hog tied) in the warehouse and will change with more use. Not a huge fan of the look but that’s fine, I can live with the millennial grey and beige option, would it kill them to do a nice orange or green though! 😁
@@StephenJReid I find it odd how slowly company’s catch on to what sells on that front, I’ve seen so many times whenever something comes out in a rusty red or nice green in women’s, immediately out of stock over and over at every restock but next season they start off with navy/black/purple etc I nearly always want but can’t have the men’s stuff anyway!
Well, a little bit to expensive for me but it seems to be an interessting bag for the comfort at least, thank you! But are the hazlnuts for, I'm just asking...
@@Sally4th_ I got the osprey tempest velocity recently, ticks many of the same boxes and comes in two back sizes for women. Was one of the only ones that fits someone 5’1 haha Not a huge fan of the looks but has been very comfy and has 6 pockets accessible just from the front and almost everything is adjustable. Got it for £100 on sale and is about £110-£150 most places so not cheep but not £250!
That jump had me cringing! Did a similar one following my 1 year old lab off some rocks onto an old road base. Over 1 year later my ankle reminds me I am no longer 20.
One of the main problems I notice is that the pack is long, located at your hips or lower. You've lost your basic pace speed. What the blazes is he talking about? If you grab the shoulder straps and lift the backpack above your hips then pull the straps below your pectorals so the backpack remains higher then your hips and take a brief walk, you will notice that you're moving faster then when the backpack sat at your hips.
The forest was cut down as it’s a commercial plantation and was due for harvesting. Haven’t heard any plans for additional turbines up there. Most likely will be replanted
But why call it "ultralight"? I'm not an ultralight backpacker but I wouldn't call this ultralight gear and not even the manufacturer emphasis the weight. Considering it has no hip straps or back support system, it's just normal weight for a backpack this size. Not saying it isn't good.
Hee Stephen, Normally I like your videos very much, but what annoys me in this one: You do not mention the name of the backpack you are reviewing.... Not one time. Grrrrr. But further, great review. Enjoy your hazelnuts mate.
@@StephenJReid I have a 40l pack that weighs about the same but cost me less than a 1/3 of the price*, with a running vest system and hip belt . *Approximately because of exchange rates and taxes.
I bought this pack because I really liked the features. However it went straight back for a refund. The main zip was pretty flimsy and in fact arrived bust. It was easy to reset but they are never as reliable once they go. Packed it with my kit, which was easy to organise. However after putting the pack on I went to cinch the yoke straps up and one came off. It didn’t even look as though it had been sewn in properly as there were no needle holes. At that point I concluded that the quality was poor and certainly not worth the very high price tag. The top roll section is great for separate stowage of waterproofs however flops a bit if the main pack isn’t full. Also that section is completely sealed from the main section so you can’t get in it from the top, which is a shame. So, in sum, great features, crap quality, not worth the eye-wateringly high price tag.
Lol, these videos you do are the reason I subscribed and watch, you do your own thing and focus on what you like and enjoy, not what the heard does. Kudos mate.
Finally!! An ultra light backpack with decent capacity for carrying hazelnuts
@@boatsuk no joke I would be stuffing nuts, pebbles and interesting feathers and stuff in it 😅
Priorities
Impressive superhero landing
My knees disagree
@@StephenJReid I was looking and thinking, that would 100 percent do my back in. Brave man
Love it. Instant access to your tent slippers! lol
All that matters
The army of the Netherlands in the 1990s had a 25L daypack and you could clip on an additional bag on your chest for the sleeping bag. This kinda remind me of that. I also have seen people rebuilding US ALICE(and other NATO countries 90s webbing) gear into similar setups. It can be weird to have so much stuff on your chest, especially if it's close to your face. Personally I have found it not better than a backpack with a belt if you are the kind of outdoor enthusiast that likes to get into all kind of bushes. After many experimentations with backpacks I ended up with a 60L ultralight backpack from Granite Gear. The reason for me is that I replaced most of my gear with ultralight option either because I want to carry more useful stuff with me that raise my comfort level in the wilderness or I pack only minimalist gear, because I want to collect stuff(herbs, wood pieces, tree sap etc.) from the forest and I need the volume to carry it. I have been thinking about just getting a back frame with straps and strap a 80L heavy duty construction bag onto it.
I just wanted to say a big thank you! I've been looking at stuff recently - backpacks, shoes, raincoats etc - and none of them were "just right". I'm VERY particular about stuff - I know what I want and need, but can't find the exact thing. You've solved 3/3 of those in the last 24 hours, since I found you. I don't know if it's because we're similar in the sense that I also value freedom of movement, lightweight-ness, sensory stuff etc (might be my ADHD, not sure if that's the case with you also) but basically I just wanted to say thank you! Yes it'll be expensive but at least I know what I want - there's always sales or 2nd hand, at least I'll know it's "just right". All the best to you, and I might see you on a trail somewhere in Ireland :)
I just got montane trailblazer 25 and love the front storage on straps way forward I'm getting the 44l next
Nice pack! I'm looking for a new backpacking pack, but always need to carry a bear can... might be tricky.
Can’t the bear carry its own can? 🤪
I wish I were in the market for a new pack, looks very comfy.
For your larger pack I would recommend trying to adjust the waist strap so it hits at or just below your belly button and the sides are on top of your iliac crest (upper ridge of your hips). I spent years wearing my packs too low and they felt terrible, now they feel like they belong.
Whilst starting to watch this video I was reading the description you’ve put “Aldi 40”. I came this close 🤏 to running over to the Aldi near me to scour the middle aisle for this! 😂
Love these style of packs. Used the Ultimate direction fastpack 40 for ages but hated the design for the hip belt. Got so used to having this style of chest mounted backpacks when hiking that I’m struggling to move back to more conventional style of backpacks.
😂😂
I looked at Ultimate direction packs when trying to decide and they just didn’t have the same features. Nice packs but not what I needed
Hey man, im new to the channel and have been a long time camper. I want to say that these videos are incredible, it’s scratching an itch for unseriousness and fun that todays most popular camping youtubers just cant scratch. Good on ya.
When I saw your thumbnail I thought you were reviewing a Jetpack, that's what it looked like!
To infinity and beyond!
very similar to ZPacks Super Nero Ultra 50L Backpack with vest straps. I'm becoming a fan of running vest suspension systems and slowly converting all my packs.
Didn’t see that one. Does it have easy zip access to kit?
Alternative title. MY CHUTE DIDNT OPEN!!! I ALMOST DIED!!!
😂😂 might get more views
I like the random product reviews. Not just what everyone has heard of.
I’m trying to mostly do reviews of slightly less mainstream products or at least products that I’ve used a lot.
Nice! Interesting pack. As a bigger guy (600lbs+) I like a pack that doesn’t have a waist strap. When I trail run, the waist strap just feels uncomfortable
Nailed your superhero landing more gracefully than I would have:) Your orange fluffy coat looks comfy. Thanks for sharing the pros and cons about the backpack.
Great roundup, though my abused lower vertebrae disintegrated in sympathy as you landed your jump. Interesting pack. Might be a summer option for next year.
more hazelnuts than the ice age squirel
Great insights-thanks for sharing! Despite being a trail runner, I hadn’t really considered this style of pack for hiking or camping before. For thru-hiking, I usually use an Osprey Levity 45, which weighs 860g-not exactly ultralight in the weight-weeny world. But after watching this video, I’ve been looking into Salomon rucksacks since I’m a fan of their running vests. Have you had any experience with the XA 35? It's 35 litres and only 600g, so it looks like a solid option.
Wait I actually love this pack! I’m a fair weather hiker and mainly go out for overnight or 2 night trips, so just need something minimal. Oooo I’m very tempted to add this to my collection in addition to my main hiking pack.
Ugh it only comes in one size…highly doubt it will fit a female. Always the way with outdoor brands
It’s got quite an adjustable fit as you can change the position and height of the front straps. But yeah you make a good point!
Great "stump" speech!
Nice video like the bag but I'm a big lad so wouldn't be able to fit my stuff in a 60l version would be nice
60litre version I don’t think would work with this kind of system. I think this is the limit. Won’t do me in winter though, but for summer it’s been great
Intriguing. Been looking at Atom packs, based in Keswick, which are actually more expensive and now I have another option. What are the trousers you’re wearing in the video, please?
Revolution race but not sure what exact ones
Nice review. One thing - both you and the manufacturer talk about the roll-top which will give you an extra 12 liters or so. But I would have liked to see how the pack works with both the lid on and the roll-top filled to the brim. As it is now it looks more like a gimmick than a real usefull side of the pack.
Good point! It does work, I used it to store my sleeping bag and a jacket for a week on west highland way. I don’t think you get the full 12litres though but the time you’ve rolled it. Prob closer to 10.
Do you not find the extra top bit flops about, not being connected to the bottom part of the bag? What you reckon to opening it up to one large compartment?
@ it doesn’t as long as the main compartment is completely full and you tighten down the side straps. I’ve had a summer down sleeping bag and a small jacket in the rolltop with no real issues.
Stephen is a squirrel, confirmed. Gotta keep those hazelnuts handy.
Cannot believe you didn't mention the jetpack feature that you were showing in the thumbnail!
But seriously, really interesting pack and a great review.
😂😂 I should add some rockets onto the thumbnail
Good to see someone else is latching onto Sierra designs* style stretchy strap bottle holders, I wouldn't buy a pack without them now! * - I appreciate they never invented them, yes ;-)
Class one Stephen
Hopefully this style backpack become more popular.
15 l of the running backpacks might be too small for 3rd and 4th season. This will fit warm clothes inside, which I’d use it for.
Wow, just checked the actual price for the backpack! €290 - €310, that's just insane, sorry! Especially because I've some doubt how the material will do over a longer time of use. It would be quite interesting to get another review after, maybe, one year.
Yeah it’s really expensive. But was the only bag I could find with the features that I needed. I’ve used it for about the equivalent of two solid weeks so far and no damage so far.
@@StephenJReid I totally understand you! I've just decided to import some outdoor clothes from the UK to Germany, but I know that these clothes (Buffalo Teclite Shirt & Harrier Explore Waterproof Jacket) are absolutely worth the money, regarding their functionality, build quality and the service provided by the company. Since your backpack already showed some missing quality control, I've some concerns that this might not the case for your backpack.
Yes would love a review after a year of good use!
Boosting for the algorithm 🙌 Love your work, keep it up! 🌻🐝
Off topic: what's the name/purpose of the metal thing on stone next to you? I've hiked in the UK and I've seen them, but I don't know their name or purpose
It’s a Trig point. Was used by mapping companies to measure heights and I think also distances. They had a device that would sit on the top to take measurements
Love this bag, I noticed it when you were doing the highland way and was hoping you’d do a vid on it! 🤓
I was recently looking for a new rucksack ticking all this one’s boxes and would be perfect if not for one issue, I’m 5’1 so the first requirement is a short or woman’s back fit😔 this severely limits the options of hybrid packs on the market as it’s still very male dominated on the equipment front and there’s not tons to choose from to start with.
I love lots of front storage otherwise I’m taking it off every few hundred meters to get camera things out.
Also wanted lots of exterior storage options as I tend to overpack warm layers in the winter that I’m constantly taking off and putting back on when I stop with the camera for a while.
Ended up getting the newish osprey tempest velocity which is also a trail running inspired pack.
Haven’t worn it for more than a couple of hours at a time yet but so far pretty comfortable, no sore spots and distributes weight nicely.
There’s a slightly odd fit around my lower lumbar area in that the packs back bends and sits flat there but I’m hoping this is more to do with the way it was stored (hog tied) in the warehouse and will change with more use.
Not a huge fan of the look but that’s fine, I can live with the millennial grey and beige option, would it kill them to do a nice orange or green though! 😁
Yeah I’d like a few more colour options. All this black and grey is boring
@@StephenJReid I find it odd how slowly company’s catch on to what sells on that front, I’ve seen so many times whenever something comes out in a rusty red or nice green in women’s, immediately out of stock over and over at every restock but next season they start off with navy/black/purple etc
I nearly always want but can’t have the men’s stuff anyway!
Well, a little bit to expensive for me but it seems to be an interessting bag for the comfort at least, thank you!
But are the hazlnuts for, I'm just asking...
There were hazelnuts in this video?
@@StephenJReid Yes. I'm quite sure!
For some reason I read that as "jetpack" hahaha
Probably because of "ultralight" making me think of ultralight aircraft.
Now that would be fun!
Lol, me too. I think seeing him jumping in the air made me think he had a jet pack 😂
That's a nice design. I can see it'd be easily adjustable for a female fit too. Bit rich for my blood but tempting
I's a nice backpack for men, I also cannot see how women would wear it.
Straps are adjustable in vertical position as well
@@Sally4th_ I got the osprey tempest velocity recently, ticks many of the same boxes and comes in two back sizes for women. Was one of the only ones that fits someone 5’1 haha
Not a huge fan of the looks but has been very comfy and has 6 pockets accessible just from the front and almost everything is adjustable.
Got it for £100 on sale and is about £110-£150 most places so not cheep but not £250!
Next video going to be “I made Nutella on the west highland way.”
Please review a cheap and awesome ultralight backpack, even if everyone's talking about it 🙏🏻
The thumbnail 😂😂 ah you crack me up 😂
If your chest is compressed wont this restrict your breathing? 😮
Review very well presented. Pack far too complex for me.
What trousers are tgose?
Revolution Race. Can’t remember exactly which ones
Would honestly be a perfect backpack if I didn't have lower back issues
That jump had me cringing!
Did a similar one following my 1 year old lab off some rocks onto an old road base. Over 1 year later my ankle reminds me I am no longer 20.
I’m um 25 so I think I’m ok 😜
One of the main problems I notice is that the pack is long, located at your hips or lower. You've lost your basic pace speed. What the blazes is he talking about? If you grab the shoulder straps and lift the backpack above your hips then pull the straps below your pectorals so the backpack remains higher then your hips and take a brief walk, you will notice that you're moving faster then when the backpack sat at your hips.
That really hurt my knees 😢
shame its not weatherproof - that would be a great OMM replacement pack
Weird & Expensive..keep it.
😂
I think I missed the name of this backpack.
Instinct Alpi 40
Interesting pack but just a little bit on the expensive side
Good thing they chopped down the forest to put in wind turbines to save us all!!!! At least the backpack makes sense.
The forest was cut down as it’s a commercial plantation and was due for harvesting. Haven’t heard any plans for additional turbines up there. Most likely will be replanted
👀👍
Slemish in the background?
Yup! Good eye
But why call it "ultralight"? I'm not an ultralight backpacker but I wouldn't call this ultralight gear and not even the manufacturer emphasis the weight. Considering it has no hip straps or back support system, it's just normal weight for a backpack this size.
Not saying it isn't good.
Because it gets used for ultralight backpacking.
Why so many hazel nuts?
It’s important to store up for winter!
Hee Stephen,
Normally I like your videos very much, but what annoys me in this one: You do not mention the name of the backpack you are reviewing....
Not one time. Grrrrr. But further, great review. Enjoy your hazelnuts mate.
@@lucasb4080 ha! Didnt even notice. It was in my notes, must have missed it somehow🙈
An interesting design but at that price and weight with such limited carry capacity doesn't make much sense.
It’s cheaper than some more popular ultralight packs. Not for everyone, but made a lot of sense for me personally.
@@StephenJReid I have a 40l pack that weighs about the same but cost me less than a 1/3 of the price*, with a running vest system and hip belt .
*Approximately because of exchange rates and taxes.
@@shawnr6117 what’s the brand and model?
@@StephenJReid sent the info but the message got deleted, will try again
MEC Serratus Pace UL 40. Got mine 40% off, $113 CAD, not on sale right now.
If its expensive thats probably why
Lots of more expensive packs get talked about a lot more
I bought this pack because I really liked the features. However it went straight back for a refund. The main zip was pretty flimsy and in fact arrived bust. It was easy to reset but they are never as reliable once they go. Packed it with my kit, which was easy to organise. However after putting the pack on I went to cinch the yoke straps up and one came off. It didn’t even look as though it had been sewn in properly as there were no needle holes. At that point I concluded that the quality was poor and certainly not worth the very high price tag. The top roll section is great for separate stowage of waterproofs however flops a bit if the main pack isn’t full. Also that section is completely sealed from the main section so you can’t get in it from the top, which is a shame. So, in sum, great features, crap quality, not worth the eye-wateringly high price tag.
oh yikes those are some serious quality control issues. How recently was that?
Too fiddly, in my humble opinion. Still an Osprey fanboy
Has anyone ever mentioned that you look a bit like Jamie Dornan? 🤔🤔🤔
Budget Dornan 😂
@@StephenJReid 😂😂👍🏻
Hii from Indonesian
Waist belts are annoying.
Great review but really? After all of that you’re not going to tell us what the hazelnuts are for!
What hazelnuts? There were no hazelnuts in this video 😜
Not expensive: extorcionate. Things are going mad!
Not much of a superhero landing 😂 need more training.
Super knee crunch
Not the video i wanted, i wanted to watch my 17th influencer trys cheap amazon or temu gear. Come on mate, you need to follow the trends.
🥱
I’ve turned down loads of paid requests from Temu
Lol, these videos you do are the reason I subscribed and watch, you do your own thing and focus on what you like and enjoy, not what the heard does. Kudos mate.
Perhaps be a little careful about the term 'weird'. It is, currently, reserved fot trump.
😂