I have two Naturehike tents, a Naturehike cot I'll use on car camping trips, and a Naturehike backpacking chair and have no complaints about any of them.
Agreed, 100% with manufacturers identifying the actual internal capacity of a pack vs. the internal + external pouches. Especially in winter, some users don't necessarily use mesh pouches as they fill with snow or they could sustain damage from shaper alpine / winter tools.
ULA is one of the worst offenders. The ULA Circuit is advertised as a 68L bag and the main body is 40L. ULA Dragonfly 30 has only 22L of internal capacity.
I bought Kakwa 55 in ultragrid version and took it to Everest 3 passes trek. My size was in between M and L and decided to buy L which was the right choice. Because it was really comfy no hotspot at all. I like the fact that when reasonably loaded I can carry it on international flight.
Interesting video. I have Fjälreven 65L bakcpack which is over 3kg without anything inside. However it's the comfiest back I've ever used and can take anything you throw at it. Not ultra light in any measure but worth a look if you want a quality product.
Great video! Nice to see reviews on packs that were actually used in the field. I love the Kakwa 40. I know it is a little small; however, I use it for through hiking and I like the lighter weight for the cost. I actually use the OV Shadowlight for my winter camping since it has more volume and can carry 35+ pounds of gear.
for hiking in the desert I go with LiteAF curve 46 full suspension, when long water carries are not an issue I go with Zpacks Super Nero with vest harness.
Great info thanks. I'm shopping a few of these right now! I have to say when you are considering the weight of a pack, the most important feature is how it fits your particular body. Number two it how well it carries a load. These two features can add weight. But the big factor is there is a difference between carrying two items that add 3 pounds of weight and a backpack that weighs 3 pounds more; when the weight is spread out across the entire pack and in a lot of cases on the part of the pack interfacing with your body (which is like a person being 3 pounds heavier = not a noticeable difference). It's almost impossible to test because of the variance in designs between companies. My point being don't get hung up on pack weight. Try and test hopefully with a retailer or company that has a great return reputation.
It's a very niche need, but I appreciate adjustable torso length backpacks because i have scoliosis and need to put one shoulder strap higher than the other. Thanks for going on this long mission of testing budget gear and telling us about it!
I'm a weekend warrior so l lean more toward the cheaper packs. I've been backpacking for 45 years so I've been through a lot of packs. Last year I started lightweight backpacking and have stepped into lighter and more expensive packs. Outstanding review and I agree with your choices.
One of the best packs I've owned is now my favorite, the atom packs mo, ultralight, high end materials, but the way it carries a heavy load and the accessibility to water pockets and snacks is amazing its my go too for any longer trip or heavy carry now, I definitely recommend checking that one out, it's also made in Scotland so can stand up to whether well
Mystery Ranch Bridger is the most comfortable pack I've ever used. It's my go-to for anything longer than a weekend trip. The front vest distributes weight very evenly and take a lot of stress off my shoulders. The hip belt is sort of segmented so my hips can move freely and never feel strained. I wouldn't mind seeing more light-weight packs mimic the technology.
@eric_hanson Yes, please more Granite Gear! I love my Granite Gear Crown 2, 38L. I have a lot of MYOG gear and a very minimal kit list, for a handful of weekend trips a year.
There is a company called Bonfus - they released the Aeros 55L UL Backpack with Osprey-like mesh backpanel. At ~800 grams and 350€ price I wouldn't buy a Zpacks tbh. I like Zpacks, but they put a 100% premium on their prices
Great video, I love that you are exoring more affordable and lighter equipment. Also I love the hair cut... I'd ask you to check out my cheap ultralight summer pack. It's the Aonijie 30 L for $75. I used it last summer for 44 miles across Migrant Wilderness and it surprisingly fits a BV 500 inside the pack. My summer base weight is under 8 lbs so you need your kit dialed in. I think you'll love the pack, basically a smaller lighter mountainsmith zerk 40.. 16.76 ounces.. I did cut the zipper pocket out, and I replaced the support foam with a sit pad.
I can fit my full Hammock set up with tarp which for me is so much more comfy than any ground based shelter, but I know hammocks divide the backpacking community more than ultralight gear does. @@eric_hanson
If you had to choose between the Kakwa 55 and the Shadowlight for all but the shortest/smallest trips (got a 40L for those), which would be your choice, and why? I’m leaning Kakwa, but the OV offers larger capacity and a lower price …
I really enjoyed the comprehensive backpacking reviews, and tryouts over this year. I think it was very thorough and has given people a lot of better information then they had before. keep up the good work. I enjoy all of your vids when you drop them.🎉😂😂
I've said it before and I'll say it again (and I'll probably have to KEEP saying it), "The only time you need extremely expensive gear is in extreme places!" Conversely, the more forgiving the conditions (terrain and weather) the more cheaper gear is okay. It so happens that not only have I had more pricey backpacks over the years, but I'm currently on my THIRD Teton Sports Scout, 3400 pack! But I get them if I've worn other packs out AND summer is here AND I don't have any bigger outings planned. Yes, on the cheaper side, but I like the outside pockets! It's good enough for general outings. On the other hand, I'm moving into my Mystery Ranch Bridger 65L. Much more expensive BUT far better made than Teton (which often has quality control issues). I'm planning a number of bigger, harder outings so I want a better pack. I almost always carry a heavy load, but then MY outings are almost always THREE WEEKS LONG! (no refit or resupply!!) That means lots more food, clothing to address changing weather, and some climbing gear. The Teton Scout AND the Mystery Ranch are both good packs, and while my kind of outings call for DEPENDABLE gear, the Teton is good (for most), but the Mystery Ranch is GREAT (and you pay for it).
Thank you for this I’ve been looking at the Zpacks and Durston to do the AT next your and was just about to pull the trigger on the Zpacks 50L thinking most people seem to be using 50L. Now I have to rethink it so thank you.🇬🇧🙏🏻
Would you be able to help me with the length of the Naturehike 60L on the back? It looks just like what I need, except there's no adjustability and I'm quite short - 47cm back when I got it measured. Do you think would work for me?
I'd love to see your thoughts on Granite Gear packs! (Blaze or Crown series) It's lightweight, comfortable, has hip pockets that actually hold stuff, and a detachable brain for a daypack or first aid bag. I've loved my Crown 2 38L for the handful of weekend trips I go on each year. Not ultralight, not beefy enough for heavy loads, but in my opinion, perfect for a minimalist with "traditional" gear, or a kleptomaniac ultralighter 😅
I have spinal cord damage that causes me a lot of pain especially when carrying weight and have tested and sent back many packs. Until I took the hit and got in contact with Seek Outside and received the Gila 3500 pack with all the bells and whistles it had to offer. I'm able to happily hike and enjoy the trips I take now but man they are expensive.
Check out Hill People Gear packs. They aren’t very light, but they’re designed to prioritize comfort and durability which makes them feel lighter than they are
Thanks for this content. I have an Atmos 65 and it's great. I'm looking for a lighter pack and you've given some solid options at good price points; thank you. For me, hard to buy a pack without trying it on. My Atmos fits me much better than Gregory and the Aether. Surprisingly, Deuter fits well overall. Keep it up.
Have two of the packs in this video (NatureHike/MysteryRanch) and was not fully satisfied with either. However, both of these packs led me to a greater appreciation for REI's FLASH 55 L; which is something in the middle of the two.👍
Thanks for the great rundown on these. I had been wondering how those press expensive Amazon sourced packs would hold up. You alluded to the Gregory Baltoro but any thoughts on the 75 or the Deuter 70+10?
It's been several years since I've used the Gregory Baltoro but I'm still fond of it. However I've never truly used Deuter Packs. Depends on what you're packing but 70+10 is pretty big and I think if you're filling that up you're carrying a bit too much.
Mystery Ranch measures their volume by what's "enclosed", so yeah it's internal volume. That means the Radix 57 and the Zpacks Archaul 70 have identical interior volume.
Thanks a lot Eric for that great video and also your critical comments concerning the inner volume of the packs. So the Zpacks Haul 57 liter volume (70l maximum) is in the end still 2 liters bigger than the the Kakwa 55 right?
The Kakwa 55 is measured to contain 54 liters in the size medium and 57 in size large. So yes, they are almost exactly the same. However anecdotally I've noticed it just "feels" easier to fit more into the Zpacks Archaul than the Durston Kakwa. I haven't done my own volume testing to see what the differences really are. But this is where I find it all confusing (and sometimes misleading) how companies claim certain capacities.
@ Thank you so much for your efforts and great work :) I have just seen on the Durston website for the Kakwa 55 medium the following: total volume 61L (internal 46L + external 15L ). So the Arc Haul is with a total of 70L (internal 57L + external 13L as you thankfully mentioned) 9 L taller :) Which fits your feeling
Hola! I'm a big fan of Patagonia in general. I think the Ascensionist is a great climbing pack. But it's definitely geared towards climbing and mountaineering and not backpacking. So it depends on your use of it. If you just want to hike and camp I think there are better options out there.
I just wanted to throw out another brand that seems like it's overlooked. Zimmerbuilt. My first exposure to the brand was with a fishing pack, but after realizing how well thought out the pack design and build was, I decided to get a hiking pack from him with some fishing modifications. And then it took off from there. Well built with all of the same materials that the bigger guys use priced appropriately.
@eric_hanson Chris Zimmer is a great guy and readily works with you for customization. I actually had a chance to meet him after I bought one of his packs years ago.
What brands are good to buy on marketplace? I got a 55 litre womens Osprey that was used 2xs, along with inflatable sleeping pads and trekking poles for $35. I have an osprey daypack so I was familiar with the co….but marketplace has so much gear for sale at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for sharing this info Eric. Its so helpful…❤️🥾🥾⛺️🥶
Now can we have the Women's version of this video? Most of these packs are designed, no offense, for dudes your size. Women have boobs in the way of the chest strap, shoulder straps dig in weird.
Try Miranda for ladies reviews. That said, plenty of ladies in the durston group using the kakwa (lots of adjustability in the chest strap) but I've noticed a higher percentage of them add a lumbar pad versus three men.
I have two Naturehike tents, a Naturehike cot I'll use on car camping trips, and a Naturehike backpacking chair and have no complaints about any of them.
Yea, im a fan of Naturehike - have 3 of their tents, the cot, sleeping bags, backpack.. etc... no complaints, solid stuff.
Agreed, 100% with manufacturers identifying the actual internal capacity of a pack vs. the internal + external pouches. Especially in winter, some users don't necessarily use mesh pouches as they fill with snow or they could sustain damage from shaper alpine / winter tools.
ULA is one of the worst offenders. The ULA Circuit is advertised as a 68L bag and the main body is 40L. ULA Dragonfly 30 has only 22L of internal capacity.
I bought Kakwa 55 in ultragrid version and took it to Everest 3 passes trek. My size was in between M and L and decided to buy L which was the right choice. Because it was really comfy no hotspot at all. I like the fact that when reasonably loaded I can carry it on international flight.
Interesting video. I have Fjälreven 65L bakcpack which is over 3kg without anything inside. However it's the comfiest back I've ever used and can take anything you throw at it. Not ultra light in any measure but worth a look if you want a quality product.
"Not that I have any experience wearing sports bras" 🤣
Great video! Nice to see reviews on packs that were actually used in the field. I love the Kakwa 40. I know it is a little small; however, I use it for through hiking and I like the lighter weight for the cost. I actually use the OV Shadowlight for my winter camping since it has more volume and can carry 35+ pounds of gear.
The Kakwa and Shadowlight make for a very nice duo!
for hiking in the desert I go with LiteAF curve 46 full suspension, when long water carries are not an issue I go with Zpacks Super Nero with vest harness.
Great info thanks. I'm shopping a few of these right now! I have to say when you are considering the weight of a pack, the most important feature is how it fits your particular body. Number two it how well it carries a load. These two features can add weight. But the big factor is there is a difference between carrying two items that add 3 pounds of weight and a backpack that weighs 3 pounds more; when the weight is spread out across the entire pack and in a lot of cases on the part of the pack interfacing with your body (which is like a person being 3 pounds heavier = not a noticeable difference). It's almost impossible to test because of the variance in designs between companies. My point being don't get hung up on pack weight. Try and test hopefully with a retailer or company that has a great return reputation.
It's a very niche need, but I appreciate adjustable torso length backpacks because i have scoliosis and need to put one shoulder strap higher than the other. Thanks for going on this long mission of testing budget gear and telling us about it!
The mystery ranch is definitely in line to be my next pack. Just love the ergonomics of it.
Great video thanks!
I'm a weekend warrior so l lean more toward the cheaper packs. I've been backpacking for 45 years so I've been through a lot of packs. Last year I started lightweight backpacking and have stepped into lighter and more expensive packs. Outstanding review and I agree with your choices.
One of the best packs I've owned is now my favorite, the atom packs mo, ultralight, high end materials, but the way it carries a heavy load and the accessibility to water pockets and snacks is amazing its my go too for any longer trip or heavy carry now, I definitely recommend checking that one out, it's also made in Scotland so can stand up to whether well
Mystery Ranch Bridger is the most comfortable pack I've ever used. It's my go-to for anything longer than a weekend trip. The front vest distributes weight very evenly and take a lot of stress off my shoulders. The hip belt is sort of segmented so my hips can move freely and never feel strained. I wouldn't mind seeing more light-weight packs mimic the technology.
Lundhags Padje light 60L .. Excellent fabrics, big sides pockets, mesh pocket, rolltop, really comfy to carry and weights only 1,1 kg 😊👍🏻
I am 100% with you regarding the OVCS40 but I wish it were a OV CS60
Durston Kakwa 55 is the bomb 💣 had an Osprey Aether 65… 3 lbs 7 oz heavier and not as comfortable!
I've been a big fan of my Granite Gear Blaze 60. For the weight it carrying a good load comfortably.
I love that. I haven't used much Granite Gear at all. I need to change that!
@eric_hanson Yes, please more Granite Gear! I love my Granite Gear Crown 2, 38L. I have a lot of MYOG gear and a very minimal kit list, for a handful of weekend trips a year.
There is a company called Bonfus - they released the Aeros 55L UL Backpack with Osprey-like mesh backpanel. At ~800 grams and 350€ price I wouldn't buy a Zpacks tbh. I like Zpacks, but they put a 100% premium on their prices
Great video, I love that you are exoring more affordable and lighter equipment. Also I love the hair cut... I'd ask you to check out my cheap ultralight summer pack. It's the Aonijie 30 L for $75. I used it last summer for 44 miles across Migrant Wilderness and it surprisingly fits a BV 500 inside the pack. My summer base weight is under 8 lbs so you need your kit dialed in. I think you'll love the pack, basically a smaller lighter mountainsmith zerk 40.. 16.76 ounces.. I did cut the zipper pocket out, and I replaced the support foam with a sit pad.
Nice! That looks like a cool pack for minimalist adventures.
I can fit my full Hammock set up with tarp which for me is so much more comfy than any ground based shelter, but I know hammocks divide the backpacking community more than ultralight gear does. @@eric_hanson
If you had to choose between the Kakwa 55 and the Shadowlight for all but the shortest/smallest trips (got a 40L for those), which would be your choice, and why? I’m leaning Kakwa, but the OV offers larger capacity and a lower price …
Hey, u gotta try some decathlon stuff, for example their mt100 backpack
NatureHike does have alot of good gear got a couple bomber tents
I have tried one of their tents but wasn't particularly impressed. But I think I just need to try more of their stuff.
I love my Pa'Lante Desert pack. 43l, 23.1oz.
I really enjoyed the comprehensive backpacking reviews, and tryouts over this year.
I think it was very thorough and has given people a lot of better information then they had before.
keep up the good work. I enjoy all of your vids when you drop them.🎉😂😂
I bought the naturehike for just 80€. Using it without the hip belt, it's just 1kg without it. Loving it.
I've said it before and I'll say it again (and I'll probably have to KEEP saying it), "The only time you need extremely expensive gear is in extreme places!" Conversely, the more forgiving the conditions (terrain and weather) the more cheaper gear is okay.
It so happens that not only have I had more pricey backpacks over the years, but I'm currently on my THIRD Teton Sports Scout, 3400 pack! But I get them if I've worn other packs out AND summer is here AND I don't have any bigger outings planned. Yes, on the cheaper side, but I like the outside pockets! It's good enough for general outings.
On the other hand, I'm moving into my Mystery Ranch Bridger 65L. Much more expensive BUT far better made than Teton (which often has quality control issues). I'm planning a number of bigger, harder outings so I want a better pack.
I almost always carry a heavy load, but then MY outings are almost always THREE WEEKS LONG! (no refit or resupply!!) That means lots more food, clothing to address changing weather, and some climbing gear.
The Teton Scout AND the Mystery Ranch are both good packs, and while my kind of outings call for DEPENDABLE gear, the Teton is good (for most), but the Mystery Ranch is GREAT (and you pay for it).
You don’t NEED to go backpacking at all, it’s all a luxury
Thank you for this I’ve been looking at the Zpacks and Durston to do the AT next your and was just about to pull the trigger on the Zpacks 50L thinking most people seem to be using 50L. Now I have to rethink it so thank you.🇬🇧🙏🏻
Is the Ultra material still delaminating after a short time? My DCF Arc Blast is holding up fine after 4 years.
Do you have any experience with Kelly backpacks
Would you be able to help me with the length of the Naturehike 60L on the back? It looks just like what I need, except there's no adjustability and I'm quite short - 47cm back when I got it measured. Do you think would work for me?
I'd love to see your thoughts on Granite Gear packs! (Blaze or Crown series) It's lightweight, comfortable, has hip pockets that actually hold stuff, and a detachable brain for a daypack or first aid bag. I've loved my Crown 2 38L for the handful of weekend trips I go on each year. Not ultralight, not beefy enough for heavy loads, but in my opinion, perfect for a minimalist with "traditional" gear, or a kleptomaniac ultralighter 😅
The only thing i didnt like about the teton was it has to be packed full or the top hood dont cover the top cinch top
The brilliance of the Radix is that the micro adjustments are unparalleled.
I have spinal cord damage that causes me a lot of pain especially when carrying weight and have tested and sent back many packs. Until I took the hit and got in contact with Seek Outside and received the Gila 3500 pack with all the bells and whistles it had to offer. I'm able to happily hike and enjoy the trips I take now but man they are expensive.
Check out Hill People Gear packs. They aren’t very light, but they’re designed to prioritize comfort and durability which makes them feel lighter than they are
Thanks for this content. I have an Atmos 65 and it's great. I'm looking for a lighter pack and you've given some solid options at good price points; thank you. For me, hard to buy a pack without trying it on. My Atmos fits me much better than Gregory and the Aether. Surprisingly, Deuter fits well overall. Keep it up.
I love my flash 55, but I have some friends in the market for their first packs. (this helps)
Have two of the packs in this video (NatureHike/MysteryRanch) and was not fully satisfied with either. However, both of these packs led me to a greater appreciation for REI's FLASH 55 L; which is something in the middle of the two.👍
Thanks for the great rundown on these. I had been wondering how those press expensive Amazon sourced packs would hold up. You alluded to the Gregory Baltoro but any thoughts on the 75 or the Deuter 70+10?
It's been several years since I've used the Gregory Baltoro but I'm still fond of it. However I've never truly used Deuter Packs. Depends on what you're packing but 70+10 is pretty big and I think if you're filling that up you're carrying a bit too much.
@@eric_hansonThanks for the insight. It’s for a 9-day backpacking trek in grizzly country so I’ll try to keep it down.
Almost all were ultralight stuff, missed more common packs, like Osprey Exos, Aether or Atmos, as comparison.
Is the Radix 47 liters interior volume or total pack volume? Always enjoy your content.
Mystery Ranch measures their volume by what's "enclosed", so yeah it's internal volume. That means the Radix 57 and the Zpacks Archaul 70 have identical interior volume.
@@eric_hansonThey don’t count the side pockets, lid and front stuff pocket . So it might be 55 liters or so total ?
Thanks a lot Eric for that great video and also your critical comments concerning the inner volume of the packs.
So the Zpacks Haul 57 liter volume (70l maximum) is in the end still 2 liters bigger than the the Kakwa 55 right?
The Kakwa 55 is measured to contain 54 liters in the size medium and 57 in size large. So yes, they are almost exactly the same. However anecdotally I've noticed it just "feels" easier to fit more into the Zpacks Archaul than the Durston Kakwa. I haven't done my own volume testing to see what the differences really are. But this is where I find it all confusing (and sometimes misleading) how companies claim certain capacities.
@ Thank you so much for your efforts and great work :) I have just seen on the Durston website for the Kakwa 55 medium the following: total volume 61L (internal 46L + external 15L ). So the Arc Haul is with a total of 70L (internal 57L + external 13L as you thankfully mentioned) 9 L taller :) Which fits your feeling
Why is no one doing a review of the nashville pack cutaway I see very little on it.
Naturehike make very good stuff. I've got loads of it.
Hi Eric! What do you think of Patagonia's Ascensionist 55L backpack? Greetings from Argentina
Hola! I'm a big fan of Patagonia in general. I think the Ascensionist is a great climbing pack. But it's definitely geared towards climbing and mountaineering and not backpacking. So it depends on your use of it. If you just want to hike and camp I think there are better options out there.
@@eric_hanson I understand perfectly. Thank you very much and I look forward to your videos! greetings!
I'm surprised you didn't address the current status of Mystery Ranch since being acquired by YETI. 😞
Bob IS my uncle 😂
Zpacks is good, but 400 bones with no pockets, with as many pockets as the Durston = 700 bucks, yeah, noooo
I just wanted to throw out another brand that seems like it's overlooked. Zimmerbuilt. My first exposure to the brand was with a fishing pack, but after realizing how well thought out the pack design and build was, I decided to get a hiking pack from him with some fishing modifications. And then it took off from there. Well built with all of the same materials that the bigger guys use priced appropriately.
interesting. Thanks for pointing Zimmerbuilt out to me. I'm intrigued!
@eric_hanson Chris Zimmer is a great guy and readily works with you for customization. I actually had a chance to meet him after I bought one of his packs years ago.
Sucks so much, these companies price gouging customers. It's a bag!
What brands are good to buy on marketplace? I got a 55 litre womens Osprey that was used 2xs, along with inflatable sleeping pads and trekking poles for $35. I have an osprey daypack so I was familiar with the co….but marketplace has so much gear for sale at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for sharing this info Eric. Its so helpful…❤️🥾🥾⛺️🥶
Whoa that's a score! Yeah Marketplace, and other used, local options are great ways to get quality gear at low prices.
ULA Circuit
There is no ultra 2000, it's 200x
No Decathlon? No REI Rook? Mystery Ranch is out the door after this year for private use, thanks to Yeti.
Now can we have the Women's version of this video? Most of these packs are designed, no offense, for dudes your size. Women have boobs in the way of the chest strap, shoulder straps dig in weird.
Try Miranda for ladies reviews. That said, plenty of ladies in the durston group using the kakwa (lots of adjustability in the chest strap) but I've noticed a higher percentage of them add a lumbar pad versus three men.