Just wondering what people use/ recommend/ know of in regards to bivy sacks and packs....if you have anything else to share in regards to survival equipment, travel necessity's, sleeping bags, etc. Please let me know. Thanks
I've got a Rab Storm bivvy and it's the only one I've ever had so it's all I can recommend. I made a review video about it actually. Here, I'll attach it for ya... ;)
Great review! Im new to the Bivy world so still looking for what I wanna go with, a raised face area does seem worth the extra cost but at the same time my Bivy isnt something im prepared to spend over $150.
This one caught my eye and has a good rating.
www.backcountry.com/... ...EwMDAyNQ==
My pack selection is alot more important then the bivy! I have a outdoor mountain co-op 50L right now but I honestly think its too big, I would like to be in the 35-40L size and keep it under 30 pounds
This one caught my eye and has a good rating.
www.backcountry.com/... ...EwMDAyNQ==
My pack selection is alot more important then the bivy! I have a outdoor mountain co-op 50L right now but I honestly think its too big, I would like to be in the 35-40L size and keep it under 30 pounds
Hey there,
I'm not too well versed in Bivy's, however for packs I could offer some suggestions. Firstly though, I would recommend going into a store to try some on and get one fitted to you with weight in it to see how it rides for your body, this would be the most cost effective solution. Otherwise the packs depend on how much you would like to spend. I am a pretty big buy once cry once fan so these packs reflect this. Feel free to research some of the models you are interested in for these brands. You cant really go wrong with any of them:
Fjallraven
www.fjallraven.us/co... ...ical-packs
Deuter
www.deuter.com/US/us... ...g-119.html
ULA(The Ohm 2.0 is used by many who thru-hike the Appalachian trail)
www.ula-equipment.co... ...s/1902.htm
Cactus Outdoor(NZ)
www.cactusoutdoor.co... ...-pack.html
Aarn(NZ)
www.aarnpacks.com/
There is also Mystery Ranch and Kifaru
www.mysteryranch.com/
kifaru.net/
Other survival gear and travel necessities will depend on your experience, skillset and mission.(what you plan to set off and do)
I'm not too well versed in Bivy's, however for packs I could offer some suggestions. Firstly though, I would recommend going into a store to try some on and get one fitted to you with weight in it to see how it rides for your body, this would be the most cost effective solution. Otherwise the packs depend on how much you would like to spend. I am a pretty big buy once cry once fan so these packs reflect this. Feel free to research some of the models you are interested in for these brands. You cant really go wrong with any of them:
Fjallraven
www.fjallraven.us/co... ...ical-packs
Deuter
www.deuter.com/US/us... ...g-119.html
ULA(The Ohm 2.0 is used by many who thru-hike the Appalachian trail)
www.ula-equipment.co... ...s/1902.htm
Cactus Outdoor(NZ)
www.cactusoutdoor.co... ...-pack.html
Aarn(NZ)
www.aarnpacks.com/
There is also Mystery Ranch and Kifaru
www.mysteryranch.com/
kifaru.net/
Other survival gear and travel necessities will depend on your experience, skillset and mission.(what you plan to set off and do)
There's some great links there, Wex!
The thing about outdoor kit is that there's sooooo much choice! It can be pretty difficult to sift through it all.
As for backpacks, the one I use is fine and everything but I would ideally prefer a lot more pockets. I remember reading something a while ago talking about how pockets aren't in "fashion" on backpacks any more, and thinking how stupid that is. Pockets are very, very practical. I don't give a crap what the bag looks like. Damn fashion, spoiling stuff! It's really annoying having to open up a backpack and go digging through it to find something relatively small. The main compartment of a backpack should be for your sleeping kit and spare clothes. Everything else should go in an easy-to-reach pocket somewhere.
Maybe I should have a look in an army surplus store or something. I'm sure that military equipment isn't designed to be trendy rather than practical!
The thing about outdoor kit is that there's sooooo much choice! It can be pretty difficult to sift through it all.
As for backpacks, the one I use is fine and everything but I would ideally prefer a lot more pockets. I remember reading something a while ago talking about how pockets aren't in "fashion" on backpacks any more, and thinking how stupid that is. Pockets are very, very practical. I don't give a crap what the bag looks like. Damn fashion, spoiling stuff! It's really annoying having to open up a backpack and go digging through it to find something relatively small. The main compartment of a backpack should be for your sleeping kit and spare clothes. Everything else should go in an easy-to-reach pocket somewhere.
Maybe I should have a look in an army surplus store or something. I'm sure that military equipment isn't designed to be trendy rather than practical!
Aaaand I've just done some Googling and it turns out the thing I'm looking for is called an "Alice backpack".
www.google.co.uk/sea... ...gC&dpr=1.1
Haha, this one might be a bit excessive but damn, look at all that easy-to-reach storage space!!
www.google.co.uk/sea... ...gC&dpr=1.1
Haha, this one might be a bit excessive but damn, look at all that easy-to-reach storage space!!
I completely agree with the no pockets, my bag is realitivly new and wasn't cheap.. very few pockets or zippered areas though. Its comfy and holds my clothes nicely inside but pockets help you (or me anyways) stay organized.
Some really nice military bags on eBay as well, the one in the picture looks a little excessive but quality for sure.
Some really nice military bags on eBay as well, the one in the picture looks a little excessive but quality for sure.
I agree also regarding the lack of pockets! Fashion always ruining good kit.. I do however now understand(maybe..) the reasoning behind no pockets.. More pockets means more materials to use which means a heavier pack as well as more complicated to manufacture - all of these drive the price up of the pack. Also the pack industry seems to be stuck in the mentality of "lets have no pockets so the user can now customize the pack how he sees fit with a blank canvas." I swear its just a trick to get you to buy more bags to put inside of your bag. Some packs do come with more pockets though, like those from Fjallraven and 5.11 tactical. Probably Deuter as well.
Here is a youtube channel with some video reviews for those out there who may be looking for a new pack:
www.youtube.com/play... ...tNgcwbuhC9
Dave, I'd definitely try on an Alice pack with weight in it first from surplus store if interested. Lets say they are not renowned for being comfy..but everyone is different, and modifications can be done to increase comfort. Haha that pack is massive! I'm not sure climbing and scrambling up Crib Goch looking like a pissed off turtle is the nicest of ideas..but they don't call you Brave Dave for nothing!
Here is a youtube channel with some video reviews for those out there who may be looking for a new pack:
www.youtube.com/play... ...tNgcwbuhC9
Dave, I'd definitely try on an Alice pack with weight in it first from surplus store if interested. Lets say they are not renowned for being comfy..but everyone is different, and modifications can be done to increase comfort. Haha that pack is massive! I'm not sure climbing and scrambling up Crib Goch looking like a pissed off turtle is the nicest of ideas..but they don't call you Brave Dave for nothing!
Wex, that's a very good point about the reasons for not having pockets. Less weight and less material so it's cheaper. It does make me laugh sometimes though how obsessed people can become over the weight of their kit. Like in their eyes something that weighs 10g less than something else is soooo much better, despite that weight difference being virtually unnoticeable.
Fair enough if you're an ultra-marathon runner or something but otherwise, who cares about a tiny bit of extra weight if it means your backpack is loads more practical.
But yeah, the Alice Pack in the photo I added... haha, it does look a bit over the top, like you'd be leaning 45 degrees forward just to balance yourself the whole time.
Also thanks for linking to that YouTube channel. I started watching the first review and thought "There's no way I'll watch the whole 17 minutes" and 17 minutes later I'm subscribing to them.
So now I have something else to Google: "Tactical backpacks". Although browsing Google images it looks like tactical backpacks are generally quite small. I want a bigger one with a large container at the bottom for keeping all my sleeping kit and then lots of pockets and compartments for keeping everything else. A 60L one would be good. I also don't really need one that's designed specifically for holding guns and ammo :P
Fair enough if you're an ultra-marathon runner or something but otherwise, who cares about a tiny bit of extra weight if it means your backpack is loads more practical.
But yeah, the Alice Pack in the photo I added... haha, it does look a bit over the top, like you'd be leaning 45 degrees forward just to balance yourself the whole time.
Also thanks for linking to that YouTube channel. I started watching the first review and thought "There's no way I'll watch the whole 17 minutes" and 17 minutes later I'm subscribing to them.
So now I have something else to Google: "Tactical backpacks". Although browsing Google images it looks like tactical backpacks are generally quite small. I want a bigger one with a large container at the bottom for keeping all my sleeping kit and then lots of pockets and compartments for keeping everything else. A 60L one would be good. I also don't really need one that's designed specifically for holding guns and ammo :P
Great review on the Rab storm bivvy!
A simple gear setup that has kept me happy in four seasons includes Osprey Kestrel 48L pack, small tarp, and one synthetic blend sleeping bag during warmer months. I have found two medium weight bags put together provides much more comfort than one heavy weight bag during the coldest nights and conditions. I tend to beat up my gear so cheap works better than expensive over the long haul. Blow up pads are super comfy until they pop halfway through the trip. Rolled up foam and cardboard are great. The later is great for trains as it can be found at each stop generally.
I recently sent my Osprey pack bought in 2009 back to the company to fix a strap and they sent me a new pack! Alice packs are heavy duty but the exterior frame will eventually find a way to rub into your sides. They are also impossible to maneuver in tight spaces like grainer holes. I agree about the need for pockets and the Kestrel has them. 48 litres is plenty of space.
A simple gear setup that has kept me happy in four seasons includes Osprey Kestrel 48L pack, small tarp, and one synthetic blend sleeping bag during warmer months. I have found two medium weight bags put together provides much more comfort than one heavy weight bag during the coldest nights and conditions. I tend to beat up my gear so cheap works better than expensive over the long haul. Blow up pads are super comfy until they pop halfway through the trip. Rolled up foam and cardboard are great. The later is great for trains as it can be found at each stop generally.
I recently sent my Osprey pack bought in 2009 back to the company to fix a strap and they sent me a new pack! Alice packs are heavy duty but the exterior frame will eventually find a way to rub into your sides. They are also impossible to maneuver in tight spaces like grainer holes. I agree about the need for pockets and the Kestrel has them. 48 litres is plenty of space.
I checked out a video review of the Osprey Kestrel 48L and it looks really good! However I'd say it's a bit small for what I need. My current backpack is 55L and when it's packed for wild camping there's hardly any space left in it at all. I don't even have a stove (I really need to buy cooking equipment) but if I did then it would take up the last of my space in there. So I'm thinking I need a 70L or something, so I've always got extra space for things like food or whatever.
How do people manage with bags less than 50L? Am I doing something wrong with my kit??
And yeah, I didn't realise Alice Packs are built on metal frames. I definitely don't want that for the reasons you said. If it can't be squeezed into a small space then it's a liability!
How do people manage with bags less than 50L? Am I doing something wrong with my kit??
And yeah, I didn't realise Alice Packs are built on metal frames. I definitely don't want that for the reasons you said. If it can't be squeezed into a small space then it's a liability!
During summer the 48L bag gives me plenty of room to stuff a sleeping bag, extra clothes and 3-4 days of food. Water is either in a 3L bladder pocket equipped with the pack for hiking/camping or carried in a separate 1 gallon jug for trains. Little extras like lighter, toothbrush, etc have plenty of room in the many pockets. I don't use a water filter or camp stove for trains though I do for backcountry. A pad and jacket are strapped outside.
In winter I stuff an extra sleeping bag in the main pouch which takes all the space so I use an additional small daypack for clothes and food to be worn on my front side. I find this distributes the weight more evenly as well.
Food varies depending on the trip though I always have cold beans, oranges, peanut butter and jerky.
Not saying a larger pack doesn't work and certainly each style of trip calls for different needs.
I once rode with a guy during summer who carried a small daypack with snacks and a radio. He didn't even have water except for the 18 pack of bud light we were sharing.
In winter I stuff an extra sleeping bag in the main pouch which takes all the space so I use an additional small daypack for clothes and food to be worn on my front side. I find this distributes the weight more evenly as well.
Food varies depending on the trip though I always have cold beans, oranges, peanut butter and jerky.
Not saying a larger pack doesn't work and certainly each style of trip calls for different needs.
I once rode with a guy during summer who carried a small daypack with snacks and a radio. He didn't even have water except for the 18 pack of bud light we were sharing.
