Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 30 Backpack

Good Morning,

My final backpacking review today.... then back to a few more days of hunting... one of my favorite fall activities. 

Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 30 Backpack

 

I saved this entry for last, for a variety of reasons. But first and foremost, I really like this pack. It is indeed a lightweight pack, but it was made that way for a reason. Purists don't like it, because it is so light. But, going beyond the physical look of the pack, there are some seriously exciting and innovative features you miss at first glance. Mountain Hardwear went out of their way with the design of the Summit Rocket 30. They understand about weight, so they made many of their specialty features removable for just that reason. They understand uses, they understand versatility, they understand what we need and want.

 

When looking for a backpack, I've said to always look for the pack for the use intended. (or words very much to that effect)  Well, this one is no exception. I use a pack like this for those day pushes up a mountain, where I don't need all the bells and whistles, but want to be comfortable along the way. It has a lightweight removable waist belt, which I like because the adjustable shoulder straps and sternum straps still secure the load during some of those really edgy approaches we all get into. If I take out the frame sheet when I need to shave weight, not only does it stabilize the load, but increases comfort. Stripping it down, this pack comes in at under a pound, and without all the extra weight, it can be rolled up and stuffed inside a bigger backpack to continue the longer trek.

 

It even has a top zip pocket for snacks (my favorite feature as you know, access to snacks). On the outside,  there are so many vertical and horizontal daisy chains that you will have plenty of exterior lash points for climbing, mountaineering, or backpacking gear, and a cradle for an ice axe. The compression system can be added for stability or extra gear but is removable for cutting weight. I leave it on for someplace to store trash and those discarded water bottles I find out there.

 

All around, even though this is a lightweight day pack it has tons of uses and I have barely scratched the surface. The versatility of this one, makes it 'King' of the day packs.

 

Stay safe out there and I'll see you on the trail. ~ Campingman

 

 

CamelBak Highwire 20 3-Liter Hydration Backpack

CamelBak Highwire 20 3-Liter Hydration Backpack

As promised, the second in the CamelBak series, as we move to lightweight day packs. On a side note, CamelBak packs have consistently rated 9 out of the top ten hydration packs on the market! Not bad for a company that has only been marketing them since 1989.

This particular day pack, weighs in at just under 26 oz..At first glance, this pack looks just like a gazillion others out there, but over time, I have come to recognize and appreciate some of the subtle design elements that make up this bag. For instance, it incorporates an independent, perforated foam, suspension harness and a ventilated back panel. (breath ability) The light vertical ribs , transfer the weight from your shoulders, (so my back and shoulder's are not aching at the end of the day). Granted, this pack is only designed to carry 15-20 lbs, (but I exceed that at times) I find the access to the main compartment simple and easy, since I like a top load bag as opposed to all of those zippers and compartments on other style packs. I like the wide mesh side pockets, because they enable easy access to items you want to be able to get to quickly. (For me, that's a snack bar or bag of corn nuts)

This entire backpack is made from ultra-lightweight materials, but remains strong and durable. I have scraped it against rocks and trees while climbing, dropped it, slid it down the side of a rock face and it has withstood well. As in my previous blog about CamelBak hydration systems, this pak retains all of the patented technology from CamelBak and is no different, that is except that it carries a full 3 L of liquids as opposed to 2 L.

I like that the compartment for the hydration bag, is a separate and insulated pocket. The hose port is at top center, with hose-keeper loops on both shoulder straps. Thus, you choose which side you want to clip it to. For some reason, I like the left side. This is, and remains a great all around light pack. Some of the actual features of this backpack that I discussed, are listed along with their trademark and/or patented technology.

BACK PANEL: Lightweight Ventilated™

HARNESS: Independent Suspension™ with perforated foam and Slider™ Sternum Strap
BELT: Removable 1 in (25 mm) stability

Additional Features: Four point compression straps, side pockets, tool attachment, sunglasses pocket, all designed to carry extra layers of clothing, rain gear, food, head lamp, trail maps, ice axe, trekking poles and yes trekkies....even an MP3 or GPS.

That's it for today, next entry: Mountain Hardwear packs. Good hiking and I'll see you on the trail. - Campingman

Backpack choices and uses

Backpack choices and uses

I thought I would expand on my breakdowns of backpacks. There are, as we all know, a gazillion choices, so how to make the right one? Back to basics, choose the pack for the territory you intend to use it. Whether that be a hydration style pack for stand up board paddling, to carrying your laptop and books, climbing a mountain, days long "pack trips" or just a light day pack. This next series is going to start with hydration packs and move to school style to trail style, etc, so let's get going. Fist up?  The Camelbak series backpacks.

CamelBak Baja LR Hydration Backpack

I start with this, because if you ever wanted the 'GoTo' pack, when windsurfing (like on the Columbia River), or paddle boarding your favorite river? This is a great choice. You can see from it's mesh design, you'll hardly know it's there. The hydration pack alone, carries a full 2 L of liquid, and if you look, the pack is down on your hips, and off of your shoulders. That makes sense, because it doesn't inhibit your freedom of movement. The bladder itself features the patented  HydroGuard™ anti-microbial technology, coupled with a patented PureFlow™ taste-free tube and the patented Big Bite™ valve. All of them, easy to use and easy to clean. Instructions are included.

This backpack, with it's custom fit harness, ( using hook-and-loop adjustments ), the dual Slider Sternum Straps, the open mesh back design, well, they just ensure the Baja has a good fit. Toss in some of the 'extra' features, like a paddle holster, a couple of cargo pockets, including a safety whistle? Well, it allows you to keep essentials within easy reach. Including a waterproof electronics case. You even have room to carry one of your own personal, inflatable, flotation devices as well as sunscreen and a light jacket if you wanted. A versatile choice for a light pack with hydration capabilities and waterproof storage.

Oh one last thing....would you like to know how they started? As the story goes, Michael Eidson, an emergency medical technician, was competing in a bike race in Texas. He knew that there were few places with water in this grueling 100 mile race. His solution? He filled an IV bag with water, slipped it inside a tube sock. He then stuffed it in the back of his jersey, throwing the hose over his shoulder and clamping it to his shirt with a clothespin. The rest is history and remember:  "The CamelBak Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee" is from a Petaluma, California Company.

That's it for today, more CamelBak in my next post. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail. - Campingman

My take on Backpacking- A worthwhile endeavor...

For the folks who have never been backpacking or know very little about it, let me take a stab at "why" backpacking can be fun and a learning experience. In it's most stripped down form, backpacking is nothing more than low cost, independent travel. What does that mean? Well, for the most part, you can go to faraway places, exotic places, or even places many people never see, for little to no money. How do you do that? Well, we'll get to that in another post, but for now, let's talk about backpacking in it's most elemental form.

Backpacking has changed much over the years, but the basics never change, like the need for food and shelter carried by you. No matter how you break it down, it's the budget way to travel. Carrying a lightweight pack is not a new concept either. People have struggled with that for years. Manufacturer's are constantly making lighter and stronger equipment. But, backpacking itself? I'm afraid it's no longer just a vacation or an adventure, it's become a learning experience. Education by experience. To go somewhere by backpacking, you are exposed to what the average tourists never sees. You interact with the "real life" lives of the local people on a completely different level. You give your vacation an aura of authenticity.

Planning your trip is an important part of your journey. With the "connected" world in which we live, considerations are now made for smart phones, GPS devices, Tablets, Netbooks and even Laptops... all of which have become lightweight enough for travel. Travel guides, guide books and maps, are now even digital, for easy access as well. If you plan the trip, plan your gear, plan your exit? Well then you are miles ahead of the next backpacker.

Stay tuned for the rest of my take on why you should give backpacking a try. Until then, stay safe and  I'll see you on the trail!

-Campingman