Which backpack to buy for a hiking trip?

Fieldline Big Game 38 38 L

Manufacturer: Fieldline Company, USA

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Fieldline is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in the manufacture of hunting and fishing equipment. The main activity is the manufacture of backpacks and waist bags. The Fieldline brand is well known in the American outdoor retail chain. In our market, the Fieldline Big Game 38 model is popular:

• light class sports backpack;
• suspension system is frameless;
• total volume 38 liters;
• weight 900 grams.

The first thing that catches your eye is the camouflage pattern. Such coloring not only helps to go unnoticed in the forest more often, but also allows you to maintain a pleasant appearance, even with significant contamination of the fabric. This advantage will be appreciated by those who travel out of town by public transport or want to look neat even after several days spent in the forest.

The second feature is the possibility of transformation. The lower part can be easily detached from the main compartment with shoulder straps and can be used as a belt bag. The presence of a chest strap allows you to carry the upper part of the backpack without holding the straps with your hands. Having free hands is what a hunter needs.

A characteristic disadvantage of all frameless backpacks is poor back ventilation. After a few hours of wearing, you will feel that your back is wet. The manufacturer claims that the Fieldline Big Game 38 model has an anatomical back with special channels for ventilation. But in fact, this only softens the impact of weight on the back, but does not provide proper ventilation.

The ergonomics of the outer pockets are well implemented. It is important for a hunter or angler to have quick access to a variety of small equipment. In order not to look for matches or a penknife in the general compartment, all the “small things” can be put into separate pockets. Another plus was the pocket for the drinking system. The manufacturer could turn this plus into a virtue, for which it was enough to equip the backpack with a hydrator, but it is not included in the kit.

Caribee Pulse 65 65 L

Manufacturer: Clipper International Corporation, Australia

The world-famous Caribee brand belongs to the Australian company Clipper, which manufactures various luggage, including travel backpacks. Serious production capacities and no less serious quality control have made Clipper products worthy of the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. Our review includes the Caribee Pulse 65 backpack:

• universal backpack of the middle class;
• anatomical suspension system;
• total volume 65 liters;
• weight 1800 grams;

The main feature of the model is the Vantage system. Thanks to the ability to quickly adjust the straps, the backpack really becomes very versatile. This model can be used by both an adult man and a teenager. To do this, it is enough to adjust the height of the attachment of the straps to the back of the backpack to the height of a person, and that's it — you can go hiking.

The volume of internal space is about 60 liters — this is not enough for multi-day trips, but for autonomous tracking for 2-3 days it is quite enough. In favor of using a backpack for quick transitions, the presence of external mounts for trekking poles also speaks.

The anatomical suspension system is provided by two plastic-based aluminium plates. The rigidity of the back of the backpack is acceptable for its volume and allows you to distribute the weight well over the entire back. The ventilation system claimed by the manufacturer is not as effective, as users on the network note, the mesh fabric on the back and shoulder straps is quickly soaked with sweat and dries slowly.

It is worth noting that poor ventilation in the summer heat is not critical, poor removal of moisture from the back is much more dangerous in the cold season. If the back and lower back are wet, there is a danger of hypothermia, so this model is not suitable for active winter adventures.

Also, netizens note the excellent quality of the connecting seams, without protruding threads and disheveled pieces of fabric. Special attention deserves the decision to make the main internal valve through. Things in a large compartment can be reached both from above and through the compartment below, which is very convenient. If you need things lying at the bottom, you do not have to take everything out of the backpack.

Terra Incognita Vertex 80 80 L from 5 615 up to 6 177 ₴ →

Producer: "LLC company Terra Incognita", Ukraine

With the advent of the TM "Terra Incognita" on the east european market, it became possible to purchase high-quality and low-cost-friendly tourist equipment. In our review, the Terra Incognita brand is represented by the Vertex 80 backpack, which has the following characteristics:

• expedition class backpack;
• semi-rigid anatomical suspension system;
• the total volume of all valves is 80 liters;
• weight 2900 grams.

The manufacturer's website states that this model is designed for mountaineering, high-altitude ascents and extreme hiking. But netizens say this is not entirely true. The model is perfect for autonomous or partially autonomous hikes for 10-12 days, over rough terrain with climbing to gentle peaks up to 2500 metres. Also, with such a backpack, the leader of the group can walk on short trekking trips.

What allows you to distinguish the Terra Incognita backpack from the mass of similar ones is its suspension system. Rather , a three-dimensional frame TCS Torso, consisting of several aluminium tubes in the form of the letter "P" on the back and along the straps. Judging by the reviews of tourists using this backpack model, the frame perfectly unloads the back and allows you to effectively transfer the main weight to the belt.

The belt boasts a convenient tightening system, and most importantly, a quick release of the belt makes it easy to fasten and unfasten the belt. The ears are lined with mesh fabric, which should improve ventilation. But users note that with active use, the mesh is quickly wiped off and ceases to perform its main function.

A clear plus was the complete set of the backpack with a protective cover. Quickly removed from the top valve, the cover is able to keep things from getting wet even in heavy rain.

As for the overall ergonomics, there are both pluses and minuses. To the pluses, users include strong slings with Duraflex snaps, which unload external zippers on the valves. Four straps with carabiners on the sides of the backpack and plenty of eyelets for hanging equipment on the outside. Cons — all external pockets are made in such a way that it is very difficult to put something in them when the backpack is “clogged”.

Osprey Aether 60 60 L

Manufacturer: "Osprey Company", USA

The Osprey brand with the bird of the same name on the emblem is little known in our country. However, the California manufacturer of outdoor equipment is well known to tourists around the world. In this review, we will get acquainted with the Osprey Aether 60 backpack with the following parameters:

• universal backpack of the middle class;
• anatomical suspension system;
• the total volume of all valves is 60 liters;
• weight 2270 grams.

First of all, we note that this model is not a tourist equipment in its purest form. This backpack is designed for travelers who do not like to stay in one place and are looking for adventures in different countries and continents.

The total volume of valves is only 60 liters, there is no place for a mat and a tent. But there is enough space for a small sleeping bag and a set of summer clothes for several weeks.

Despite the modest volume and a small number of straps for external suspension, the model can be used for tracking. Manufacturers even provided for the original stick attachment and the possibility of using a hydrator. I would like to dwell on the integration of the drinking system in more detail. To fill or empty the hydrator, you do not need to reach inside the backpack. The pocket for the "drinker" is located on the outside, right behind the stiffness membrane.

According to online reviews, the Americans managed to equip the backpack with very comfortable straps. Model "Aether 60" is positioned as a men's, but it is also comfortable for women to wear. Due to the sufficient width and crescent-shaped shoulder straps, the pressure on the chest is minimal. And the original system for adjusting the height of the straps allows you to adjust the backpack to any height from 160 to 200 cm.

An interesting design decision was the ability to wear the top valve separately from the backpack. It is enough to unfasten it, tighten the straps and get a special strap with a clasp — the bag for the belt is ready. Very useful when sightseeing, going to the museum. Leaving your backpack in a hotel or luggage room, you can walk around the city or go to the market for souvenirs, taking only money and documents with you.

Deuter Aircontact PRO 70+15 85 L

Producer: "Deuter Hallenbau GmbH", Germany

"Deuter" is not just a big name known to any tourist or traveler in the world. Deuter is a legendary manufacturer of military, sports and outdoor equipment from 1898 to the present day. The products of this German company have been meeting the expectations of the most picky and demanding consumers for more than a hundred years. Our review includes the Deuter Aircontact Pro70+15. Here are its main characteristics:

• expeditionary backpack of the highest class;
• suspension system rigid anatomical;
• the total volume of all valves is 85 liters;
• weight 3200 grams.

The prefix "Pro" in the name clearly hints to us that this is a professional backpack. But it is not only the prefix that makes it so, but its design and some interesting features.

It makes no sense to talk in detail about the zippers, webbing, webbing, snaps, seams and fabrics of this backpack. All small details are made with high quality, and their durability is confirmed by numerous positive reviews.

It is much more interesting to take a closer look at the design. In terms of rigidity, the model is as close as possible to easel backpacks. The Aircontact ventilation duct system works decently, even in the lumbar region. The wide belt with wings is elastic and soft enough, made according to the “Vari Flex” technology, which allows you to unload your back even when bending and turning the torso.

Access inside the backpack is carried out from the top, bottom and from the front. You can find and get the right thing quickly and easily. Numerous compression straps are located around the entire perimeter, for attaching additional equipment or tightening an empty backpack. The ability to change the volume makes the backpack more versatile. Thanks to a significant reduction in dimensions, the backpack is easier to store and transport when empty.

The top flap of the backpack can be unfastened and used as a purse, which is convenient when traveling on a train or on an intercity bus. The Deuter Aircontact Pro 70 backpack has a compartment for a three-liter drinking system with a convenient hose outlet. Another interesting feature was a special pocket for wet or dirty things.