Comments on: The best hiking backpack? The One Planet Strezlecki looks the goods

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:24:24 +0000

I’m doing the Tassie overland track and the Kokoda Track soon and I was wondering what type or pack your experts would reccommend. Are hybrid packs acceptable or should i just get a straight out hiking pack?

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:18:40 +0000

Hi Alex,
Thanks for dropping by. I am by no means an “expert” but just wrote down what we were looking for at the time. One Planet (and lots of other manufacturers) have produced a lot of new packs since that article was written.

I don’t know about the Osprey Argon 85L. but my daugher just ordered an Ospray Atmos so will be interested to check it out.

I had a look at the Ospray site, looks a nice pack! Good luck with it.
Frank

By: Alex Faithfull

Alex Faithfull — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:54:37 +0000

Hi there,

I’ve been looking at purchasing a new pack, and I’ve been considering the Osprey Argon 85L. I realise that this pack does not meet your criteria of having no unnecessary exterior clips and straps, and that it is not Australian made, however apart from that, it looks to me to be a pretty good unit.
What are your opinions on this?

Thanks,
Alex

By: Sascha Roszak

Sascha Roszak — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:40:37 +0000

Thanks for the reply Frank,

The Tasman weighs about 1kg more than most bags I’ve seen but it’s so durable!

Thanks again,

Sascha

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:47:43 +0000

Hi Sascha,
Thanks for dropping by. How much does the Tasman weight? There can’t be too much difference between the McMillam.

Just use it till it wears out then get another one, it will owe you nothing!

Enjoy
Frank

By: Sascha Roszak

Sascha Roszak — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:10:56 +0000

I bought the One Planet Tasman as I wanted it for hiking & backpacking, I’m now worried that it maybe too heavy (4kg) compared to others such as the McMillan etc?

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:52:46 +0000

Hi Melinda,
This is what Clare had to say. Sorry it might not be much help…

We actually have the umbra. It’s great! Super light weight, I love the buckles easy to undo with cold hands. Top pocket isn’t such a great size and that’s the only pocket other than the big pocket.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:16:54 +0000

Thanks again, any feedback/suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Mel.

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:24:38 +0000

Thanks Melinda,
Pleased they are useful!
I will throw up a question to Clare on our new facebook page (Our Hiking Blog) and see if she has any thoughts. (it’s just easier to grab her there)
Will try and post her reply here too.
Cheers
Frank

By: Melinda

Melinda — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:27:33 +0000

Hi, I’d like to start by saying thank you for such for providing such a great resource for beginner hikers such as myself with this blog and your excellent books (The Overland Track and Food To Go).

Finally about to buy my pack but am torn between the Strezlecki and the WBA…what feedback can you provide since your daughter’s trip with the WBA? I’ve heard there are concerns about it’s durability.

Thanks again,

Mel.

By: Allan Wells

Allan Wells — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:18:51 +0000

G’day Frank,
I recently bought a set of postal scales via ebay and have been amazed at the weight differences of various items. Having been forced to go lightweight(due to age; mine not the gear)in recent years my weekend pack is around 7-8kg before I add the water but I reckon I can get it lower just by using these scales for small items. eg’s 1. signalling mirror: old computer hard disk = 25g versus plastic cd = 16g
2. plastic film canister for (holding a smidgin of toothpaste)= 6g versus small freezer bag (holding the same amount of toothpaste but doubled over)= <1g (my scales only register down to 1g or more).
It doesn't sound like much but I think once I get started I should be able to make considerable gains (or is that losses?).

Regards,
Allan Wells
If you're built like my the biggest weight savings can be had by reducing your own body weight.