Backpacks

Slight deviation of the current string of thought - but inspired by ASL's comments on the tents thread:

How light does everyone else go on day hikes? I usually am around 6kg with water and food. I basically carry something warm, rain coat, a bit of rope, first aid kit, headlamp, food and water.

Lightest overnight pack I have done was when I joined Stijn, CCJoubert, ASL and co last year at Mnweni. With water I was at about 8.5kg - basically my daypack + 1.4kg bag + .5kg air mattress + extra food for the extra day.

What's your thoughts on this pack? Would this be sufficient for 3+ days hiking in the Berg?

I did a full GT with a 70 litre and rarely put anything on the outside of my pack. Some people can't do a 2 day hike in a 70 litre though. It really depends on how light you want to go.

If you leave a gas stove at home, sleep in a cave and use water bottles instead of a hydration bladder - you can do a 3 day hike with a 40 litre pack.

My point being - yes, I it would be sufficient for someone like me on a 3+ day Berg hike (even in winter), but it wouldn't necessarily be sufficient for everyone.

Only caveat I would add is that all 65 ltr packs are not equal. The actual internal volume varies. I picked this from reading gear reviews. Climbing focused packs can also be narrower whic effects packing space.

This TNF pack is hike oriented and is quite square so it should be fine. Provided you have reasonably packable gear, particularly tennt and sleeping bag size, I would recommend the 65 ltr pack...

Agreed, that should be no problem.

Advice please:
I currently have the K-Way Expedition 85L backpack which comes in at a fraction under 2,4kg according to my digital scale. This is a nice big comfy bag for loading all my stuff in when we go and do 4 or 5 day photography hikes in the Drakensberg carrying about 25kg, however...
I am planning on doing a 6 day GT in September and the thinking is to go fast and light (without lugging all the heavy camera gear along ), so I'm putting all my gear on a diet and I'm probably in the market for a +- 60L backpack in the region of 1,5kg. It is probably the easiest place to knock a chunk of weight off.

Features I like on my current pack:
Separate bottom compartment (sleeping bag)
Access to main compartment from the front

Features I would like if possible:
Hip belt pockets
Water bladder compartment

Anyone have any recommendations??
I am 6 foot, 83kg and a medium build if that helps...

Have a look at the Karrimor Tryfan 60-70L backpack at Due South. Weighs in at 1.8kg. Price is R1999.00.

You might find it difficult finding a +-60l that weighs +-1.5kg in SA. 1.8l a la the one Captain mentioned is probably around the best you'll get

I saw someone at Cresta on Sunday with 2 new Osprey bags, I'm not sure where they got them (Ventures4Africa closed and I don't think CUM stocks them?)