Backpacks

I know Drifters in Sandton also stocks Osprey bags (my mom bought one over the weekend from them).

Mountain Mail Order has a pretty decent range - and MCSA members get 10% off.

Their packs: www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=179

They stock Osprey, MHW, Mammut, BD and Karrimor.

Drifters has the widest range if you want to try before you buy.

PS. The Black Diamond Mission 75 is about the lightest large pack - check it at Drifters and on Mountainmailorder

Thanks for all the prompt suggestions .

I have had my eye on some Osprey packs... better head out there and try them now.
I have seen that Due South (Clearwater) also stocks Osprey and its just down the road from me so I will try there first to see what model I like and then shop around for price.
Will also try Drifters to see if they have some other models (or a nice BD backpack).

Thanks all

Have a look at Due South. I saw some nice lightish weight packs at the Sandton shop at reasonable prices (e.g. Osprey Aether 85l, 2.25kg for R2 500). This was about 3-4 weeks ago.

I'm still doing some internet research and came across this backpack:
www.capestorm.co.za/product/inca-backpack-60l-5

Seems to be a new addition to their line-up and I can't find any reviews.

60L + 5L (I know these sizes are often variable / questionable so I will need to check it out in person)
1,3kg
Hydration bladder compatible

No seperate sleeping bag compartment but I can live with that for that weight.

They also have a 50L + 5L backpack at just 1,13kg!

Anyone have any experience with these packs?

Looks good. Reminds me of the ultralight Golite packs made in the US. No rigidity to the pack as there is no frame. If you can live with that I'd say go for it. It certainly appears to be good value for money plus it's a local brand.

That Cape Storm backpack looks great, and at a very good price. I'll try have a look at it in the shops.

I discovered this morning that takealot.com stock Osprey packs as well, prices aren't too bad.

Just some feedback on the Cape Storm 60L + 5L backpack:

Cons:
Shoulder strap height isn't adjustable
No rain cover
No front entrance to main compartment]
No sleeping bag compartment
Hip belt has little padding
(I would hazard a guess and say it's a "small" 60L pack - doesn't look as big as some other packs of a similar size)

Pros:
Is super light at 1.3kg - feels like a feather
Does have an "internal frame" - full length rectangular piece of stiff plastic board housed inside its own sleeve in the main compartment.


I did purchase this backpack but sadly it doesn't quite suit me size wise. My torso length isn't suited to the fixed shoulder strap height so I will in all likelihood return it.
Looks like I'm heading towards the Osprey Kestrel range as the shoulder strap height is adjustable (plus the hip belt feels a bit more paded from what I remember and it comes with a rain cover... but this does come with a 280g weight penalty for the Kestrel 48L pack which by the way feels and looks about the same size as the Cape Storm 60L).