Hi. I recently saw this backpack in Trappers. FA Strata 40 litre roll top type backpack.
Would like feedback on it from anybody that has used it.
Hi there Bosvark,
First of all, what are you going to need it for?
If its day hikes, 2 day hikes, 40 liters is fine but for a 3day hike where you going to take along your tent or cookery with you then 60 liter is a minimum. (I know there’s some of us that hike a three day with 1 jean, 1 t-shirt and 1 pair of boots) in that case, a day pack is required.
Secondly, try the backpack on, hook all of its locks. And try to put some weight in it, now let 1 of you mates or you girlfriend shake the backpack, if it shakes on your back its going to murder you on a trail. If its steady on your back it will be fine.
Thirdly, after you have the backpack on and got shaken be a inspired raider, feel if there is any place that might shave against your skin, if any- walk away.
One of my oldest rules- If you ever hesitate, better then to los it uit.
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All of our old hikers go for brandnames, Karimor or Backpacker. Most of us rearly buy new backpacks. Its better to let someone else walk the backpack in for you. I hike with only those two brands but that’s my personal preference. I know about a few US makes backpacks that is good. The best is to watch the markets for good second hand packs for much better prices. For example, I bought a Backpacker Boulder 60l for R450. That is a good deal, the owner become to old and wanted the pack to go to a good owner, that was me.
Cant find any info on this online, which is a bit slack from First Ascents side.
Yes, that is why I asked. FA sent me “info”, but basically what is written in the tag.
Yeah, quite strange as it doesn’t seem listed for sale anywhere. Would be good to see someone locally making something a bit more paired back and simplified.
So I took a chance and bought the bag. It fills a gap between my smaller 30l overnight bag and larger 65l multiday bag. I was looking to fill the gap for a 2-4 day hiking trip.
The 65l bag is an older design and a bit heavy. It will now become a bag I would only use for longer trips where I need the space. The 30l bag is lighter but just a bit small and my limit with it is a 3day/2night hike.
We are doing Tugela falls this weekend and I am excited to give the bag a go on an easy overnight hike. No wild expectations for the bag, just checking how practical and comfortable it is for me. Will give some feedback next week.
Worst case scenario, if the bag is not comfortable for me while hiking with it, I can still use it for a decent cabin bag when travelling. I often travel for work and prefer not to check-in luggage. Neither of my current hiking backpacks are ideal for these work trips.
Send some pics.
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The bag has got huge mesh pockets, which is great. It swallowed everything fairly easily. 2-man tent fits inside with all my stuff for two days.
There are a few small things I would have added. Will send an update on the issues after some testing this and next weekend.
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