Does anybody have any experience with the 55L or or 70L backpacks from Naturehike? I have family in China who can get hold of these for R800 - R900 brand new. Was wondering it is worthwhile to ask them to bring one back next time they come to SA.
I’ve had the 55L for a few years now and I absolutely love it!
Hi Zoelak, thanks for the reply.
Riaan, for me a good measure is to see how many 2nd hand packs are sold on the market. Ive seen very few. Also in terms of the normal considerations for backpacks - and I compare that to the age old reliable Backpacker, and to lesser degree the Karimor systems, the Naturehike packs is pretty sturdy and reliable. Take a look at their website at: 70 + 5L Hiking Backpack – Naturehike especially the bigger bags (recommended), and you will immediately notice the back support around your hips above the tailbone, which prevent sagging. Also, many modern packs wrapp around the body with very little ventilation directly along the spine. This can become a problem in warm weather. The Airflow system of the Naturehike bags is very similar to older brand bags. With an easy adjustable external frame, this will be a definite consideration before I even look at something like an K-way, Osprey or Gregory etc. Lightweight, strong ripstop, many other features an advantage, in same league as Kelty’s. But all depend on preference and choice, for there are many great brands available on the market … at a price that is to say. I would get the biggest bag I can for that price - you are lucky.
You will find a very informative discussion on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/901477197319478/posts/1759076831559506/
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I have the 55L, for many years and I love it. The only limitation is I would have liked one internal pocket to store keys, and valuables. I dont find the little pockets on the hip straps safe enough to store valuables. Maybe sweets etc.
However if I was to start again I would consider having a backpack made to my size from scratch. The guys at https://www.freedomultralight.co.za/ create a backpack that is lighter and is made to size, and you can order your extra pockets etc. If you are in Cape Town you can go for measuring.
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This https://www.freedomultralight.co.za/ backpacks look really nice, and really reasonable too.
Seems heavily inspired by an Atom Pack, which is fine. All good packs copy from each other.