What size pack should I take?

As I’ve learned—and am still learning—weight is everything. I now have three tramping packs and a 35L day pack for alpine climbs or city commutes. Most frontcountry trampers don’t have this luxury, so aim for something in the 45-65L range.

Macpac Cascade 65L

The Cascade 65L, a granddaddy of the outdoors, is a solid rucksack. Take it anywhere and into the worst of conditions, but it is a bit like walking with a fridge on your back. It’s neither versatile nor modern. Still, it was my first pack—I did my “round the world” with it. It was my only pack until 2022 and I’ve used it on subsequent trips. The only thing I needed to replace after 20 years of use was the harness…. Perhaps they don’t make ’em like they used to.

Osprey Kestrel 68L

My Osprey Kestrel 65-68L is more versatile than the Cascade and has useful modern “bells and whistles”… indeed, it has a whistle on the chest strap! I love the U-zip on the lid, allowing one to reach for that little bag at the bottom of your pack while tramping. At the campsite, you can put your pack down and pull stuff out the top like a suitcase. The packable hip pockets are incredibly useful (but not big enough to hold a cell phone) and the reservoir compatibility and mesh pockets are welcomed. I often use the mesh side pockets for storing water bottles.

I’m less a fan of the “floating lid” which, when pulled tight comes over the back panel, potentially allowing for more water egress into the main compartment—although this hasn’t yet been an issue. Similarly, I haven’t yet used the pack’s own rain cover.

Despite a few annoyances, I would recommend this pack, for faster and lighter tramping. 

Osprey Kestrel 48L

My Osprey Kestrel 48L is perhaps my current favourite. It’s the right size for Great Walks and tracks with bookable huts where you don’t have to carry a sleeping mat. There’s a side entry pocket and the bottom compartment is large enough for a sleeping bag but, what I love best, is that the hip straps are big enough to hold my phone… which is great, because I take hundreds of photos! The lid is fully attached and each side has nice mesh pockets for water bottles. It’s a beauty for fast and light frontcountry tramping. I’ve never bothered with the inbuilt rain cover.

Others

I bought a Lowe Alpine 35L to get into mountaineering. It has a side entry, excellent ice axe and gear loops, two mesh drink bottle holders and a lightweight harness. I’ve found it holds all the necessary equipment for avalanche rescue, as well as necessary food and clothing for survival. I use it all the time—for day walks and in the city, as it’s so versatile. It’s been a great purchase. 

Previously I’ve had an Osprey Talon 22L for day trips and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this bag. I also have a Tatonka day pack that neatly stuffs into itself for day hikes from a hut or campsite.

Back to Frontcountry Gear