What size BACKPACK do I need for my CAMPING trips?

[@GunnyHighway13]

Cheers mate! I allways choose a large backpack. If theres space left in it I fill it up with beer and liquers 🍻

[@joekelly9369]

😂😂😂😂😂 your a Brit !

[@GromtKromkakejern]

If you are a big guy you might also need a slightly bigger backpack. I am 2 meters tall, so my clothes are larger, my sleeping bag is larger and I need more beer than the average hiker.

[@alfisyahrin1879]

😂

[@xaderalert]

I hear you. I'm about your height, around 300 lb, so I'm a big dude. Which means big clothes, big sleeping bag, Big sleeping pad, big tent. Plus I'm a scout master, so that means some extra just in case stuff. I learned the hard way that 65 l just wasn't enough

[@KirstenBayes]

Good tips! The other trick I use to fill out /give structure to an empty pack is to put a 220g 1/4in roll mat sleeping pad inside the pack and let it unroll to form the "walls" of the pack, before packing the rest of the stuff inside. Makes the pack much easier to handle, and the pad adds warmth and protects the sleep system.

[@whengrapespop5728]

Good tip!

[@MalKyle1]

We've all done the same when starting out.

[@blackibex]

Was just thinking the same. 🤣

[@whengrapespop5728]

Never in my life have I heard the tip of pulling out your sleeping bag to fill the excess volume. Super helpful for me, now that I’m about to choose an “every season backpack”. I live in Norway, so there’s quite a big difference between the winter and the summer, and I didn’t want to get too big of a backpack and only be able to fill it halfway in the summer. With your tip, that’s not a problem anymore, so thank you.

[@btyc]

Can you do a video on how you take care of hygiene / toilet duties and the like - show folks how to dispose of things safely out in nature and how to leave no trace. Love you videos

[@arkdesign9517]

I go wild camping on the beach at Hengistbury Head, very popular area and visited daily by dog walkers, joggers, fisherman or just tourists out for a walk. It was never a problem until it became on 😂 I went fishing/camping and I got a bad case of the wild shits, after doing it in the bushes like a hobo, I bought myself a porta-pottie(12£ and a big waterproof blanket I usually put under my tent), worst case scenario I just cover myself in it and do it on the pottie. When I can afford the weight I get a portable toilet and the porta pottie for full privacy. Collect it all in special nature friendly bag and burry it. One of the best purchases for me as I'm the type of bloke that just cannot go if you I feel somebody could be watching 😂

[@AndyWardle]

Check out Gareth & Zoe. They did a whole 15 minutes video about it. Comedy gold and informative too.

[@stevem7250]

If u got no toilet roll mate just use ur hands and wash um after. 😉 happy camping

[@AndyWardle]

@@stevem7250 use big leaves 🍃 😂 💩

[@stevem7250]

@@AndyWardle do u think we should let him know that nettles are natures nautral toilet roll. Just camping secrets here mate 👍

[@emmarowley1096]

When you are vertically challenged such as myself (4ft6) then you are limited in what size pack you can actually carry. I have had both of my rucksacks for years and managed to get an adjustable back rucksack, the vango contour S 50+10L which is super handy but i prefer my trusty Deuter speedlite 850 30L rucksack and often amaze myself as to what I can cram in the deuter rucksack. Considering it is a lightweight bag it is good build quality as it has stood the test of time. Wish you all the best for 2021, here's hoping we can get back out there again and not be stuck in our tiers. Stay safe everyone.

[@we1ghtman36]

Hey Paul, I’m 13 and love your videos. I really enjoy camping and on my channel I’m soon going to start doing videos like yours,. Thanks for making my dreams come true!! ❤️

[@chriscjjones8182]

This is why I personally go for a military style molle pack. Small summer/day 20/30ltr pack but can strap on extra pouches by the molle attachments to carry more gear as and when required for any situation. Some of my gear is stored in their own pouches ready to be attached when needed. Though sometimes finding the right size pouch can be a little difficult

[@PaulMessner]

I know a lot of military lads and lasses like the molle stuff. I can see how it would be great for interchangeable packs. It tends to be really tough but heavy.

[@chriscjjones8182]

@@PaulMessner can be pretty heavy yea but nothing better if you want multiple different loads for different situations. I do campsites, mountains, forests, and music festivals mostly, sometimes hiking, sometimes on the motorbike or in a car. Works best for me I've found over the years, most of my gear is lightweight and almost everything has at least 2 different uses so I can cope with the extra weight of the pack. Though I do also take backups for things. My bag liner for instance is also an emergency shelter (one of those bright orange ones) and emergency sleeping bag, but can also be used as a flotation device among other things.

[@chriscjjones8182]

@Rozza Top the best trick is to go for a smaller main pack then add to it. Beats having 4 or 5 different packs for all situations. But then again I'm used to carrying up to 4 stone on my back

[@chriscjjones8182]

@Rozza Top ouch, yea, I can understand that. My pack isn't military. I buy mostly from miltek, not as strong but a little lighter that actual military grade. Expandable and modular like I like, but also none of it has ever proven to be waterproof or even water resistant like they claim it is. Probably treatable to cope but I just used waterproof liners some of which double up for extra emergency uses. I also like tactical molle vests and belts so I can spread the weight depending on the requirement of the load out. Then I have a tiny 5ltr day sack which can carry almost everything I need to "survive" and also is expandable with molle attachments

[@chriscjjones8182]

@Rozza Top 😂 Yea definitely, learnt that one the hard way when I first bought the pack. Thought I'd fixed the leak in the car (but obviously hadn't), put the pack in the footwell and drove to a music festival. Everything in the pack was soaked after the 100 mile trip 😂 😂 😂 Luckily it was a music festival and I had another 120ltr pack in the boot (trunk for those who don't understand real English 😝 lol) full of all my dress up outfits and extra stuff that the Mrs "absolutely needed" so I still had clothes to wear. That was the first time I'd ever camped with any kind of airbed or pad too. Damn that thing was heavy af to carry 😂 😂 😂

[@myminiadventures]

As I haven't got the luxury of different packs for different occasions, I went for the atmos ag 65, it comfortable, I can remove the top when not needed and it can compress down as needed. I learned not to over pack and not take those "just in case " items, I never used them.

[@ianrudd7442]

Richard that is always my issue. 2021 is the year when I determined to sort this particular issue.

[@jlockwood131]

I have now bought a 42L bag for camping trips where I don't want to take as much gear, but I did exactly the same thing first. The Atmos ag 65 is the most comfortable bag I have used and is very versatile and quite compressible. My only gripe was that all the extra comfort comes at a cost in terms of weight - but that's a classic trade off.

[@myminiadventures]

Ian Rudd good luck, it's all down to trial and error. I help with DofE expeditions and I have a habit of taking extras just in case students get caught out.

[@myminiadventures]

J Lockwood the atmos ag was a Christmas present so have yet to try it in the field 🙂 looks at lots of bags before going for this one. It's a huge step up from my trusty old mountain warehouse pack that I got for £17 in the sales a few years back.

[@ianrudd7442]

@@myminiadventures This is what caused me to carry too much too. However this year I will be much more draconian in what I take and the ultimate is that I will resort to a smaller pack so that I will only be able to carry the essentials!!!!

[@malcbarrass7090]

I started with an 85L with side pockets and like you I took the kitchen sink with clothes for every occasion. Now I have a 60L with no pockets clean socks and undies and one pot/cup, it's a lot better.

[@PaulMessner]

It’s a learning curve that most of us have to make but ultimately most of us ditch the heavy packs sooner rather than later.

[@Rdeboer]

My first pack was a cheap 70l that I bought for hiking the Great Glen Way. It didn't load weight on to the hips like a good pack does and my shoulders bore the brunt of it. Later I bought an Osprey pack of the same capacity, and despite being a heavier pack the difference in comfort was incredible.

[@DorsetPiper.]

I've this pack in black which is perfect for my heavier/cold weather trips and Montane Trailblazer 44 for lighter/warm weather trips. Both very comfy on shoulder and hips which for the types of hiking distances I do suits me well. I notice that most lightweight hikers go on about their pack size but then strap all the kit on the outside - I prefer it neat and tidy in the pack! Cheers.

[@cotswoldphotographytours8811]

Great advice Paul. I got a 48 litre pack only to find I couldn't comfortably fit all the gear in for winter camping so had to then buy a second larger pack. With hindsight it makes total sense to buy your main gear first check out how much space it takes up and then get the rucksack! That said, I find having the smaller pack useful for day-long walks or summer camping trips. If you are serious about hiking / camping it really does pay (in terms of physical comfort) to spend a bit more on a quality rucksack. I find my Osprey packs extremely comfortable to carry even on whole day walks with moderate loads. Happy New Year by the way!

[@Oldsparkey]

My 1st real backpack was a external frame Kelty Super Tioga weighing 6 1/2 pounds ( empty ). I could carry everything , ever the kitchen sink. Then to a Go Lite Pinnacle internal which would take everything except the kitchen sink. Along comes a heart problem and weight restrictions so it was a light weight pack at 56 liters and 20.5 ounces. Finally a Ultralight at 10.5 ounces and 38 liters. Base pack weight ( loaded ) is 7 to 8 pounds excluding the consumables. ( sometimes the same weight as my 1st backpack when empty ) I still have all the comfort in camp and a lot less weight on my back and more fun on the trail. What I found over the years , the larger the pack the more you stuff UN-necessary items in it.

[@sg7392]

Great vid. Love that expandable pack. I sent pix next to ruler of gear to shop. They emailed back packs that would fit as only online sales during Covid. If it is hot get empty wine cast bladder as water container. No weight when empty and then is a pillow. Cheers Steve.

[@gj2772]

Good info for those starting up mate. Like you say, it's nice to have a bag for all occasions. Iwent down the route of having a cheap 28.99 highlander hiker 40 litre to start out with which was & still is a cracking pack for the money. I already had a 25 and a 15 litre biking pack so made sense my next one was larger. Saved up a bit and got myself an Osprey Kestrel 58 & literally couldn't be happier with it 👍🏻

[@8BROWNIE8]

my old Backpack is 135L which i had for 20 years lol time to get a new one, something that my dad got me lol

[@JanayaToye]

Thanks so much for the advice! Hopefully I'll get the right pack for my future endeavors and this video really helps me understand it better!

[@btb2319]

Pleeeeeaaaassseee do a video on how you store and look after all your gear

[@jpmwright]

Great video with spot on advice! I use four packs. 55+10 Deuter Air contact camping, Deuter Futura pro 36 camping summer or day hike winter, Salomon Trail blazer 30 day hikes short hikes and 12 litre Salomon for trail running. No ultralight back packs as they are not so needed in Japan. The larger sizes for day hikes comes from always needing towels and extra clothes for the many natural volcanic hot springs we have. It is really an essential part of hiking in Japan. Paul you should try it!

[@stetomlinson3146]

I've got two bags and a waist belt. My big bag is an Atmos 65. A brilliant bag that I used for my Coast 2 Coast walk, when I was camping and YHA-ing it. I have a Karrimor SF Predator 45 + side pockets that I can use for day walks or overnighters. It is flexible enough to do everything I need for up to a week, especially if hostelling. I use the waist bag for day walks. Thanks for your video, it's great to use as a guide and re-assess what kit I have. Stay safe.

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks Ste. Sounds like you have your system well dialled in.

[@Thebluedocful]

Good work, as always Paul. I know that you’re always on the look out for new ideas for videos... you were so helpful in helping me identify the right synthetic sleeping system. More and more people, like myself, choose not to use gear (and food) that has animal produce for ethical and / or environmental reasons. It’d be a fantastic addition to see your top 5 products for down / leather / wool etc alternatives for pads, bags / quilts, clothing etc. I’ve got good winter kit but will be looking for a full replacement summer kit. Cheers mate 👍

[@PaulMessner]

I’ll see what I can do

[@Thebluedocful]

@@PaulMessner got a couple of nice Messner hoodies for winter - will have to invest in Messner summer wear too!

[@PaulMessner]

@@Thebluedocful not bringing messner speedos out just yet 😂

[@Thebluedocful]

@@PaulMessner 😂😂😂 devastated

[@jameshenderson9265]

what a perfectly timed video :D i've spent the last 3 days umm-ing and err-ing about what size backpack to buy for multiday trips or trips in colder weather which require more clothing/equipment. many thanks for the insight sir !

[@PaulMessner]

Using the container to see your gear volume is really handy. Hope you found the video helpful

[@keiranaaron1537]

Same here!! Been looking at the Osprey Renn 65L Backpack

[@DS-ej6du]

Paul, A great video, thank you. I ended up playing with 3 packs while planning a trip; really good advice.

[@theknowlodge8294]

I have three bags. A day pack for (mainly) spring / summer hiking.....approx 25 litre.....an Osprey Levity (60L) for 3 season overnight / Wild Camping (I rarely wild camp for more than 2 nights consecutively and an Osprey Xenith 75 for the same in winter. For the UK, I would think it's extremely unlikely anyone would need anything more than 75/80L even for winter use. Unless you're going for a long, long hike. Great video, Paul. 👍

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Awesome buddy ... I’m getting the osprey Aether 70 ag ... but you can take the top off .. I want my tent in so it can’t be seen .. cheers Chris & Sam

[@diceedc5035]

Great choice. Love mine to bits.

[@joekelly9369]

depending where your going and for how long , and at what time of the year , winter gear has more volume , if your a mountain camper you soon find 65l isnt enough , the winter storms guarantee constant damp conditions where clothes dont dry , waterproofs just condense damp inside them , some people actually live like this for months at a time in the highlands ,

[@PaulOutdoors]

Marvellous Paul. Great advice and pointers. A great idea to use storage containers to guage volume of pack required. I sold my Osprey Atmos 50 AG a while ago due to a change to my outdoor habits 😁 and am now looking for a multiday/night pack in the region of 70 litres as well as a new 35 litre day pack so choices to be made. Thank you. Paul 👍😊

[@ashleybishton742]

ive got several different bags. ones a highlander pro force 65lt, got british army day bergan, and a miltek shoulder bag for when im slingshot hunting in the woods or if im on my e scooter my charger comes in the miltek. I currently own the highlander 65lt and it was my first one that size. it takes everything i need plus more. I use snugpak ionosphere sleep system with snugpak tsb sleeping bag. got a firebox stove for fires and getting little trangia burner for it so can have it on the go even in the harshest of weathers but still be controlled environment for cooking inside the ionosphere. cant wait to finally get that then can be fully prepared.

[@mikaelnordstrom5382]

I have a Saber 45 with side pockets so in the winter a have 45-70L if i need it. And then i have my old army Lk35 and that works for me.

[@chlorophyll365]

Yepp, I allways tend to bring too much gear. Partly because its fun and for comfort. Great video Paul 👍

[@PaulMessner]

I’ve tried the ultralight route and yes it is easier to carry, but that comes with a price of less comfort. Comfort is king 😂

[@mtssman]

I actually made a small fortune last year when I sold some of my old gear, and I am just an armature, slightly keen day hiker 💲💲💲

[@rich.cresswell]

I'm now down to a 50L backpack which does my sleep system, fishing kit (Tenkara), 4L of water storage if needed , layers and cooking system (Trangia) and does me for most seasons, I take a 65L if I need to carry big ol' puffer gear or a longer trip

[@Danburybeeches]

Thanks Paul, filling the empty box to work out volume is a brilliant idea! Cheers!

[@summitupmark5615]

120kg!!!! God I'm glad I watched your videos before heading out on my first ever camp last summer - I had a pack and sleep system. I bought a camping stove and a tent, took only the things I needed and my pack was about 11kg total and I managed an 18 mile trek quite comfortably.....120kg....shudder

[@davidbarnes3591]

I love my flex capacitor pack, so easy to adjust it

[@randallandrews120]

Thank you for your time and effort putting your vids together. Professional and informational. You have brought to my attention newer gear that I have purchased to make my time in the outdoors safer and more enjoyable. My gear was purchased back in the early 90's. Everything still looks like new and functions perfectly. It just weighs a TON compared to today's light options. You are an inspiration to this ol' Salty Dog (I'm a full time live aboard for the past 21 years on my 38' center cockpit sailboat) to get back on the trail and into the backwoods more often. Cheers 🍻!

[@PoeInTheDitch]

I picked up the same pack a short while back. Looking forward to putting it through its paces soon, with some winter backpacking in the Smokey Mountains. Greetings from across the Pond. Keep up the great content!

[@summitwithstevie6934]

My big winter rucksack i use was the 1st one i bought from Tesco back in 2007 when i progressed from summer hillwalking into winter. Still use it now as it does the job for camping and winter hillwalking

[@neemancallender9092]

For beginners Two packs A 30 liter day pack A 65 liter for backpacking that chinches down for less loads I personally use a 45 Gregory for a couple of days And a REI 65 for long hikes

[@benny_mc]

Some great tips here Paul. I like the one about the storage boxes! I think we all make the same first timer mistake of getting a massive rucksack. I bought a 75l at first and have never actually used it! My go-to pack is my Lowe Alpine 45-55l

[@mynameissully]

Camping/hiking how many days with 45 55 L?

[@benny_mc]

@@mynameissully 2 days.

[@andrewforrest8592]

It's not a challenge it's the right gear to take go out and enjoy the great outdoor and camping .

[@ScoopeddadDrone]

Great video. I use a Kelty Zip 48 and a Kelty Coyote 65 for my different needs. I do search and rescue and use the 65 if I am going to pack my drone for searching from the air. Both extremely comfortable.

[@PaulMessner]

I do think that having a couple of options is the better way to go if you can afford 2 packs.

[@ScoopeddadDrone]

@@PaulMessner I am lucky to be able to use a pro deal that Kelty shares with the first responders. Without the deal I would probably just have the 48 liter. Thanks for all your hard work putting these videos together. I sort of know how much time it takes as I seem to spend hours trying to edit my own videos for my channel. A+

[@stefhackl8007]

Nice video- I am using like 3 different backpacks and a child carrier (12 l, 30 l, 100 l) 12 l looks like the absolute minimum but the 30 and the 100 can get really good compressed to meet all the other sizes. (100 l is specially for family trips or winter camping)

[@BrokenBackMountains]

😂 My first pack aged about 12 was an a-frame ex army Bergen made of canvas with leather straps and no padding or hip belt. At 16 I'd gone on to a karrimor lynx. Now that was when karrimor was proper gear (1982) Since then I have stuck to about 60 -65 litres for backpacking and 30 to 40 litres for day sacks. My current pack is a Klymit motion 60. Very comfy piece of kit. It has an air frame, is light and very adjustable.

[@Mr.Q852]

Mate gen I did the exact same thing. I’m a former Marine, and did exactly that because it’s all I know. “Pack light freeze at night” as they say. So I packed more kit than I’d ever need. Ok we all have an emergency I’m in the poo bit of kit. But I’d packed for a weeks worth. Same thing. Back was screaming knees were wrecked, I was over Dartmoor and I was just like Mike let go 😂 you’re not in anymore. You don’t need half the BS kit you’re carrying let’s make it enjoyable not a yomp 💪🏻

[@Seamus3051]

Very useful video. People have a tendency toward over size, or over buy. The use of bins to calculate the approximate size requirements of your kit is ingeniously useful... Cheers.

[@mueckenhoeffer]

Well done. I like the idea of just grabbing a plastic tote or two and seeing what size tote you need to haul your gear. Most importantly, weigh the thing when you're done. Not sure if there's a U.K. equivalent to the U.S.' Appalachian Trail (AT), but people through hike the thing with 50L or smaller packs. Cold, snow, rain, heat, more rain, they are trekking with most everything they need for a nearly 7 month trek. Sure, they get creative with re-supplying themselves, and sure, they take some off-trail breaks to get a hot bath and sleep in a bed occasionally, but their kits fit into these tiny packs. Another good bit of advice comes from my son's old scoutmaster, in his rules of 3. 3lbs transport (aka backpack), 3lbs per person shelter, 3 litres water ( a bit over 6.5lbs, not counting the weight of container, so let's call it 7lbs) 3lbs food (for a 2 day, 2 night hike, but if you're going a mile in the woods to plop down and sit around a fire, you need less) 3lbs sleep system (bag, plus pad, plus air matttress, etc) 3lbs cook/mess/fire starter kit (and your carrying too darn much if you need the whole 3lbs) 3lbs clothes/rain gear There you have it - a 25lb kit with more than enough for a weekend hiking trip (I left off personal hygiene, first aid, and medical gear, but if that totals more than another 3lbs for you, maybe you shouldn't be out in the woods). If you're going for a fortnight (see, we Americans can use those fancy English words too) with no chance to resupply, and you don't know how to forage, then your trip is ill planned. A goal of the 25-30lb kit was based upon an ancient article in (IIRC) Boys' Life magazine about a million years ago, supposedly by an orthopedic surgeon, recommending backpacks not exceed 20% of one's ideal body weight. That was back when an average height man was 5'8" tall and weighed 150lbs. If you're overweight, your kit should of course weigh less.

[@slippery999]

Not sure if I missed it on the video but some manufacturers will include the pocket size as part of the total volume. So, for example, the manufacturer may say 50 litre pack size but the main pack might only be 30L and the side/top pockets make up the rest. Not so much an issue with a day pack as items aren’t especially bulky but may be different when packing tent, sleeping bag, sleep mat etc

[@SimonOutdoors]

Nice video mate, good tips thanks for sharing, I'm looking for a new pack. Happy to hear you don't plan too much in terms of a series of videos in advance just then as a fellow youtuber. I assumed you had a schedule but good to know you wing it sometimes!

[@williamforshaw8918]

Not sure if you already know, but the mesh pocket inside the flux can be attatched to the outside of the pack on the grey loops as extra storage for wet clothes etc. Great video as always!

[@dcez1370]

I have a 60 litre camo backpack for longer trips and a small 40 litre army green backpack for day trips.... it's good to have both.

[@8xlaxx]

Had the A. Skurka inspired Flex Capacitor as my 1st pack & returned it. Wasn't comfortable in the small area of my hip/pelvis. Has very few options, very bare bones pack & not adjustable. Ended up w/ a great compromise... 58L Gregory Paragon. Has enough bells & whistles, comfy, functional, adjustable, packs well and backed by a great company. Nice video tho.

[@davidjballantyne]

You mention water bottles. Have you ever considered using a bladder stored in the backpack, e.g. the Platypus Hoser Reservoir? This can provide a far greater reserve of water easily accessible via a tube attached to the shoulder strap of the backpack. Really useful for a long day walk in the summer.

[@chrisg7420]

Some good tips there Paul. I’ve got an Atmos 50l which is very comfy, but quite heavy. I recently got a Levity 60l and the SD Flex 40 - 60l to compare. I took the Levity back straight away; the SD is a brilliant pack - nice and light. Plus, I realised you can strap the water bladder mesh to the front for som extra outside storage 👍

[@vvs3796]

how are shoulder straps holding on so far on flex?

[@chrisg7420]

@@vvs3796 pretty good so far. Still a great pack.

[@mikedowning4603]

Thanks for the ❤ on my comment. Something I forgot to mention is that I sent you an email via your website a few days ago re campervans which I thought might be interested/helpful. Cheers Mike

[@andybrown6179]

Perfect timing, I’m actually looking for my first backpack now and wondering what size to get.👍

[@echchouikmohamed7574]

good level advice and from someone who gets out and walks more than a mile from the car to simply get a trophy picture to post on instagram. good channel!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hello Paul We hope all is well. May we take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year and may it be will with many blessings and much happiness. Love and Light Sarah and Glenn

[@stevemccrory9130]

The Cyclops / Vulcan size were standard issue in the Army. Still got mine (purchased), along with a load of "buckshee" kit.

[@andyc3088]

Manufacturers of good backpacks such as Osprey have packs designed for both men and woman. When buying make such it fits your back, a good pack will come in small, medium and large sizes. And the hip belt rests on the top of your hips. When trying on a pack have a walk around the shop.

[@ReheatedDonut]

For the last 3 years I've been making do with a 32L deuter that I got for free. But just treated myself to an Osprey Exos 48 as the 32L isn't enough for Winter. I think I hold the World record for most things strapped to the outside of a pack! lol

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

I use a 36L but I pack super minimalist and superlight (base weight around 14 pounds). The wonders of bugnet + tarp camping.

[@MrDavidh37]

I have the gossamer gear G4 20 which is 40l pack Really light at 700g and great side pockets love it. Like your new extendable pack apart from the colour! Atb Dave 😄👍

[@jacobwhitehurst1490]

Cheers for all the advice Paul have taken your advice from the live show that you've just done and looking forward to getting out there with my hi gear 65 litre bag. 👍

[@kevg3563]

I don't think that size is the only issue. I think its also the weight and how much you can personally carry. On all camps I use an Osprey Aether AG 85 litre pack. In the winter it is jam-packed and weighs in at about 50 pounds but in the summer its only about 35 pounds. If there are two of you sharing a tent it is much easier because you can split the load.

[@theknowlodge8294]

What do you put in it to weight 25 kilos.? Lol.

[@kevg3563]

@@theknowlodge8294 I always pack for two nights out even though I plan for only one night. You have to expect the unexpected. I also carry 2L of fresh water and food for two days. Also, I am more of a bushcraft wild camper so I tend to carry more gear anyway.

[@charitallman5742]

Thanks for this. I've been buying smallish cheap packs, which have been great fun for days out. But am going to need to buy something proper for my plan to do some multi day trail walking. I've got a big old pack I bought in a charity shop - am going to use this until I learn more about what I really need. Thanks for the advice to not rush in with this purchase!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Very good advice to get fit for the backpack before buying. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than ill fitting shoes or pack. Also, always make sure to get a waterproof pack liner to put your kit in, since no backpack is truly waterproof. Good advice Paul!

[@user-vl7zk9wr3n]

We have never hiked with "Puffies!" Ha! I don't even know how my husband wears shorts and a fleece in the winter. 🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@Riiiizla]

New to the 'game' I may have to 'live in' tent for a short while with my 2 small terriers & was looking at getting hold of maybe a 2nd hand tempest pro 200 & need a backpack! I was just going to ask what size bag I'd need to get the tent in...as you answered the question on maybe putting tent on the outside. Great videos mate..much appreciated!

[@RollrightKnights]

Nice one Paul. I use my old Osprey 32 (I think it is) summer and winter for day walks, even winter Munros it copes with, although its pretty full to bursting. For overnighters with tent I've got an ancient Karrimor 65+5 litre which is heavy and really has seen better days but still does the job. Missus recently got a a nice Jack Wolfskin 45 litre, that seems pretty ideal. Need to try and nick it from her, Cheers! 😜

[@metalbearuk]

I'm guilty of having different packs for different occasions. If I'm going away for 5 nights or more or am staying at a campsite, I've got my Osprey Aether AG 85, and have a Daylite plus attached!! For 2 to 3 day trips, it's my Osprey Atmos 65, and for an overnighter it's my Deuter 44L +8. I wish I were minimalist and could get away with the Deuter all the time, it's so lightweight and comfortable.

[@outdoorcinema7]

Great and informative video! I buy recently 60l backpack to put gear for myself and my girlfriend for day hikes or if I need more gear (winter or few days trips). For shorter hikes I use 32l.

[@craigleewhite6317]

Smart Backpack. Great colour posh material. Very technical. Perfect! Good seeing you Paul. From Craig.

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks Craig. I do like this pack. it's very versatile.

[@kevinharding1181]

Nice pack ! By far the most important aspect of buying a pack is how it handles (comfort) when fully loaded. Nothing is worse than a painful pack. Therefore one thing I've learnt the hard way is that pack size is going to be impacted by more than just Summer/Winter but by cooking styles / drones / photo equipment / chairs etc. etc. in general I'd advise people to buy a compressible 60-65L pack, the weight difference is negligible to most 40-50L packs but the expandability when carrying more equipment is valuable and could mean the difference between buying 1 or 2 packs (so worth spending a little more on the 'ideal' pack). TMP packs are much vaunted however when I tried out the Deuter it was by far the worst carry I've ever had, no matter how many adjustments I made it was painful. In the end I found the Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre (the Lowe Alpine range now owned by Rab) was an incredible carry despite its weight (2.9kgs) and it expands from 65L to 85L. I always find separate compartments (that don't expand into each other when stuffed) helps organisation and access. Ever on the lookout for the 'perfect pack' (sadly I have 9 !) for my multi-day hikes I have just bought a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L (a favourite of thru-hikers) so at around 1 kg and with such a good reputation I'm hoping I can save 2 kgs of bag weight. The point being that both carry and weight will influence how comfortable your pack is. I should point out that as a photographer I am 'always' carrying an extra 5-7 kgs of equipment, on top of my standard kit, and that reasonably easy access is important in a pack.

[@jungggledave]

If you can be disciplined with how much you take, I find getting a slightly larger pack than you really need. It means that your gear isn't packed in too tight, which makes it far easier to rummage inside for items, without having to pull everything out to find them. My kit could fit in a 50l pack, but my two most used packs are 58l and 65l. This works well for me because my gear isn't rammed in too tight. Both have a floating brain so I can reduce weight and size if I want to.

[@mattandjockexpeditions9700]

Great video Paul. It reminded me of all the kit and adventures I have been through to arrive at the gear I have now. Best bit of advice - gear first, backpack later - would have saved me a fortune on Ebay fees selling off barely used packs! Cheers and all the best

[@JackKlumpass]

I’ve stopped myself from buying a high end pack a few times now. I do like this one but I just don’t need anything more than I’ve got right now. I like this Sierra Pack and really like AtomPaks. Nice video Paul. Happy Trails 😎

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Hi Paul, I have both the 25/40 and the 40/60 Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor packs and find them to be the most comfortable carry [ have experienced. I would like them more tho if the bottom fabric had a robust and abuse tolerant outer covering, say Kevlar or maybe Spectra to give long term resistance to wear n tear. Top n bottom carrier straps would be good, or at least strong attachment loops so that the option to carry wet gear etc on the outside is more readily available, and the lid could be improved with bellowed construction as its present configuration has somewhat limited practicality. These niggles apply equally to both pack sizes.Apart from that I haven't found much to moan about, nice packs. So It will be interesting to learn what you have to say about the Flex Cap when you have had more time to evaluate it and can put together a well informed opinion on it. Best regards buddy, stay safe n happy trails.

[@Tbonesjones79]

I got the same pack. Great for adding gear when I bring my kids. Or when you need to bring a bear cannister.

[@chrisb3976]

Ive never gone backpack camping but I own the Osprey farpoint 40. Also the Mystery Ranch In and Out 19. It's a packable backpack. I figure it would be small for a 19L but its got some room in it :)

[@ProExhibit]

Thanks Paul, really informative. I'm a carp fishermen so naturally I carry for the worlds end.

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

Well said Paul.

[@BulldogBadger]

So what I take from this video is I already have two packs, and now I need to buy more.. and I can tell my Mrs that you and Trev have loads so I need a few more 🤘🤣

[@alexismarmol305]

Good video brother. I do have a couple backpacks, but mostly to share them with family and friends when on a hike. I have a Deuter 55+10( or something around that capacity) and a couple daypacks. I mostly use the daypacks now , guess i learned how to pack more eficiently watching some KZbin videos😉of a friendly hiker.

[@ChrisWoutdoors]

Really helpful video Paul, I use a Bergen with two rocket pouches but am looking to lighten up a bit in the future so will come back to this as a reference...ATB Chris.

[@ipaales7552]

Brilliant Paul and a great tip not using the sleeping compression bag all the best marra take care mate 👍🏕️

[@PaulMessner]

It fills all the dead space nicely without adding extra weight. I hope you had a great Christmas buddy

[@bretwalda8543]

Wow. My first camping trip was also at kinder scout and my first backpack was a berghaus cyclopse too. i also filled it with tonnes of stuff i didnt need, most of it being food, especially tinned food which wasnt such a good idea. It was also during a heat wave which resulted in me having heat stroke by the time i got home. All from carrying my massive backpack up steep hills in one of the hottest days of the year. Cant believe how stupid i was 😂

[@nealewhite2347]

good basic information. keep it up Paul

[@Rusted_Link]

I am hard set on only using a 34l as my one pack. The climate I live in, Florida is usually warm so I think I can do it.

[@jimbrewer2730]

Great advice and ironically bought a new backpack today luckily enough I’d seen another video along the same lines as yours so I know I’ve chosen wisely!

[@user-vl7zk9wr3n]

Love your vids. we have been hiking for years. We don't have a lot of fluff. 😊

[@Funkteon]

Great video, and fills a few knowledge gaps for my intended 220km trek across the Dasht-e Lut Desert in Iran during the height of summer where surface temperatures can reach 70°C and the ambient air temperature in the shade has exceeded 60°C... My biggest concern is water, as there is none at all in this desert, so I'll need to carry approximately 20 litres of it so I can make it to a supply drop about 150km into the walk.. So yeah, of my assumed 30kg (give or take), 2/3 of that weight will be water, and another 3-4kg will be dehydrated food.. A pack that did me well for quite a while is the 'Highlander Forces 66L' - I think it was even used by the contestants on the UK 'SAS Who Dares Wins' show..

[@Gunrunner4532]

Thank you Paul. I enjoy your videos so much.

[@ntr10me]

Hey, Paul. With videos like this one which are pretty dense with details and information, I hope you might consider adding little titles or on-screen annotations to make the content even more memorable or memorizable. Good stuff, as always. Happy New Year. Stay safe.

[@whengrapespop5728]

Just write down what you want to remember🤷‍♂️

[@johnpawson7400]

Good video, takes a lot of guesswork out of buying a new bag

[@Aloneinhills]

Great advice I'm sure we all wish we would of seen a video like this before we rushed out and purchased haha would love you to do the same sort of video on boots that don't break the bank..

[@paulwalters5317]

Great video Paul. Thanks for the info👍

[@JBC_cat]

I personally find the shorter fatter packs a bit better then the longer packs. A long one I would consider a Osprey Aether or Ariel. I find I can manage my space better when they are shorter and fatter. Also helps balance me out on the trail. The long packs seem to make me top heavy feeling. If I need to tie my shoe I feel like I'm going to fall head over heals. Haha. In my opinion backpacks are like shoes. Only real way to find one that suits you is to try all the different kinds. It can be expensive to find the right one.

[@PaulMessner]

I agree. I like that this pack added extra volume across the width rather than adding it on top. It makes the centre of gravity better IMO

[@maidenwigan]

Cracking informative video as usual👍 can’t wait for the next one.