TheOsprey Hikeliteis equipped with everything that you could need for a hiking trip. Granted, some of the larger backpacks for hiking can also be pretty good for traveling. A donation to this forum helps it continue to exists and also removes all ads for you. Switched to a 22L north face day pack. 4) zippered sleeping bag compartment, which we use for our shoes, keeps them separate from our clothes. I went in planning to buy the Tempest (women's version of Talon), but it wasn't nearly as comfortable as the Kyte, which does weigh more. Also please check the "New" return policy at REI. The frame situation is at least as important in determining the right pack for you. Ventilated AirSpeed Mesh backpanel with side vents maintain a comfortable fit and keep your back cool, Integrated raincover keeps your pack and gear dry in inclement weather, Large, lockable U-zip duffel-style access to main compartment - 55L total volume, Detachable daypack with designated laptop and tablet sleeve and scratch-free stash pocket, Dedicated, padded laptop and tablet sleeves. My favorite thing about theOsprey Farpoint 55is that itcomes with a detachable daypack. In backpacks, there are two types of frames internal & external. If you are looking for a good, sturdy backpack for hiking and similar outdoor activities,Gregory Zulu or Osprey Hikeliteare probably your best choices. Peaceable Projects Inc. is a U.S.-based non-profit group that brings the vast resources of the wide world together with the ongoing needs of the people who live, work, and travel on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail network in Spain. $219, $100 - All Rights Reserved. And what is best of all, it comes equipped with a zip-off daypack, so you basically get two products for the price of one. In addition to that, thededicated laptop compartmentcan fit a laptop of up to 15. If you are in need of a travel backpack, then I would recommendthe Osprey Farpoint. The daypacks capacity is 13 liters, which means that the capacity of the main pack is 42 liters. Do not recommend for people packing heavier loads. Helpful clerk did and explained all adjustments. That is because it is still a pretty large backpack, with a 40-liter capacity. But there are also several other things to consider; the size, the value for money, and also comfort. With this pack Osprey has added features that Full review, Best lightweight backpacking pack I've used. JavaScript is disabled. Here we will take a look at the best outdoor backpacks from both brands. The sternum strap and thehipbelt harnesswill also ensure that you stay comfortable while you are carrying this backpack. What matters is that the bag is comfortable. So, if that sounds good, just keep on reading! Stratos 36 provides 36 liters of storage while Zulu 40 provides 40 liters of storage. Best Compact Mummy Sleeping Bag In 2022 [Buying guide &, Best Synthetic Rectangular Sleeping Bag [In-Depth Review], Know more about Osprey Stratos 36 on Amazon, Know more about Gregory Zulu 40 on Amazon, FIxed top-lid with zippered slash pockets, Front panel vertical center zippered pockets, FeeFloat dynamic suspension which moves according to the bodys movement. And the compression straps that go over the main compartment and the front compartment will help keep everything in place. In general, Osprey backpacks are cheaper than the Gregory ones. The border also features a sternum strap that will keep the shoulder straps in place at all times. Naturally, this backpack has apadded electronics sleeve, as well as a ton of different pockets. Theshoulder straps are also padded, and they are equipped with a sternum strap. Learn how to Get "Camino Ready " 2nd Edition. I am considering the gregory since its lighter by 300 grams and looks more compact which can help with carry on regulations. It is also very comfortable, with theventilated AirSpeed back panel. And on top of all of those, its waterproof what else can you ask for? thank for the review. To protect your gears and food from the rain both backpack comes with a rain cover. An adjustable torso used to provide fit and tuned customization according to various body shapes. This Gregory backpack has padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap, but thats not the coolest thing about it. And I also really like themany pockets in the main compartment. If you are on a tight budget, the Hikeliteis the best backpackyou can get for under $100. But it is overall my favorite travel backpack, precisely because of its convertibility. So after testing both on the basis of review fight anyone can tell the winner of this fight by seeing scores out of 10. Its a great choice for your daily needs, particularly if you live in a rainy area. Join me in this journey, and I will cherish you with all I have. But, there are a few downsides to this backpack. 2001-2022 Trailspace. Most hikers begin to consider the adjustable torso when choosing a new backpack. To make reading easy all features of this backpack is given below in the form of a list. Took everyone's advice and spent time today at my nearest REI store. But no problem, because one should win this fight, and Zulu 40, seems to have more competence over Stratos 36. It also protects the gear inside if your water leaks. In English, Spanish, German and Korean. Additionally, the main compartment has an organization panel inside, which is essential if you like to stay organized. So, you can rest assured that all your belongings will stay dry, no matter how hard it pours outside. And, unlike the Gregory Compass,it has a hipbelt along with a sternum strap. The ME capacity is 37L expandable to around 42 thanks to the Full review, I used this pack to take my child backpacking and camping. So if you are looking for this type of backpack, read on! But as you know this is a fight so only one can win the tag of the review fight winner. 2) the hydration sleeve to hold the hydration reservoir is not in the bag itself. ), On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 9.0, Introduce yourself or list your starting date, Donate to the Forum (removing ads and support the running of the site), A selection of favorite albergues on the Camino Francs. This book's focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. I am greatly appreciative of the considerable input offered here. It provides excellent functionality combined with superior organization and user-friendliness. The Compass is equipped with several different pockets and compartments, and that includes aTSA-friendly laptop and tablet compartment. All in all, the Quasar is a great backpack, but its neither the cheapest nor the sleekest out of the bunch. Another is thehip harness beltthat allows helps distribute the weight of the backpack across your entire torso so that your shoulders arent carrying all the weight. Fit: 5/5 stars, excellent fit. In fact, the coolest thing about it is that its waterproof. -Note the basic backpack sack combined with the multi-pocketed shoulder straps- Shoulder strap pockets and sternum strap design To prepare for my trip to paradise I used the Aerios Full review, Well thought out pack. The Daylite plus (full review) is a very good and incredibly lightweight daypack that is just the right size for daily adventures. Overall this is a good backpack, but honestly, its not the best money can buy. I purchased this pack specifically for the 11-mile, there-and-back Kalalau Trail, along Kauais Na Pali Coast. Front bucket pocket for quick gear storage. And, there is no fuss when switching it from shoulder straps to wheels; just put it on the ground and take out the handle and youre done. My wife, who has the smaller version, really wishes she had these three pockets. Lets say you are going camping somewhere; at one point you will want to leave the camp, and the daypack will be perfect for that adventure because it allows you to carry only the things that you need and not everything you brought on the trip. For one thing, itdoesnt feature a dedicated electronics compartment. But, they do lack some important features, such as dedicated compartments for your electronics. I'm not sure where this pack fits in yet, but I'm definitely using it. But, the most important features of this backpack are the ones that ensure your carrying comfort, such as the ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, and sternum strap, and hipbelt. I bought the pack when it was "unisex" Full review, Very lightweight and simple pack designed for climbers and alpinists, but also suitable for weight-conscious backpackers as well as backcountry skiers. Caminho COASTAL FROM PORTO (incl. $130. But, there is one thing I really dont like about this Gregory travel pack. and I think the Gregory packs with the trampoline backs are great. $199, $140 - How does a multi-functional 28-liter daypack for just over $50 sound? It's CRAZY light It's waterproof (so you don't need a separate backpack cover) All my gear for a week-long backpacking trip fit perfectly The weight was well distributed, but my left hip did become a little sore after a long 10+ mile day If you want to get into ultralight backpacking, this is one of the best packs Full review, Incredibly comfortable pack for long day hikes. If you also like to know everything upfront, youve come to the right place. And there is also atablet sleeve in this compartment so that your electronics can be safe and together. The latest review was added on May 30, 2022. You should go back and look at more packs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We should see if the zipper is successfully passed in two functionality one, it should be durable (smooth zipping & unzipping, strong material will decide the durability) and second, the zipper should not be seen as fashion in backpacks instead it should be seen as if zippers are making access to pack content easy or tough. And you can choose between 4 really cool colors, but the Brilliant Blue is definitely my favorite. I think you narrowed it down to the correct two brands. $189, $80 - So, I will do my best to give you that information upfront along with the name of the backpack. I think there is a reason other manufacturers haven't gone with the arc design Full review, I'm a bit of a pack rat with packs. Or that you at least have a price in mind that you wouldnt like to go over. curated by the Trailspace community. And, the top part of the backpack goes over the drawcord, which ensures the security of your stuff. Due to his age I carried almost all the shared gear. Before comparing these two it is necessary that you are aware of the features that they are providing. You have to lay it flat, and then unzip the main compartment really similar to a suitcase opening. In this review, we will check out three different types of backpacks for travel, for a daily commute, and for outdoor activities (hiking, mountain climbing, camping, etc.). Enhanced lumbar foam layering for increased load-bearing comfort. If not, feel free to read about all of them, and then decide which one is the most suitable for you. The main compartment of this Gregory backpack featuresroll-top closure. The onlydownside of the Compass is that it doesnt have a hipbelt. 6) all the other expected crap like built in rain cover, plenty of pockets (my 46 lt has 3 more pockets than her 36 lt does), mesh outside pocket, etc. I used an Aarnpack that holds 42l that had plenty of room. It comes with asternum strap and a hipbelt harnessthat also has pockets (just like the Zulu). No, but I will try the Talon when I return one to the store. Share your experience, help others find the best gear, and build your reputation as a trusted reviewer. It is large enough for a week-long trip, and if that is not enough for you, it also comes in anOspreys hydraulics reservoirs(full review). Starting del Norte 30th Aug and plan to finish Oct 1. Since its approximately the size of a suitcase, this is the perfect backpack for you if you are planning on going on a week-long exploration of the Amazon forest. Both these brands make high-quality gear, and its going to be tough to choose between them. This backpack is AMAZING. The third was an REI brand, but same size. It is large enough, and it has almost all the features that are necessary for a good travel backpack. However, the lack of it means that your shoulders will have to carry all the weight, which will inevitably result in soreness. Hi everyone - I have the Kestrel and thinking about switching to the Zulu. Stratos 36 is enough for 2 to 3 days of hiking where Zulu 40 is enough for 4 to 5 days of hiking. Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: $349 - They have several features I don't see on any other backpack that I find essential or simply convenient; 1) a built in trekking pole attachment so you don't always have to carry your poles nor set the pack down to stash them. Senda Lit. Does anyone own the Zulu 40 and can tell what is the minimal height of the bag? They provide you with additional storage space, and they can even fit a helmet when you stretch them enough. So, there is plenty of space to pack all your necessities. I love packs and bags. This means you don't have to remove stuff from your backpack to get access to the reservoir to fill it. Traveling to different places - exploring their culture, and moments of awe- the realization of me being just a speck in this vast existence. Another really cool feature of the backpack is that it has apadded laptop sleeve. Well, thats a really hard question, particularly if I dont know what kind of backpack you need. But the great thing about REI is their return policy. Overall, this is a solid daypack. And the Daylite is also equipped with a sternum strap and a hipbelt, so you wont be just really comfortable, but also pain-free. I dont know about you, but whenever Im about to buy anything, I always look at reviews; whether its just a new toothbrush or a new laptop. VENTILATED SUSPENSION: Updated CrossFlo Suspension. It is important to know what you need it for because different types of backpacks have different features. So, if you were looking for a modern, sleek backpack, then this one is definitely the best one for you. Jokes aside, this is a great backpack for anyone who really needs something big. Zulu 40 wins this round because it uses FreeFloat dynamic suspension in which the FreeFloat flex panel allows the hip belt to pivot and flex with the natural movements of your body where Stratos 36 uses airspeed suspension. The lined quick-access pocket with a keychainis also a really convenient inclusion. Show me your winter footwear, boots and socks. With a capacity of75 liters, this is the largest hiking backpackwe are going to look at today. And, it hasTSA friendly opening, which will significantly decrease the time that you spend at TSA checkpoints. Did anyone tried both and can share his thoughts about the difference in capacity? I really like this feature because it kind of makes the function of the backpack convertible. And you would most definitely feel that. I've used this pack for nearly four years now. I dont know about you, but those features just scream comfort to me. Much of my confusion has been relieved. So, if you are on a tight budget, I can tell you right now that you should choose an Osprey backpack. Hence, the winner of this round is Zulu 40. The ME Tupilak is classified as a climbing pack, but I successfully used it in long distance backpacking trips (or ultralight if you want). But, that also depends on a couple of different factors the size of the backpack and its color. I use it for awhile and pass it down to my kids. Materials: tougher / last longer, etc. In addition to all that, there are alsoelastic bungee cords on the very front of the backpack. Press J to jump to the feed. But, its not the cheapest one thats the Osprey Hikelite. Love these packs! It gets used, worn out, repaired, and kept. I carry a Gregory jade 28 liter. It's relatively ventilated Full review, This is an exceptional pack for burly day hikes all the way to four-night warm weather backpacking. And the pockets on the hipbelt are just the cherry on top. These packs are about the highest quality I have ever seen. I'd say that 25 pounds is too heavy! If it felt good at that 25# weight, would if fit and feel even better at 16-20#? My husband carries an osprey 36 liter. Here's my pack list for my inaugural Camino. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far. Helping pilgrims travel to Santiago de Compostela. However, this newbie is still a bit torn: 2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. Collapsible (Nacatin) walking poles - DIY help request, Gear / Weight - Packing List Thoughts, Opinions, Questions, General planning and preparation for any camino, Camino FRANCS (Most popular route). $180, $310 - They both have hip belt pockets for storing small quick to access materials and have dual side stretch mesh pockets. If a thief wanted to get inside your backpack, they would have to undo the hook that goes over the main compartment, and then lift the top part up. So, be sure to carefully read the subheadings, to see which backpacks are the largest, the cheapest, the best performing, etc. $200, $165 - It is really soft, and so is the contoured shoulder harness. Hello, hikers & backpackers welcome to the review fight. Because of that, we will check out a few backpacks that are designed to be your travel companions. It was perfect. And, you know what else is padded on the Fairpoint? One really cool thing about this backpack is that it is fully compatible with almost all of Ospreys travel backpacks. TheOsprey Quasar backpackis one of my all-time favorites. Did you try smaller bags? $210, $152 - I think it depends on which store and who you speak to. Hence taking both durability and easy access in mind the Zulu is the winner of this round. The weight of Stratos 36 is 3.296lbs and the weight of Zulu 40 is 2.90lbs. However, on my last hike one of the rods that arc broke, and with a long hike the following weekend I'm out of luck, no chance I can get a replacement in time for the trip. But the black one is definitely the most elegant one. The Zulu backpack is one of Gregorys all-time bestsellers, and there is a good reason for it. Both backpacks win this round because they both have the same frame which is the internal frame. Tell me about your experience in this review fight. The only plus point in Zulu 40 is it has deep water bottle pockets that can safely contain a 1.5L Nalgene without falling out when leaning over. There are sooooo many different brands that make backpacks that its virtually impossible to choose at least without doing the proper research. overnight packs (35-49l), I just love how convenient it is, particularly with all the different compartments and sleeves. However, if you need a sleeping bag a 40 l. bag is a reasonable weight to carry and you will not need to struggle to fit in food as well as your usual gear. Love the look and feel of these bags. My guess is awesome. Theback panel of this backpack is fully ventilatedso that you can stay cool throughout your adventures. You can do it while you walk. When it comes to backpacking and hiking maintained weight is the first priority of every backpacker. The suspension of the backpack will mostly decide the comfortable and weight adjustability of any backpack. But, theventilated mesh back panel and the sternum strap certainly make it one of the best-performing backpacks. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It has anintegrated rain cover, as well as a convenientfront shove-it pocket. And REI is good about measuring for sizing. So Im not going to deep dive in a full review as others did already a great job, but Ill concentrate on specific points relative to my usage. Those are my favorites. This is definitely one ofthe best backpacks you can get for travel, and its under $150. The clip on the chest strap has a whistle built it. That means that it is breathable and that your back wont get too sweaty. As for your carrying comfort, theback panel is fully padded with EVA foam. The J-Street is arguably the hottest backpack out of the bunch. It's my everyday pack for work as well as long day hikes. It is justlarge enough for a week-long trip(if you pack light), and it opens up like a suitcase. The Osprey Talon 44 is more than a pound less, and still large enough to carry all you'll need, and think you'll need. This is probably the most important thing you should consider. In the end, you should choose the one you like the most, regardless of whether you like it or not. My wife and I each carried an Osprey Kyte on two Camino - our third is less than a month away - and we found the Osprey bags to be high value for the dollar/euro. Those bags are bigger than you need, especially if you are walking a summer camino and not planning on taking a sleeping bag. Extras: it could be something like "it fit in an airplane with no need to check the luggage" or it is available in 4 colours vs 2, etc To be a bit more precise, it is compatible with the backpacks that feature a zip-off daypack, such as the Farpoint. $189, $120 - It is between the suspension system and the bag. I love the outside pockets and fold-close top to keep any water out. And there arecompression strapson this backpack that will further help with securing its load. Both Stratos 36 and Zulu 40 comes with torso adjustability. I wish I could review this pack in detail. Both backpacks are known for their own storage. It is perfect for long trips, and its multiple compartments and pockets will also allow you to keep everything organized. very useful! With 25# in each pack, walked the store for about 10-12 minutes each. It is not the best looking out of the four, but it is among the most affordable ones. What maintained weight means? By calculating all the scores Zulu 40 defeats Stratos 36 by 1. Its the perfect size to store your dirty shoes if you ask me. And the backpacksback panel is ventilated. This backpack has a front compartment and a pocket on the front panel, in addition to the main and laptop compartments. $180, $111 - Also, the Sojourn 45 is the smallest backpack in this line, and it also comes intwo larger sizes. Full review, The Arc Haul is a super light, nice pack, however it is a little fragile. There is also a padded laptop sleeve, as well as a hydration sleeve another feature that makes this backpack so versatile. The Osprey is ideal size for me and technically the gregory should carry more - but I am worried since it seems like despite the 40l mark the bag is actually smaller and wont be able to carry all my gear. to make the more complete I would add just a couple more points: $195, $116 - It has a ton of cool features that make it great for all kinds of outdoor activities. Integrated rain cover. And while that might be somewhat unusual, its also a great anti-theft feature. My wife steals it. And the best part is that itcomes with a removable daypack. Absolute improvement on previous versions. Not that you need my agreement too but thing 35 liter and thin the list down to what you need. Stratos 36 has 9 pockets and Zulu 40 has 6 external pockets. Leaving tomorrow. $159, $135 - Copyright 2022 by Expert World Travel. If the fit was right, I would suggest a lighter back. The back panel and the shoulder straps, which means that you will stay comfortable when you are carrying it. 5) built in whistle. And head over to Amazon to check out all of these backpacks in even more detail (and to check out their prices)! You probably want to get the most out of your backpack, and so you should choose the one that has the best overall performance. We may have been overzealous in All Albergues on the Camino Frances in one pdf, Favorite Albergues along the Camino Frances, Profile maps of all 34 stages of the Camino Frances. First of all, you need to decide what kind of backpack you need. REI is good and I shop there a lot, but I don't think they understand the Caminothey are outdoor as in camping and carrying much more gear. In terms of comfort, the Zulu does not disappoint. Both have trekking pole attachments for addon external storage. It has shoulder straps that allow you to carry it like a backpack, butit also has wheels and a wheel handle, that allows you to pull it along. 3) 2 waist belt pockets. Thats because we find bungee straps on hiking backpacks more often than on daypacks. $240, $180 - In fact, it features4 exterior pockets, 2 interior zippered pocket,s and 7 interior slip pockets. No, only tried these three. Okay! $210, $140 - On the other hand, if you dont care too much about the prices of these backpacks, then be on the lookout for the best-performing ones (read more below). Both backpacks are ideal for men and have their own unique traits which make it hard for me to decide which wins the fight. For day-to-day needs, I would have to recommend theGregory J-Streetbackpack. Overall, this is probably my favorite backpack in this section. The Levity is equipped with a lot of different pockets and compartments, as well as aninternal hydration sleeve, which is compatible with all ofOspreys hydraulics reservoirs. I agree the bags are all too big. I can snugly fit the pack to my back, thus it eliminates any momentum while moving. $204, $111 - Unfortunately I can only order it online without an easy return option. All stitching and seams are almost as perfect as they can be. Dual-density hipbelt and shoulder harness foam for improved heavy load stability. My pack for two months is 30L and is plenty big. And it has ahydration sleevethat is compatible with Ospreys Hydraulics reservoirs for hydration on the go. The Sojournis the ultimate travel backpack. Temps look like very warm days and comfortable nights (mid 50s F). I am Michael, and I love trees, losing myself in nature; all that greenery, wildlife, and the silence behind the sounds is all I want. It is definitely the sleekest looking, and it has all the features that make a great daypack. Both backpacks have sufficient pockets to store your stuff according to your need. 1.4 oz (40g) pocket guides with gems of wisdom to ponder during and after your Camino. $369, $200 - thing have changed Ultreya. Willy/Utah/USA. I agree that is was over the 10% ratio I have heard, but that's what the fellow loaded. The 2022 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. A hipbelt would help distribute its weight more evenly, and it would keep you more comfortable. It doesnt have a traditional zipper, but ratherdrawcord closure. At A Glance: Featured Favorites From The Review, But, Im here to show you which backpacks are the cheapest, which perform the best, and which ones will give you the best value for money. I could do it with the 33l model but to me the volume is a bit small and there is less leeway for awkward shaped things. That means that the load of the backpack can be evenly distributed among your entire torso and that you can say goodbye to sore shoulders. This is just a wild guess, but I have a feeling that you are on a budget. In simple the zipper style must ensure the easy access of content you had in the backpack and should be durable also so that it doesnt get a break while unpacking and packing. These are their most popular backpacks for hiking, mountain climbing, and similar activities. I'm in private rooms Update: Final packing list, 17 pounds w/ 2L water. In this review, we will take a detailed look at the most popular backpacks from both Osprey and Gregory. I honestly love that feature, but I also really like the opening of this backpack. You are using an out of date browser. But, it is also (obviously) the smallest backpack, with a26-liter capacity. The Zulu is a large backpack with a ton of cool features. Yep, that's right. Definitely recommend for lightweight packing, for those who are not into ultralight backpacking and comfort is still important. You do not need a pack that size! My most common pack activities are: Biking or rucking to the store and filling it with groceries Rucking with Full review. And that accounts for the week-long return home from the forest. After you have your gear together, and put it in your pack you will have a better idea of exactly what size backpack you need, and you can always reevaluate and return if necessary. In simple both bags are incredibly comfortable but Zulu 40 is providing you natural movements that make it more flexibly comfortable. I am liking the Kestral 38 a lot in my local test walks! Shipping now! Re- visited REI today and tried many smaller packs (32-44). Stratos wins this round not only because it has a large number of pockets but they also are very easy to access while hiking. (For example the Kestrel is 75cm according to spec but when not overpacked is actually 60). The most interesting feature of this backpack is the closure of the main compartment. I have definitely found that packing >30 lbs significantly and negatively affects comfort. Can't wait to see how they hold up with moderate use. But it does have carry handles on the top and bottom, so you could just carry it with your hands. Genuinely I am a big fan of the Osprey brand and in someway it hurts the ego of an osprey fan sitting inside. Was measured and looked at and tried all three bags suggested. It is very sleek looking, and it comes in three gorgeous colors. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.