What kind of backpack is suitable for backcountry?
What do you do with your backpack when going to the backcountry? You have to bring a lot of equipment to the mountains. Of course, you'll need to slide, hike, and move around while you're carrying your backpack. The question that everyone is puzzled by is, "What kind of backpack is good for the backcountry?"
So, this time, assuming "1-day backcountry", what kind of feeling will it be if you put the necessary equipment in a backpack of a popular popular brand? By checking and comparing storage capacity, functionality, fit when carrying, balance when moving, etc., let's get the important things in choosing a backpack and the tips for how to choose.
Mr. Amari of Ishii Sports is the instructor. He is a mountain professional who pursues serious pursuits such as climbing and mountain skiing. This time, Amari's discerning eye selected 3 backpacks recommended for 1-day backcountry trips.
3 featured backpacks selected and their features
This time, Mr. Amari picked up the following three points. Both are popular brands. Considering that it is a 1-day tour, 30 to 35 liters of capacity is appropriate. You can already see a lot of things at a glance.
THE NORTH FACE
Chugach 35
Capacity: 35ℓ
Size: S/M/L (Height x Width x Depth) S/M 57/30/14cm
Weight: S/M: 1,580g, L: 1,655g
¥30,800 (tax included)
[ Chugach 35 ]
First of all, the two-room structure is a rare big feature. You can store stickers and cameras that you don't want to get wet on the top, stickers that get wet, clothes you want to take out immediately, and so on. The biggest attraction is thinness. It is slightly heavier than other rucksacks because it uses high-strength fabric and has an aluminum frame, but this thinness is amazing. The tighter the rucksack and body feel, the easier it is to slip. This point is extremely important, especially in freeriding, as you speed up and fly around.
OSPREY
Solden 32
Capacity: 32ℓ
Size (Height x Width x Depth): 54/31/28cm
Weight: 1,150g
¥19,800 (tax included)
[ Connoisseur point of Solden 32 ]
Ospray was the pioneer of back opening. Three points are particularly attractive. First, it's incredibly light. Remarkably light at only 1.150g. And a helmet holder that is integrated with the rucksack. With this, it is unlikely that the wind will blow it away. And the point that the minimum necessary functions are packed. For first-timers and those who want to use it simply, a rucksack with the minimum necessary functions will be very good.
Deuter
FREERIDER PRO34+
Capacity: 34ℓ
Size (height x width x depth): 58 / 35 / 18cm
Weight: 1,280g
¥ 23,100 (tax included)
[ FREERIDER PRO34 + connoisseur points]
In contrast to simple rucksacks, it is attractive that it is full of functions. There are many storage pockets when opened. And there is a roll-down extension on the top, which is very convenient. A convenient strap comes out from the top to bundle the rope. A nice feature for those who do mountain tours.
When I packed the equipment into the rucksack
After learning about the excellent points and functionality of the three backpacks, I packed the necessary equipment for a 1-day backcountry tour in order. So what did it feel like?
Equipment for going skiing in the backcountry on 1DAY
This is a set of equipment that Amari-san usually wears when he goes skiing in the backcountry on a one-day day trip. In addition to stickers for hikes, essential safety goods and measures against the cold. See the list for details. (The item number in the photo and the number in the table are linked)
❖ List of must-have equipment for 1 DAY backcountry
Item name | brand | Product name | Reason for selection |
1. Shovel | K2 | Scope | The shovel part of the scoop is large and easy to use. Since it can be used in a hoe shape, it is also effective for excavating snow caves, etc. |
2. Probe | K2 | stealth300 | Smart without wires coming out |
3. Beacon | BCAs | TRAKKER3 | Fits comfortably in your hand, is thin, and is easy to operate (doesn't have many difficult functions) |
4. First aid kit | deuter | First AID KID | Good size |
5. Intermediate | Patagonia | ①NANO AIR LITHT HOODY ②MACRO PUFF HOODY | Iron plate insulation jacket. (1) A breathable insulation jacket that is worn during activity . |
6. Goggles & Sunglasses | OAKLEY | ①AIR BRAKE ②LINE MINER ③EVZERO (Sunglasses) | Emphasis on design. The contrast is not so strong, I choose a bright one |
7. Garbage bag | Zip Lock | Easy and durable. (First of all, don't bring anything that can become garbage on the mountain.) | |
8. Ski stickers | CONTURE | HYBRID MIX | Easy to handle in stable weather conditions with few climbs. Use glue type Pomoka when using in hard scenes |
9. Beverages and behavioral diets | Hot water, water, persimmon seeds | It depends on the mountaineering, but if it is a day trip, it is an image to control between 600 and 1500 kcal. | |
10. Grove | HESTRA BLACK DIAMOND | ERGO GRIP LEATHER WOOL OVER GLOVE 3FINGER GORETEX | Straightforward operability. That's all. In scenes where heat retention is required, remove the LEATHER WOOL inner and put it in the BLACKDIAMOND overglove. |
11. Miscellaneous | Headlamps, wax & remover, cable ties, chargers, etc. | Match the contents of the mountain line. Carefully examine in advance what is convenient to carry, and what is actually difficult to do without. |
This is what it looks like after I packed it
These pictures show the three backpacks with all the above equipment.
THE NORTH FACE Chugach 35
OSPREY Solden 32
Deuter FREERIDER PRO34+
I checked three backpacks at important points
I checked the 3 backpacks selected this time based on the points I want to emphasize when choosing a backpack for 1-day backcountry: fit, multi-functionality, thinness, storage, and cost performance.
Check out the video of the three backpacks and stuffing!
A video of Mr. Amari explaining the features and usability of the three backpacks, and actually packing the necessary equipment (all personal belongings of Mr. Amari) for a 1-day backcountry trip. Mr. Amari understands how to pack equipment, such as where and what items are packed, how it feels when carrying a rucksack, and how the rucksack looks when you bounce or move your body.
Summary
Points for choosing a backpack
Amari,
“The important thing is the fit when you carry it on your back.
The thinner it is, the more it will feel a sense of unity with the body. Personally, I'm obsessed with the thickness of the backpack, and the fact that it doesn't have too many features.
Because I think "simple is the BEST". And whether it is a smart design that fits in the width of the body. If you do it sideways, the rucksack will slip and it will interfere with stable skating.” Those who are planning to buy a backpack should be aware of this point. If you have no idea what kind of backpack to choose, or if you have a backpack that you are interested in but want to hear more about its functions and usability, you should visit the pro shop.
Profile
Yuki Amari
ICI Ishii Sports Nishi-Shinjuku store staff. Climbing from spring to autumn, mountain skiing and mountain skiing from winter to spring, he is a mountain specialist who is active in the mountains all year round. In winter, I often go backcountry in Gunma, Niigata, and Nagano. His favorite mountains are Mt. Amakazari and Mt. Yatsugatake. The life goal I want to visit someday is LILA PEAK in Pakistan.
Interview cooperation: Ishii Sports
❖ Check together!
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https://www.yodobashi.com/