• Backpacks
  • Large backpack capacity explained
  • Large Trekking Backpack 50 liter
  • Vaude Rupal Light Daypacks/Summitpacks 28 & 18 liter
  • Chestpack
  • Hartford Gear Dyneema Packing Pods
  • HuckePacks Dyneema BeiPack Lite & Sacocche Lite
  • B&W Outdoor cases
• Dry Bags
  • aLOKSAK element-proof storage bags
  • OpSak Odor Proof bags
  • .HF Dry Bags
  • Waterproof Waist Pack by Aquapac
  • Drybags by Aquapac
  • Waterproof Duffle Bag by Aquapac
• Bikepacking
  • Geosmina Bags
• Travel Bags
  • Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 120 liter Trolley
    • Pack-It Gear Protect-It Cube
    • Pack-It Isolate Quick Trip XS
• Storage
  • Aykasa Crate system

Backpacks

Large backpack capacity explained

Large trekking (hiking) backpacks are designed for those who take on the more demanding trails, taking plenty of gear and spending multiple nights in a tent. These are very big backpacks, with capacities that range from 50-100 liters. These framed packs also tend to be slightly heavier, offering structure, stability and a better fit.
The needed capacity of my backpack is set by the weight that I am able and choose to carry. My Solo trip multi-day targeted weight is approximately 25 kg. Generally, the weight at the start of my trip will be a little more. But, because this includes consumables, the weight decreases with circa 0,5-1 kg/day.

When Solo walking, 70+ liters will allow me to walk two weeks, divided in 50 liter (gear) plus 22 liter (consumables), at a total weight of 25 kg.
(When going solo, I use a chestpack, al-the-time and everywhere, with all the essentials like a torch, pocket knife, comms, PLB, etcetera, should something bad happen.)

Gear: 16-18 kg / using 50+ liter volume Backpack, Tent System, Sleeping System, Cooking System, Clothing, Personal Hygiene, Safety & First Aid, Photography Gear, Electronics, Fishing Gear Consumables: 0,5 kg per day / using 1,5 liter of volume per day Freeze Dried Meals, Energy & Proteine Bars, Coffee, Fresh Food, Fuel, (Water)

When Duo walking (and sharing a tent, cooking system, safety & first aid and electronics) a 50 liter pack, will allow me to take food for a week (10 liter).

My 75 liter pack at Inverarnan, the northern Loch Lomond section of the Scottish West Highland Way.	My 75 liter pack in front of the Buachaille Etive Mòr on the Glencoe section of the West Highland Way.
On my way to the Black Cuillin, Skye, Scotland.	Aqua hitchhiking in the Camas Fhionnairigh (Bay of the White Shieling), Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Large Trekking Backpack 50 liter

My Fenix Protector ‘Magnus 50’ backpack is a 50 litre backpack, originally developed for armed forces. An everlasting and reliable pack. Unintended, I did put this pack to some vigorous tests, and it came out as a winner!
At first glance, this seems to be a pretty straight forward and basic backpack. One inner compartment and all the standard features. But, this pack is a modern version of all of those features we have known for years. Yes, it is a top- and front loader, it has a ‘brain’ compartment, belt pockets and all that. But the real gems are in the designed details. Like the hooks on the shockcord making it far easier to stow jackets and raingear. Like sleeves over the full height of the pack sides, for stowing tripods, tentpoles, fishing rods, walking poles, etcetera.
It also comes with three different types of zipper pulls (for glove wearing situations, bush situations and multi purpose ones) and clever fastners to tie loose ends of webbing.
Approximately €235

These 50 liters, allow me to take all my gear for solo hikes up to a week. In winter the extra needed gear (fuel, clothing, ice axe, crampons, insulated mat, et cetera) will limit the meals I can take with approximately 3 days.

Like most army packs, it is built for personalisation by means of add-ons, using various techniques like Velcro and Molle.
My first add-on is the water bladder pouch, with a 3 liter bladder, which can be hung into the pack with existing attachments and feeding the tube through a dedicated port.
The IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is a very practical one. It consists out of two parts: a molle holder attached to the pack, and a detachable snap-buckle pouch.
There are several internal stuff bags as well that velcro onto anyplace inside the pack.
Fenix has hooking straps to mount things like your mat or sleeping bag on the outside of the pack, using special loops.
All in all, this is a pack with hidden modern features providing the extras that can make life easier on the trail.

See how I pack this backpack on my YouTube channel.

Fenix Protector is a European business, developing and manufacturing equipment for extreme conditions for more than 25 years. It’s owner Martin Hanuš, has an extensive knowledge and history as it comes to mountaineering and whitewater sports.

Vaude Rupal Light Daypacks/Summitpacks 28 & 18 liter

These are my two ultra lightweight Vaude Rupal Light backpacks, for alpine climbing and sporty mountain tours. I use the 18 liter Rupal Light and the 28 liter Rupal Light version. These have all the functionality I need. Made out of strong material, but yet very lightweight.
Looking for a pack to do dashes onto mountain tops, I found these awesome packs. Light enough to carry as extra load in my bigger pack and functional enough to take all the necessary gear on alpine day trips. I typically carry a hydration system, an ice axe, a ice pick, crampons, a helmet, a PLB, clothing layers, cooking gear and food. During the cold season I carry less clothing layers inside the pack, which enables me to use the smaller pack.
These packs offer superior freedom of movement, even when fully packed.

• Joint (similar) features
• Ultralight backpack designed for Alpine Climbing, Mountaineering and Via Ferrata.
• Molded padding stripes at back.
• Drawstring flap closes the pack quickly.
• Outer zip pocket.
• Side compression straps.
• Lightweight siliconized fabric.
• Reflective elements.
• Opening for hydration system.
• Back ventilation with large central ventilation channel.
• Water repellent finish Eco Finish.
• Load range: 3 – 8 kg.

Vaude is a environmentally friendly German company striving for climate-neutrality for all their products.

Chestpack

I use a chestpack, al-the-time and everywhere, with all the essentials, should something bad happen. Default, my chestpack contains the following items: – Kase Wolverine K100 filter set – Zoleo PLB & Satellite Messenger – Fenix PD32 Flashlight – Pains Wessex Compact Distress Signals – Aviator card wallet – Victorinox Trailmaster pocket knife – Cold Steel SRK camp knife – Victorinox knife sharpener – Suunto Compass – Camera Batteries & Memory Cards – Remotes for my cameras – GoPro wrenches – Mini Towl / Lens cloth – Headnet – Sharpie – iPhone 12 Pro

Hartford Gear Dyneema Packing Pods

These Hartford Gear Dyneema Packing Pods are the lightest ever. Handmade by Georgia, these packs are well made, high quality products, made to last! They have all the practical details, loops, pulls and waterproof HHH-zippers. I use the range of small, medium and large pods, weighing 24, 28 and 32 grams respectively. She offers 7 colour variations and a X-Pac version as well. Highly recommended!

HuckePacks Dyneema BeiPack Lite & Sacocche Lite

These two versatile packs are part of the HuckePacks Lite line (ofwhich the Phoenix backpack with Hipbelt+ is number one on my wishlist). Made out of wear-resistant and waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric, they are ultralight and extremely durable. Their minimalistic, but practical design allows them to be an asset as allround add-ons. Both are feature Dyneema Composite Fabric Woven and YKK Aquaguard zippers. For those who you have the need to tweak these packs, HuckePacks has a ‘Special’ line.
Although not (yet) seam sealed, these packs protect their content well in a medium rain conditions.

The BeiPack Lite is 2 liter sack that can be attached as add-on to all backpacks in an instant, or be worn as fanny pack. I typically use this as a utility pocket carrying a camera, PLB and snacks. It has the absolute ideal practical dimensions for those aiming to go ultralight and only weighs 40 grams. It comes with a 25mm hipbelt that has an strong yet light Aero buckle.

The Sacoche Lite comes with an ultralight shoulder strap and an inner hook for key attachment. It attaches very well both inside as on the outside of backpacks and can even be worn as a utility pocket on it’s own. I use this for my phone, passport, travel documents and maps. The two outer pockets are of different sizes. On the photograph it holds my iPhone 11 for reference. The overall design is very flat, well proportioned (20x20cm) and weighs a mere 33 grams, with durable mesh and 10mm webbing with release buttons.

HuckePacks is a small shop in Germany by Mateusz Szultk. His mission is to provide Ultra Light backpacks and equipment. Or as he says:
‘A necessity became a hobby, a hobby became a passion and a passion became a calling.’
Combine that with German precision and quality and you can’t go wrong!

B&W Outdoor cases

I use these B&W outdoor type 1000 cases for my First Aid Kit and my Action Camera Kit.
I use a B&W outdoor type 2000 case, with padded dividers, for my DLSR Kit.

The exceptionally sturdy polypropylene (PP) that makes up the cases, combined with a dependable rubber seal, provides a IP67 rating waterproofness. It is stackable, dustproof, temperature-stable and airworthy (due to the automatic pressure equalization valve).

• Type 1000 specs: Inner dimensions: 250 x 175 x 95 mm, outer dimensions: 270 x 215 x 105 mm, weight: 0.7 Kg, volume: 4.1 L
• Type 2000 specs: Inner dimensions: 250 x 175 x 155 mm, outer dimensions: 270 x 215 x 165 mm, weight: 0.9 Kg, volume: 6.6 L.

Dry Bags

aLOKSAK element-proof storage bags

These aLOKSAK element-proof storage bags are the ultimate in keeping air, humidity, water, dust and sand away from your gear. They are particularly suited for smaller and flatter gear. These bags come in very many different sizes (not specified in cm, but in inches), making them usable for a host of different purposes. Some purposes and items I use them for are:

• Climbing chalk
• Maps. I find the 12″x12″ bags to be a perfect fit for my maps.
• Pegs. Yes, they are that strong!
• First aid supplies I keep different types of products seperated in small bags, which are easy to recognize in these clear bags.
• General repair kits Again, easy to see what’s in which bag. Silicon repair, sharpners, clothing repair, tape & tie wraps, et cetera.
• Sunscreen lotion and other oily stuff, which you do not want on your clothing.
• Backpack head lining. I use a larger bag as a liner for my backpack head, to keep my valuables dry.
• Sketch- and Notebooks
• Photographic gear like lavalier mics and filters
• Pyro signals
• et cetera

OpSak Odor Proof bags

These are a must have for ‘leave no trace’ campers. (Which I hope we all are.) Because these OPSAK Odor Proof barrier bags will hold any kind of waste and keep the odeurs inside the bag. A feature that’s equally usefull in not attracting unwanted wildlife (Which is pretty much all wildlife, as we leave wildlife be.) They are long lasting, resealable, washable, watertight, airtight, and odorproof, so these are an excellent solution for:

• Fresh caught fish. As an ultralight hillwalker, I allways struggled to find dedicated, light and small bags to keeping caught fish seperate from other gear while fishing. Now I have these.
• Waste (including human waste). One of the principals of ‘leave no trace’ is not leaving any waste behind. On my trips, lasting more than a week, this waste will get smelly if not stored in an Opsak.
• Food. Any food. Not just to keep it seperated and bundled in portions, but to keep it from attracting wildlife, critters and what not, as well. We do not want animals to associate people we food.

.HF Dry Bags

These are the dry bags that I carry behind my kayak seat. Solid, reinforced, dubble sided coating, sonically sealed, heavy duty PVC. These will last and can take the pressure.
I like the loop on the bottom to secure them in the boat, so I can access my stuff without taking the bag out of the boat. Ø 19 cm, H 40 cm.

Supplied by Kanocentrum Arjan Bloem.

Waterproof Waist Pack by Aquapac

This is my every day carry bum bag (fanny pack / belt bag / moon bag / belly bag) Whether inside or outside of the boat, this is where my personal essentials are. Rugged, dry and secure, easy to carry, easy to attach in the kayak and worth seeing. It has a IPx6 internal volume of 3 liters, including the easy access IPx3 frontpocket. There is a small zippered mash pocket and carabiner inside of the main compartment. The features:

• Tough 500D polyester-reinforced PVC tarpaulin
• Velcro strip roll closure
• Splashproof quick-access pocket
• Internal zippered pocket
• The comfortable, breathable mesh padding
• Matt black, with reflective strip
• Weight: 370g

Drybags by Aquapac

Simple, heavyweight drybags with shoulder strap . These bags are of a super-rugged construction. Made out of 500D polyester-reinforced PVC tarpaulin, they can take a beating and will not easily damage.
To secure your stuff, roll the top down 3 times and lock the closure.
In the event this IPx6 dry bag gets punctured are otherwise damaged, they are easy to patch (PVC). These bags come in 4 sizes and 2 colours.

Waterproof Duffle Bag by Aquapac

My 70 liter heavyweight IPx6 waterproof duffle bag . Either to keep water out and protect my dry gear in wet conditions, or to keep water in under dry conditions (to protect the car interior, f.i.). With their Velcro and double strap/buckle closure these duffle bags will do their job. I throw these around whilst loaded to the brim. Being made out of the same 500D polyester-reinforced PVC tarpaulin as my dry bags, the are equally strong and durable. These too are easy to patch (PVC) if needed. The neon colour limits the amount of sun-heat they catch.

Aquapac is a European business specialising in innovative waterproof cases, bags and packs.

Bikepacking

Geosmina Bags

Geosmina produces hardcore ultralight bikepacking components to be used in tough conditions, in any weather and will fit almost any bike.
Allow me to rave:
Now, these aren’t the usual ‘fancy, colourful, trendy, fashionable, showy’ bikepacks. These are the packs that you’ll get to do the tough stuff. They’ll take a punch. They will add practical functionality to a bike. They will not interfere with the bike’s mechanical parts. They fit well and they are easy to adjust and use. These packs are for serious bikers, doing serious bikepacking (and, imho, very reasonably priced).
The materials used are PVC-free and recyclable. These ultralight materials are highly resistant to abrasion, water and ultraviolet rays. Serious attention and know-how is put into the details like the waterproof zippers, Y-shaped seals, hypalon inserts, heat-sealed seams, et cetera. Most of their products are 100% waterproof, two of them are waterresistant. (no IP-ratings are given.)

Large top tube bag. Offering plenty of packing space, this bag will carry my mobile, camera, tools and/or snacks. It is waterproof (probably IP55/IP56) and fitted with an easy to operate zipper. It mounts effortless onto almost any bike and any tube size. It has a removable inner pouch in a yellow contrasting colour (so it’s easier to find stuff in dimmed light). This little pack is an eye-catcher!

The Handlebar bag has 10 liters of waterproof (probably IP68 submersible) capacity to keep dry clothes, valuables like car’keys’ and other watersensitive items. It’s a very strong bag, that will fit any bike. It’s reinforced in strategic places and all components are durable and tough. It looks great as well!

Geosmina is a European company specialising in durable and rugged bikepacks.

Travel Bags

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 120 liter Trolley

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 120 liter, now has a telescoping trolley handle! The Cargo Hauler allready was one of my favourites, but now the bag benefits from the handle construction adding bottom stiffness. It provides a rigid protected place between the rails to pack longer items. I use it for my fishing rods, bow, arrows and tracking poles.
The bag has all the grab- and haul handles you’d need, plus lashpoints to secure it. The water repellent fabric is reinforced in all the nessecary places, making it a reliable and durable bag, that handles the rigors of outdoor usage very well. My ‘Pack-It Gear Protect-It Cube’, loaded with my camera gear fits neatly in the top compartment of the Cargo Hauler.

Pack-It Gear Protect-It Cube

This water repellent Protect-It Gear Cube, with it’s padded interior and removable internal dividers is great for storing my camera, filters and other equipment. It’s durable and has proper handles. This is no fiddly stuff, but a serious protective bag. Specs: 36 x 26 x 13 cm, 12 liter and 460 grams.

Pack-It Isolate Quick Trip XS

A neat little toiletry bag is the perfect minimalist size. It has an exterior zippered pocket, in addition to two main compartments. I use it to pack away toiletries and my travel pharmacy. Specs: 20 x 10 x 6 cm, 1,8 liter and 41 grams.

Storage

Aykasa Crate system

We outdoor people gather loads of gearfor different activities (hillwalking, mountaineering, biking, kayaking, et cetera), different seasons, different versions of each item ánd we store all the stuff that might come out handy, someday. I use an Aykasa crate system to store my gear, made of polypropylene plastic which is foodsafe (bacterias cannot live on the surface), very easy to recycle and therefore has a fine environmental footprint, maintenance-free and highly durable.

My Aykasa Midi stack, contains mid-sized gear like, first aid/gopro/stoves/comms/etcetera.
These are very sturdy crates, easily bearing 8 kg of gear. They interlock very well, allowing me to stack them very high. The 14.5 liters volume (40x30x17cm) is well dimensioned, so it’s easy to fit most gear.
They weigh 450 g and are dishwasher safe.