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Whether you’re commuting, travelling, hiking, cycling, climbing, or running, you’re going to find a need for a daypack at some point in time. Choosing the right daypack is not easy though, with hundreds of brands and designs to choose from. So to help you make the right choice, answer the questions below and have a read through our article.

How often is your day pack going to be used?

A daypack that is going to be worn everyday needs to be more robust and durable than a daypack that you throw on your back for 30 minutes once a week or is used occasionally. If you use your backpack for commuting then it is certainly going to see more use and should have good quality zippers and abrasion resistant fabric in heavy wear areas such as the bottom of the pack.
 

How long will you be wearing your daypack for, and how heavy will it be?

This will determine how comfortable the pack will need to be, and what features you really will require. If you are going to be just using the day pack to pop in a few lightweight items for a brief ride or walk, then you won’t require ergonomic harness systems, hip belts, and back support. If however, you intend to have the pack on your back for a full day’s use with some weight in it, you are going to appreciate good quality ergonomic shoulder straps, waist or hip belts, and good back support and ventilation. 

What activity is the daypack going to be used for most of the time?

Have a think about what you will be using your daypack for most of the time. If you are on your bike a lot of the time then purchasing a daypack specifically designed to go on your back when cycling is a good idea. If however you are only on your bike on the weekend, and use a daypack to commute to work every day, then purchasing a daypack that is going to suit for commuting should be the primary consideration. There are a number of daypacks that can be used for a range of activities such as hiking, cycling, travelling and commuting, so you won’t have to purchase a daypack for each individual activity. 

Parts of a Daypack

Let’s familiarise ourselves with all the different parts of a daypack, and their functions:

 

Shoulder straps

The shoulder straps on a day pack will carry the majority of the weight of the backpack, transferring the weight onto your shoulders. Larger daypacks that have hip belts will transfer some of that weight off the shoulders and onto your hips. The heavier the load in your pack, then the broader the shoulder straps should be. Look also for thicker and better quality foam in the shoulder straps when carrying heavier loads for longer periods.

Sternum strap / chest strap

The chest strap or sternum strap sits across your sternum and is connected to your shoulder straps. Connecting and tightening the sternum strap helps to keep your shoulders from being pulled back by the weight of your pack. Sternum straps usually have some elastic material in the strap to allow for dynamic movement in your arms, chest and shoulders. 

Hip Belt

The hip belt on larger daypacks and backpacks is designed to move the weight of the backpack off your shoulders and down onto your hips. As your pack load increases a hip belt becomes more important. Smaller daypacks that carry less weight will tend to have a waist belt rather than a hip belt. The waist belt helps to stabilise the back on your back and stop your day pack from bouncing and moving around when you are active.

Compression straps

Compression straps on day packs are used to squeeze your pack down and bring the load of the pack closer to your back. It also aids in preventing items shifting around in your pack. Compression straps can also be used to attach items to the outside of your pack, such as sleeping bags, mats, tools etc.

Hydration system

Some daypacks will have a built in hydration system or a special pocket to house the water bladder with a hole for the hydration tube to come out through the day pack.

Rain cover

As many daypacks are generally not totally waterproof, some will have a built in rain cover that attaches around the daypack to keep rain and water from entering the pack. These rain covers can also be purchased separately and come in a range of sizes to fit over different sized packs.

Bungee cord, gear loops & equipment straps

Day packs may have bungee cord, gear loops and equipment straps on the outside of the pack so that you can attach equipment such as hiking poles, sleeping bags, ice axes, crampons, skis to the day pack.

Water bottle pockets

You will find some day packs have external pockets large enough to hold a water bottle. These are generally located at the base of the pack so they are easy to access while walking.

 

 

Features to look for in specialised day packs

Primary Activity	Good for the daypack to:	Useful features to look for:
Adventure Racing / Trail Running / Multi Sport	• be light • be well ventilated to allow perspiration to escape • be able to be stabilised to prevent the pack from bouncing around • be comfortable	• Hydration system or easy access to water bottles • A couple of pockets to stash keys, phone,etc
Cycling	• sit comfortably on the lower back • be well ventilated	• Helmet holder • Reflective material • Waterproof/splash cover
Hiking / Bushwalking	• have a comfortable and ventilated harness system • have a narrow profile • padded back • have a capacity between 20 and 30 litres	• Water bottle holders or hydration system compatible • Side pockets • Compartments for organising gear • Hip belts • Sternum straps • Trekking pole attachments
Overnight Hiking	• padded and comfortable hipbelt • supportive harness system with internal frame	• Water bottle holders or hydration system compatible • Side pockets • Compartments for organising gear • Hip belts • Sternum straps • Trekking pole attachments • Side compression straps to stabilise load • External straps to hold sleeping mats and sleeping bags
Rock Climbing / Scrambling / Mountaineering	• have a narrow profile • have a lower centre of gravity	• Ice axe loops, • Crampon straps • Daisy chains for lashing gear • Ground sheet • Compression straps
Ski Touring	• have a narrow profile	• Hip belts • Sternum straps • Pockets • Ski attachment points • Compression straps
Travelling / Commuting / School / University	• be large enough to hold books, laptop, iPad • be lightweight, • be durable, and well-made, • be secure • have a padded back panel to prevent items from digging into your back	• Large zip openings • Good quality zippers • Anti-theft features such as slashguards, secure zippers, RFID protection • Padded iPad or laptop compartment • Compartments for organising gear • Padded back panel

 

Daypack sizes (volume)

Daypacks generally range between 15 and 30 litres in capacity. Day pack sizes vary depending on the activity – running packs can be as small as 6 litres, where as climbing packs can be up to 50 litres. 40 to 50 litre packs tend to be used for overnight use. Keep in mind that the larger the daypack, the heavier it will be both empty and when filled. 

Types of daypacks

 

Top loading daypacks

Top loading daypacks have access to the main compartment of the pack through the top. It is common for these types of packs to have a drawstring closure with an expandable gusset that fits in under the lid of the daypack. This is useful if extra gear is required to be squeezed into your pack as the pack is expandable. One of the major benefits of a top loading daypack is that you can squeeze or jam in gear from the top of the pack leaving nowhere for the gear to escape. This is a lot harder to do with a side loading daypack however, where your items will tend to want to pop out through the zipper opening, placing excessive strain on the zipper. It is not as easy to locate items with a top loader as the access is only through the one opening. For this reason, these packs typically tend to have some external pockets to help you organise your gear. Top loading daypacks will typically keep gear in your pack drier than a side loading pack, as there is no zipper where water can enter in through. This will also depend on how waterproof the pack material is. Some top loaders may have an extra access point through to the bottom of the pack, which is handy to have. Top loaders may also have compression straps located on the sides of the pack to aid in stabilising the pack load, and can be used for stowing larger bulkier items such as skis, trekking poles, etc.

Side loading daypacks

Side loading daypacks have a main storage compartment that opens like a suitcase with a zipper that goes around the pack. When the day pack is fully opened, one panel of the daypack falls away like a flap. One of the major benefits of a side loading daypack is the easy access you have to your gear. It makes it easier to locate items and you don’t need to pull everything out of the pack to access an item, which you tend to be doing with a top loader if the item you require is packed at the bottom of your bag!

Hydration packs

Hydration packs can range in size from 1.5 litres to over 20 litres. The smaller hydration packs have a couple of small pockets to house a couple of items such as keys or an energy bar. Hydration packs have a removable reservoir or bladder that slips within the pack and attaches to a drinking hose that clips onto the pack’s shoulder strap for easy access. This means you don’t need to remove your pack to take a drink. Some daypacks will include housing for a hydration bladder to slide into the pack with a spot for the drinking tube to come out through the daypack and attach to the shoulder strap.

Lumbar packs / bum bags

Lumbar packs are compact and lightweight packs that provide the benefit of minor storage without the hassle of carrying a pack. They sit down on your lower back and may have water bottle holders or a removable bladder as hydration options. As these packs don’t sit across your back, they offer more ventilation for your back and are therefore well suited to high energy activities such as running and skiing.

Sling bags / courier bags

Sling bags or courier bags are made to be worn over one shoulder and are a popular choice for cyclists. They offer easy access with a large top opening.

Women specific day packs

Some day packs have been specifically designed for women with contoured shaped shoulder straps, narrower profiles and harness systems to suit women.

Daypack materials, fabrics and waterproof coatings

Day packs are made from a variety of fabrics, the most popular being nylon, polyester or canvas. The table below shows the various fabrics available and the waterproofing used, and the pros and cons of each fabric.

Material	Benefits	Shortcomings	Waterproof Coatings Used
Nylon, includes Kodra and Cordura	Most durable fabric, highly resistant to abrasion and tears	Waterproof coating will eventually flake off the fabric Heaviest fabric	Polyurethane (PU) Silicone
Polyester	Lighter than canvas and nylons	Waterproof coating will eventually flake off the fabric Not as durable as nylon	Polyurethane
Ripstop Fabrics	Can be made of any material, and appear as little ‘squares’ throughout the fabric. Ripstop fabrics prevent a tear from going any further than where the tear started	Will be heavier than their non-ripstop counterpart, and usually less abrasion resistant than kodras and cordura fabrics	Polyurethane, Silicon
Canvas – a blend of polyester and cotton material	Waterproof treatment can be reapplied	Not as durable as polyester or nylon, will wear quicker. Quite a heavy fabric.	Waterproofing agent impregnated into the fabric

 

So there you have it, a bit of an overview on day packs, their features, and some things to look for when choosing your pack. I hope this helps. Pack Light has put together a good range of lightweight daypacks for a variety of outdoor and travel activities, which can be found here: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/lightweight-hiking-and-travel-daypacks If you would like some more help with choosing the right day pack or need some extra information, as always feel free to contact us.

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Well now that the website has finally gone live, perhaps we should take a moment to introduce ourselves. It won’t take too long, because we are a tiny little team, starting on a big adventure. We are the Coles family.

Firstly, Tim. Pack Light is mainly his baby. Here is Tim in his previous corporate role: 

 

And here he is now: 

He’s loving it! And he's lost the suit and tie! It seems that he has equal love for using the gear as for the in-depth, meticulous research that he does on every single item we sell. Not my cup of tea, but I sure appreciate the information he provides!

This is me: 

I’m Amy (Tim’s wife), and I enjoy the outdoors. So much so that I started my own business to allow me to be out and about whilst working (I’m a vet) rather than being stuck in a surgery all day. When I have the time I love to jog or ride through the State Forest we live next to, hike, go to the beach, camp, scramble through national parks, and drag my entire family along with me.

The poor kids!

We have Olivia, James and Rosemary, currently 7, 5 and 2. James started objecting to being carried through the forest at about 18mths old, and Rosie could manage an hour hike through the hilly side of the forest right when she turned two. They love having an “adventure”. A new walk, discovering a termite mound or especially scary looking ants, impromptu rock throwing competitions, swimming in our clothes etc.

Then there’s Lara:

She is a keen participant in our adventures when they are in dog friendly land. Finally, there's Crumpet: 

She's a cat, she doesn’t care.

We view Pack Light as a long term project. You will see all of us featured as we use and review gear and go about our outdoor activities. We are running this business as hands-on and personal as it can get, and we'd like to get to know you better, and hear about your adventures too. Sign up to the Pack Light newsletter to keep up to date on the latest news and products, and “like” our facebook page to stay in touch.  

Here’s to loving what you do!!

 - Amy Coles, Pack Light

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Choosing the right sleeping bag for camping, travelling, hiking or mountaineering is not an easy task.  There is a seemingly overwhelming number of options to consider and the terminology used to describe sleeping bags can be quite confusing: down or synthetic; duck or goose down filling; white or black down; loft power; DWR down; tapered sleeping bags, hooded sleeping bags; EN temperature ratings; continuous baffles or side block baffles just to mention a few.  If you are baffled by the lingo then read on. In this blog post I'll provide an overview of the types of sleeping bags available and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Sleeping bags offer you the most efficient way to keep your body warm, and are much warmer for their weight compared to any type of clothing. With a sleeping bag usually being the second heaviest item in your bag after a tent, selecting a lightweight sleeping bag will help to keep your pack weight to a minimum. 

Sleeping bag insulation or “fill”
Sleeping bag insulation comes in two types of fillings: synthetic or down.

Synthetic Filling
Synthetic insulation is generally made from a polyester filling and offers the following benefits:

• Keeps you warm when wet
• Dries quickly when it gets wet
• Is cheaper to purchase than down
• Is non-allergenic

Down Filling
Down insulated sleeping bags offer the following advantages over synthetic insulation:

• Is lighter and more compressible than synthetic fill
• Is extremely durable and lasts longer than synthetic fill – you can expect the down within a sleeping bag that is 30 years old to still be close to its original quality whereas synthetic filling breaks down quicker and loses its insulative power much sooner than down.
• Historically lost its insulative power when wet.  Many high quality down sleeping bags now have a treatment on the down to prevent this from happening. Good quality down sleeping bags that are intended for backpacking, hiking and mountaineering will also have a water resistant and breathable material encasing down within the sleeping bag to ensure moisture does not make its way into the down filling.

What is Down?
Down is a layer of insulation found under the exterior feather of birds. It holds more insulative capacity and is lighter than normal feathers. Sleeping bags that offer a mix of feathers and down will be bulkier and less warm than if the same sleeping bag was filled with down only.

 

What about Grey or White Down?
Down and feathers come in various shades ranging from pure white to black-speckled grey. The colour of feathers has no relevance to the quality of down with many grades of grey down rivalling the best white down.

Duck Down or Goose Down - which is better?
Although all birds have some feathers and down, the majority of down used in bedding and sleeping bags is harvested from geese and ducks. Geese, which are larger birds, generally have bigger down clusters. As a rule of thumb, the larger the bird and the colder the climate in which they live, the larger the down cluster. High quality down can be found in both ducks and geese, as the age and climate of bird from different parts of the world dramatically effects its quality. The best way of knowing the insulative power of the down within the sleeping bag is by referring to its Loft Rating, or Fill Power which is explained below.

What is Fill Power or Loft Rating? 
Loft rating or fill power of a sleeping bag is a measure of the loft or volume of the down and its ability to regain its volume after being compressed. It provides a measurement on how well the down "puffs up" and what volume it fills. The higher the fill power or loft of the down, then the better the down's insulative capacity will be (warmth to weight ratio). Technically, it is the volume (number of cubic inches) that 1 oz of compressed down, when released and uncompressed will expand or "puff-up" to fill under specific laboratory conditions.  So 550 Loft or 550 Fill  means that one ounce of 550 loft down, when uncompressed will fill 550 cubic inches. The higher the loft, the more insulative the down is for it's weight. So if you are wanting the most thermally efficient sleeping bag for it's weight and pack-down size, going a higher loft rating is the key.
 

What is Hydrophobic or DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) Down?
Down is the best insulation for lightweight camping and travel because of its loft, compressibility and durability. However, down loses it's capacity to insulate once wet. Hydrophobic or DWR down is a treatment that is applied to down to prevent down from absorbing water and allow it to dry out faster.

Sleeping Bag Shapes
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes: rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy.

Rectangular Shaped Sleeping Bags
Rectangular sleeping bags are spacious and comfortable, and provide extra space for people who like to move around in their sleeping bag. They are particularly suitable for car campers or travelling where weight and size is not an issue. These types of bags can usually be unzipped to double as a quilt also. They are bulkier and generally less thermally efficient as there is more air space in the sleeping bag around the body that needs to be heated, and more air will move around within the bag when the sleeper rolls in their sleep.

Tapered or Semi-Rectangular
Tapered rectangular bags are more thermally efficient than the rectangular sleeping bags but still offer some space in the sleeping bag for those wanting some extra room in their bag. They tend to have zips and openings in the bag so they can be opened up to be used as a doona also.

Mummy Shaped Sleeping Bags
The mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the most thermally-efficient shape of bag, with a shape that sits close to the sleeper’s body, with very little space within the bag for cold spots to form. These sleeping bags provide the most warmth for their fill, and have the least internal space. These bags will hug your body and will move with you when you roll in your sleep.

Sleeping Bag Fabrics
Sleeping bag fabrics need to fulfil a number of roles: stop the fill from escaping from the bag; allow body moisture to escape from the bag and keep moisture from entering the bag. Sleeping bag fabrics are usually made from a quick-drying material and in down sleeping bags prevent the down from coming through the fabric. Sleeping bag fabrics come in different weights, measured by the fineness of the threads making up the weave. Denier is a unit of measurement that is used to determine the fibre thickness of individual threads or filaments used in the creation of textiles and fabrics. Fabrics with a high denier count tend to be thick, sturdy, and durable. Fabrics with a low denier count tend to be sheer, soft, and silky. High performance sleeping bags use a ripstop fabric to minimize tearing, and will use lighter fabrics that feel luxurious against the skin and will pack down smaller than heavier fabrics. Waterproof, or water resistant fabrics are used on sleeping bags intended for use in wet conditions.

Sleeping Bag Construction

 

Down sleeping bags are made with baffles or channels that are created by sewing mesh barriers between the inner and outer of the sleeping bag. These barriers allow for air to circulate between baffles and for the sleeping bag to compress when packed down. There are two main types of baffle construction: continuous baffles, which allow you to move down around within the sleeping bag; and side block baffles, which keep the down in its place. Sleeping bags designed for use in colder conditions will tend to use side block baffle construction to keep the down its place.

A cheaper alternative to baffle construction is the sewn-through, or stitch-through technique. Sewn-through sleeping bags have the shell and liner pinched and stitched directly together to join the two layers. There's no vertical baffle wall, though the individual channels of down are commonly referred to as baffles. Sewn-through construction creates colder spots at the seams, allowing heat to escape, so it's better suited to warm weather bags. 

Hooded Sleeping Bags
Many winter sleeping bags are constructed with a hood and draw-cord to minimise the amount of heat lost from your body while sleeping. 

Neck Baffle or Draft Collar
Neck baffles or draft collars are an insulated tube that sits around your neck and shoulders and prevents warm air from escaping within the sleeping bag and from cold air from entering the bag.  These are used predominately in winter sleeping bags.

Draft Tube
A draft tube in an insulated tube that covers over the sleeping bag zipper to reduce heat loss.

Foot Box
The foot box in a sleeping bag varies depending on the style of bag, with the foot box being more tapered and filled with more down for bags designed for colder conditions.  

Stuff Sacks and Storage Bags
A stuff sack is used to compress your sleeping bag down to its smallest possible size when you need to put your sleeping bag into a backpack or bag.  When your sleeping bag is not in use, it's best to keep your bag in a larger storage bag to let the down fully uncompress.

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
How warm you are in a sleeping bag is affected by three factors:

1. The environment you are in: how cold it is outside, what you are sleeping on, if there is a breeze, etc.
2. Yourself: if you a hot or cold sleeper, if you have a fast or slow metabolism, the clothing you are sleeping in, when you last ate or drank. 
3. The type of sleeping bag you choose.

What is  EN 13537?
In recent years sleeping bag manufacturers have adopted a new sleeping bag temperature rating called 'EN 13537: 2002 Requirements for Sleeping Bags’ that was originally developed in Europe. It applies to all sleeping bags with the exception of those for extreme temperatures (comfort range below -25ºC) and sleeping bags used by the military. The test uses a copper mannequin, fitted with 20 sensors, that wears long underwear and socks, and lies on top of a thin sleeping pad and an elevated 12mm thick wood platform.

There are three ratings that you need to pay attention to when looking at sleeping bags rated using this system:
The ‘Comfort’ rating is a guide for women and is based on a ‘standard’ woman having a comfortable night’s sleep. This rating is also the one to go by if you are a male who feels the cold more - or is a 'cold' sleeper.
The ‘Lower Limit’ rating is a comfort guide for men and designates the lowest temperature at which a man can remain comfortable in the sleeping bag, providing he is wearing thermal underwear and socks and sleeps on a 2.5 cm thick sleeping mat. 

The‘Extreme’ rating designates the coldest temperature you can survive in the sleeping bag without freezing to death. According to EN 13537, ‘a strong sensation of cold has to be expected and there is a risk of health damage due to hypothermia’. This is a survival rating only, and consumers should not rely on this rating for general use. The best guidelines are the comfort and limit of comfort ratings.

So there you go, I hope this post provides some helpful advice and makes your decision in selecting the right bag a lot easier. When you need to purchase a bag, check out our lightweight range of down and synthetic sleeping bags available for purchase here: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/lightweight-sleeping-bags

- Tim Coles, Seven Horizons

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We've just received stock of Aussie Company, Wilderness Equipment's new Space 2 tents! They are super lightweight, spacious and sturdy. Available in mesh and winter inner versions, Wilderness Equipment have used a dihedral hub design on the tent pole framework, and applied more asymmetric thinking to create a lightweight, sturdy but spacious two-person backpacking tent. It's very light, has a low, wind-ducking profile and yet is incredibly spacious inside. The Space 2 tents have 'proper' floors and storm rated outer skins. When the weather blows up walking or ski poles can be used to add even more stability.

 

Check them out here: Wilderness Equipment Space 2 3-Season Tent and Wilderness Equipment Space 2 4-Season Tent

 

 

 

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It's really easy to overload your bag when heading off on a big trip, especially if you are venturing into a cold climate or going to be away for some time. And with costs for excess baggage and baggage handling fees continuing to rise, learning how to pack light is more important than ever before.   So how do you travel with less weight and bulk and still bring the essentials with you? Below I've included some quick tips to help you pack light when travelling.

Check the weight of your travel pack

Gone are the days of lugging around a suitcase or backpack that weighs a quarter of your baggage limit when empty. With improvements in materials and design, you can now get yourself into a backpack or travel pack that weighs under 2 kilograms. And if you choose to go with a pack that does not require checking-in and can be used as carry-on luggage, then you can get your backpack weight down to around a kilogram.  Great examples are the Osprey Farpoint 40 which weighs just 1.41 kg and the Osprey Porter, 46 litres capacity and weighs just 1.1Kg!  These packs have backpack straps and harnesses so that you can carry them on your back if you have a bit of walking to do.  The harness is especially useful if you need to get your bag up a staircase or want to travel a bit faster.

Write a list

Writing a list helps you work out what is really necessary to take on your trip.  Think about the climate you are visiting and the sort of clothing you will require.  List your itinerary and the places you are visiting and the types of clothing and footwear that will be suitable.

Pack multipurpose lightweight and quick-dry clothing

Instead of packing in a pair of trousers and a separate pair of shorts, why not pack a pair of zip-off convertible pants that can be used as both?  You'll save weight by not having to pack an additional item and many of the convertible pants are made in lightweight polyester or nylon, making them quick drying and packable into a  pocket-sized parcel.  And the thermal shirt you have packed as an underlayer for use in icy climates can double as a shirt for use in warmer climates. If you need outer layer clothing that will keep you warm and dry in the cold, then look for clothing that is light and compact and windproof and waterproof.  A lightweight windproof and waterproof jacket worn over a fleece pullover is going to be lighter and give you more clothing options than a hefty 3-in-1 parka or a softshell jacket that still requires a waterproof jacket to go over it.

Wear the heavier gear

Wear your bulkiest items such as boots and jackets and long-sleeve shirts on the plane so they are taking up less room in your backpack.

Use packing cubes and stuff sacks

To help keep your clothes and gear organised and packed into your bag tightly, pop them into  some stuff sacks or packing cubes.  These will help compress your gear down and make it easier to find items in your bag when travelling.   If you need to take an extra pair of shoes, fill the space in your shoes with socks and underwear to save on space.

These are just a few ideas that will help you keep your pack light and manageable.  In future posts I'll go into more detail to assist you in selecting appropriate gear for your next trip. Stay tuned!

Tim

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Well after six (long) months of development, the Pack Light website goes live today. I've really enjoyed this project of building an ecommerce store that features the lightest and smallest travel and outdoor equipment available and there are more products on the way.  In the coming months I'll be adding some additional functionality including interactive imagery and product reviews, so stay tuned.  Feel free to let us know what you think of the website and if you'd like to suggest an item for us to stock: click here to contact us.

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