Know your gear

Stock up on new kit bags and smile, smile

With supermodels strutting down catwalks with daypacks swinging from their shoulders (see article), it comes as no surprise that local backpack distributors say that daypacks are the current flavour of the month. It actually does not need more than a walk through a local shopping mall to see that daypacks have become the handbags of young people who have never dreamt of going on a hike. Most schools have also relaxed their rules on proper school bags, and many well-known backpack brand names therefore nowadays line the corridors outside classrooms.

Apart from their current fashion appeal, daypacks are also good sellers because of their versatility and use in all sporting activities — especially cycling, day walks, motor cycling and adventure racing.

Many young (and even not so young) travellers have also swopped a solid suitcase for a lighter backpack, adding another dimension to the hiking backpack market.

And with many a South African embarking on Kili expeditions — or even more adventurous climbs – the market for expedition packs is also kept alive.

All in all the current trading conditions for backpacks are looking good and retailers have a diverse variety of suppliers to choose from.

Karrimor is now pulling out all the stops to regain the market share lost before the local distributorship changed hands just over a year ago, says Steve Gallienne of the supplier Dunslaz Distributors.

"We are fast tracking our distribution and range to regain the brand’s rightful place as a credible leading international brand that consumers can purchase with confidence — and most importantly, be able to purchase as stocks will again be readily available on retail shelves. We have an exciting range coming that will bring the brand back from a place where it should never have gone!"

The new range will feature their Airspace ventilation system which not only reduces back perspiration, but also has a hip harness that pivots as the body moves, keeping the pack comfortable and stable. "Quality is essential and all bags come with top of the range materials, features, benefits and YKK zip systems," says Gallienne.

Hi-Tec — one of the most popular names in the SA outdoor footwear market — has recently expanded into the backpack market with an extensive range covering the needs of all backpackers, although the highest demand is for hiking and daypacks, says marketing manager Lauren Ploos (see Sports Trader February 2007).

Vaude is a high-quality international brand that was introduced to the local market by Eiger Equipment during last year. They recently won the OutDoor Industry Award 2007 at the OutDoor Europe Show with their flexible Versametric System that distributes the weight of heavy loads away from the hips — saving strength and energy. While their large expedition packs are good sellers amongst the climbing fraternity, their daypacks have given the range a wider appeal.

Medalist is a fast-growing local brand developed by De Wet Sports. They now also offer an extensive backpack range, which includes campus bags — aimed at the student and scholar market — sports bags, daypacks and various sizes of hiking packs.

Bushtec, locally manufactured and distributed by Canvas and Tent, concentrate on the larger hiking backpack and expedition pack market – also used by off-roaders and motor cyclists who go camping – and have five packs in their range.

The versatility of daypacks give suppliers of specialist climbing brands, like Black Diamond, an entry into a much wider market, says Alex Eppel, sales manager of local distributor Ram Mountaineering. "Most of the Black Diamond pack range is specifically oriented towards climbing which is a fairly small market, but our daypack range is extremely versatile, offering durability, lightweight and stylish design."

Mountain Hardwear, recently introduced into SA by Adventure Inc. is, however aimed at an exclusive niche market, says Christo Snyman. These top end bags – the international brand was acquired by Columbia Sportswear last year – are aimed at the specialist climbers and retailers must commit to a minimum order of R50 000.

Daypacks

As can be expected from a product that has become a fashion accessory, styling and design is a strong selling point for the smaller (10-20 litre) daypacks. These packs are good sellers for even the specialist brands.

Black Diamond’s daypacks are the most popular in their range, for their versatility and simple design. Ram Mountaineering also offer a rain proof daypack from WX Tex which is the only one of its kind in SA, says Eppel. "It is great for motorcycle riding, wet weather hiking, or just no worries commuting."

Hi-Tec’s bags are incredibly well priced, says Ploos. "In the daypack category design, comfort and functionality are the main focus." Their 21litre Streetpack has an internal CD/MP3 player pocket with headphone cable access and many other pockets for the goods youngsters accumulate. Other comfort features are adjustable shoulder straps, chest and waist straps and a top- mounted hand strap.

“Karrimor is showing phenomenal growth in our Kodiak and Zodiak Series Packs,” says Gallienne. Zodiak offers 15,20 and 25 litre packs without rain cover, while the Kodiak offers 25,30 and 35 litrer options with rain cover and a hydration option. “Both come at very affordable prices.”

Medalist offers the 20 litre Vital daypack in 600 D Ripstop Nylon with one large main compartment with a drawstring and flap that clips closed to protect contents. The multi-functional design includes YKK zips.

The slightly bigger fabric 25 litre Metro in 600 Denier Nylon has added comfort features like S-curve shoulder straps with breathable mesh padding, a back panel with breathable mesh padding and a front utility pocket with extra stash compartment.

Mountain Hardwear’s daypacks are ultra-light and also comfortable and stylish enough for the commuter, says Eppel.

Vaude’s Wizard and Gallery models are suitable for anything from daytrips to town and office use, says John Fonteyn of local distributor Eiger Equipment, as they feature almost everything one could want from a daypack - from inner compartments and pockets, to hydration system-readiness, to an integrated splash cover. Customers like a versatile pack – something for both the city and the bush.

Traditional sports brands are also now offering bags that can double up as versatile daypacks.

Admiral’s 20 litre twin compartment backpack is very popular with touring teams and can beembroidered with club/school or sponsors logos etc, says Colin Farrer of LGB Distributors. It is very affordable, retailing at just over R100.

MRF has a new daypack that should appeal specifically to young cricketers who do not want to carry a heavy kitbag, or to athletes who cycle to practice, says Farrer.

Hiking backpacks

Hikers most value a light backpack, with comfortable padded and ergonomically shaped shoulder harnesses, quality hip belts and upper stabilizer chest straps that help lift the load from the shoulders and distribute the weight more equally across the body. A hip belt that goes round the body and has soft, broad padding to avoid pressure points will add much comfort if a heavy load is carried as it moves the strain from your shoulders down to your hips and closer to your center of gravity.

The price is important to customers in the less specialized market, while the inclusion of a hydration system is an added bonus. According to distributors, the most popular hiking bag sizes vary between 25 liter and 40-50 liter.

Outer pockets are handy for items needed while hiking — e.g. water bottles or sunglasses — but should not be too big as too much weight can cause a shift in the center of mass. Inner pockets are handy to separate wet and dry items.

Look out for:

Bushtec’s 45 litre Action hiking pack features a double bottom compartment that can zip out. Comfort features in Bushtec’s hiking range include an adjustable air-con or air-flow mesh backing systems, adjustable back frames, extendable compartments and pockets, sternum straps with lumbar pads, and a top lid with mesh zip pockets in the 55liter Adventure.

Hi-Tec’s Nova 30 litre backpack comes with adjustable straps, airway mesh ventilation, lumbar support and rain cover in durable nylon material.

In the Karrimor range styles such as the Ether 50 Tall and Vapour 45 Tall are expected to be good sellers. "Everthing to do with the make up of the bags has been considered to provide the best combination of lightweight and durability," says Gallienne. "The bags have also been designed for stripping down to an even leaner weight."

Medalist’s backpack range include the 20 litre Gyro with has two main compartments and comfort features like S-curve shoulder straps with breathable mesh, padding and an adjustable sternum strap, a back panel with breathable mesh padding and a hip belt for stability.

The Explore (24 litre) is slightly bigger and also has a front nylon/mesh stash pocket that clips open for easy access.

The bigger (32 litre) Ranger has the same comfort features, but the one large compartment is divided by mesh.

The Nomad (38 litre) has a bungee cord gear stash in addition to the features in the above packs.

Vaude's Tergolight Easy Adjust System allows you to change the distribution of weight from your shoulders to your hips and vice versa with just one tug. "With large packs, the quality of the harness system and hip-belt is critical," says Fonteyn. "The system also features the fastest and simplest torso length adjustment on the backpack market – you can even adjust it while hiking!" A preformed 3D hipbelt ensures comfort for long treks.

Expedition packs

Weight — or the lack there of — is a major consideration in the extra large (50-60 liter and more) expedition packs. Comfort features also become extremely important when you are on a long trek with all your possessions on your back and as the load increases, the technical features of shoulder harnesses becomes more valued – ergonomically curved, broader and better padded shoulder straps prevent the straps from cutting into your shoulders. The quality of hip and chest straps to help distribute the load also become more vital as the weight of the load increases.

Ventilation between the pack and the back and a hydration option are important to some customers, report suppliers of expedition packs.

Other features that expedition trekkers value are protection against rain or water when crossing rivers, or dew at night. Some backpacks have a waterproof cover that can be used to cover the entire backpack.

While the placement of outer pockets etc are important to some suppliers, others believe the serious climbers that buy these packs want to keep them as light and simple as possible.

Look out for:

Black Diamond’s expedition range has the minimalist design approach that serious mountaineering requires, says Eppel.

Bushtec offers two large expedition bags (70 — litre double compartment — and 90 litres) with adjustable back frames, mesh padded backing systems, adjustable shoulder straps and pads, sternum straps and accessory straps which include a foldable bottle holder.

The Camelbak Maximum Gear & Mystery Ranch are military-quality ranges made to carry heavy loads, yet still be comfortable.

Hi-Tec’s expedition range is designed to be lightweight and competitive in price, says Ploos. "Hydration systems are becoming more important. The comfort factor is vital therefore a lot of emphasis is placed on straps, lumbar support and ventilation." Their 55 litre Volcano and 45 litre Pacific packs in durable nylon, have height-adjustable S-shaped straps with lumbar support for comfort, a splash cover, circular lower zip access, lateral compression straps and a removable frame.

The Jaguar is the flagship of the Karrimor expedition range. "This bag has lots of features to offer, says Gallienne, and is showing a strong up-turn in sales internationally. This claim is supported by endorsements from top mountaineers like the UK’s renowned climber, photographer and writer Dave Pickford, who says "this product is impressive — and that includes the durability."

Mountain Hardwear’s ultra-light, precision-designed expedition packs are equipped with the right gear straps for the job, and nothing more, says Eppel.

"The Vaude Accept 65 and 75 litre packs have sold exceptionally well due to the fact that they are top-end models at a price that suits the local market," says local distributor John Fonteyn of Eiger Equipment.

The latest Vaude Versametric Trekking backpacks feature their award-winning technology that distributes the weight of heavy loads away from the hips, saving strength and energy. Working in close collaboration with medical experts and professional mountaineers, they developed an ultra-light pendulum system with high stability.

While the weight of a conventional backpack bears down on the hips and has to be moved with every step, the Versametric System ensures that the movements are absorbed by the hipbelt, centrally transmitted to the middle and then distributed to save strength and energy. The Versametric hipbelt follows every hip movement, yet does not transfer this movement to the pack itself, which remains stationary. This minimizes energy input, enhances performance and spares joints. To ease descents, the pendulum motion can be locked into position with one hand.

Hydration packs

Combination storage and hydration packs are becoming popular options, especially with customers who hike or cycle in areas where water is not easily available or they will not have the time to pump and purify water. But, not all customers like hydration systems — some still prefer a wide mouth water bottle, especially if they go on long hikes where purification and filtration of water becomes necessary (see below).

Look out for:

The Bushtec 30 litre Extreme hiking bag has a detachable 1.5litre water bladder, as well as a detachable organiser and several outside pockets. Comfort features in this lightweight backpack include a raincover, compression straps, sternum straps and waistbelt, as well as a mesh padded backing system.

Hi-Tec’s hydration packs cater more for the hiker than the cyclist with 20 Litre storage and a 2 litre bladder. The Speedpack – 18 litre bag and 2 litre bladder with bite valve – have contoured padded shoulder straps with dual water piping routing, air comfort back padding, a large main compartment with external zip pocket and an external bungee cord for additional storage.

Karrimor is currently offering some excellent pricing on all their hydration packs.

All Ram Mountaineering’s packs have hydration systems built in. Their E3 Pace 13L is an adventure racing pack with a built in helmet carrier, map sized outer pockets, reflective tags and a rugged Cordura shell.

Climbing packs

In specialized climbing ranges like Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear comfort and ergonomical features far outweigh the demand for frills like outer pockets or streamlined designs, says Eppel.

Vaude and Edelrid have developed the first climbing packs and harnesses that are compatible - solving the problem of climbers with a backpack: either you had to cinch the hipbelt of the backpack over your climbing harness, which limited access to the gear loops, or you took off the detachable hipbelt, which created the disadvantage of climbing with an unstable backpack. Before the climb, the hipbelt of the new VAUDE climbing backpack is detached and connected through a special side buckle directly to the Edelrid climbing harness. Thanks to the e-Link, the backpack has a more stable fit and features full access to the gear loops.

In the new generation of Vaude climbing packs equipped with the e-Link technology all gear loops can be stored away without a trace when needed, so your pack won’t get caught on any sharp rocks going up.

Travelling bags

Karrimor offers a popular series of traveling bags that have all the features of a suitcase but also have detachable day packs and tons of other features, such as comfortable carrying systems, carry on versions with wheels, and lots more.

The Vaude Denver 75 can be carried like a regular suitcase or slingbag but also features a comfortable harness system for carrying on the back. Internal space is maximized with straps to secure the contents during travel. The 2008 range of travel packs from Vaude will feature two new packs that feature wheels in addition to shoulder straps. A carry-on version will also be available.