Exped 45 Rucsack Modifcation

Got out my sewing machine and updated my Exped 45 to the 2014 version. This entailed sewing four button holes in the stretchy side pockets, thus enabling the compression straps to pass through the pocket.. This then allows me to get my water bottle whilst on the move.. pic below.. Stitching not too bad after some 20 trial runs on some similar fabric

First Frost

New Rucksack

Received my new pack Exped Lighting 45

www.exped.com

Loaded up pack today and took it out for a walk to setup back system, so easy. I think that I've set it right but only time will tell. At this moment its very comfortable

Backpacking re-kindled

So here's my first blog.............

It all started 2 years ago when I started backpacking again. I dusted down all my old gear, still in very good condition. This included my Macpac Minaret 2 person tent, petrol cooker, coleman cook set, warm sleeping bag and all of the necessary bomb proof kit that I used to walk Offers Dyke some years ago. I packed it all in to my trusted Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre 65 rucksack and I was ready to go...or so I thought. Mannnn this pack's bloody heavy!!. I could barely lift it...ran upstairs, got bathroom scales, weighed pack. I was 51 when I started this and I'm not carrying 27 kilos (and thats without water and food). Went shopping, purchased new pack a Lowe Alpine Centro 35 half the size and weight.

The Lowe Alpine only lasted 18 months before I over packed it and 2 weeks ago I fell over and burst the side zip, there was and is nothing wrong with my Lowe pack, only the fact that I can't pack it with all the gear I need to carry(ramming it all in over stressed the side zip).

Shopping again for a new pack ,I've now entered the mine field of ultralight packs, Mariposa, OMM, Kumo, and Gregory to name a few. After looking at all the video's I could find on the internet I found the Exped Lighting 45. This pack weigh's in at about 1kg half way between the ultralight.

So after 2 years I've a dry weight pack coming in at around 9 kilos