Expedition Packs

Recent Expedition Pack (70L+) Reviews

Osprey Aether AG 70

Very comfortable 73-liter backpack with advanced harness, which basically helps you carrying up to 50 lbs/25 kg with comfort. Lots of pockets, compartments, and external attachment points for better load distribution. It's made to last long. Background  I’m not an avid backpacker, I was never interested in multi-day trips on foot. Though a dozen times per year I do short backpacking trips, mostly in winter, with heavy load (up to 25 kg / 50 lbs). After a season of using Simond Alpinism 55+10… Full review

REI Traverse 85

Beyond the actual pack, I’m reporting on a fabulous experience trying on packs at REI Store. With so many options and a family with different body types I’ve had two great experiences trying on and playing with packs in the store. I ended up with the Deuter. But, close second was the REI pack. I loved the zipper setup. Looked like I could get into pack even with gear and snowshoes lashed to pack. If my hips where bigger I would have grabbed this pack.  Full review

Kelty Coyote 80

A great backpack that is comfortable and roomy. Has multiple points of access and a good range of adjustment. I bought this backpack after a lot of research and hemming and hawing. I'd used the same Camp Trails external frame backpack since the early 1970s and loved it. But it's too small, the padding in the straps and belt dried up, waterproofing gone. I was able to get a set of replacement shoulder straps and hip belt (from Kelty) but it was only a matter of time before the zippers failed. When… Full review

Tashev Mount 100+20 S+

This is a special version of the famed Bulgarian outdoor manufacturer’s expedition pack. It has a total carrying capacity of 120 liters. Well built of Cordura nylon and Teflon, it's a pack of high quality materials. Unknown in the States but it has gotten reviews in Europe where it's sold and YouTube. Full review

Gregory Baltoro 85

Excellent backpack, designed for long outings to the ground with heavy loads. Fully recommended for those who carry a lot of weight. After having tried two backpacks in the course of a year (Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre and Osprey Xenith 88) I had the pleasure of buying this backpack in a settlement of Campmor at a price of $200 U$D. After having tried it for about a year, I am very happy with the results it has given me, since the waist adapts perfectly to my anatomy and allows me to walk comfortably… Full review

Tashev Kentaurus 80+15

Good quality, pretty light. But some strange quirks. To be clear: this is about the pre-2019 pack. The picture here is the 2019 version. It is made in Bulgaria and currently costs 112 euros. The 2019 version differences as far I can see: 200 grams lighter, has two axe loops instead of one, two extra eyes on front, a different setup of the side compression straps, and a different way of tucking away the front compression straps. This is a multipart review. First, I will discuss the pack as is. But… Full review

U.S. Military ILBE Pack

Comparison of the USMC ILBE vs Eberlestock v90 Battleship backpacks with the focus on winter camping usage. For Winter Camping and Expeditions you need a really HUGE backpack. I own both the Eberlestock v90 Battleship and a USMC ILBE pack. I shall compare and contrast these with emphasis on winter camping. Both packs have online reviews on military use, hunting, and expeditions. Both packs have good reviews on TRAILSPACE. Battleship frontBattleship side Battleship Camo The Eberlestock v90 Battleship… Full review

Mountainsmith Circuit 5400

I’ve been using the Circuit 5400 for two years now in all four seasons. It is reliable, comfortable, and has a couple of unique features that I have grown to love. Fit: The pack fits as I would expect a pack to fit. The straps allow the user to adjust hip, shoulders, and torso like most standard packs. The weight can be distributed quite evenly. I’m not sure if the circuit is unisex or not. It is not labeled as such, but my daughter has used it on several overnight hikes and did not have any… Full review

Osprey Aether 70

Starts off with too much weight. If you aren’t backpacking then it would probably be a good pack to travel with. From my experience it is too heavy. Full review