Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack 52

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2023
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    All Season Hiking

Review:
Just when you think you have seen and experienced pretty much all kind of backpacks, along comes one that still managed to surprise me. I bought this pack mainly because I wanted to have something thats rugged and can withstand the bushbashing I sometimes do when I explore areas off-track. Other packs do the job but over time get punctures and other issues that come with wear and tear. While this pack is clearly not light on its own (you can’t have durability and super light weight at the same time) - the manufacturing quality, the materials, the amount of straps and ways the pack can be configured and modified with extra storage due to its molle system - its absolutely amazing. It is bomb proof, absolutely reliable in any condition and most of all - the carrying comfort is superb. While the pack ends up being heavier, a lot heavier, than say my lightweight Osprey packs with all my gear in it - it still feels more comfortable to carry despite its extra weight. And for me personally the absolute game changer is that for once, this pack seems to distribute the weight really down to the core of your body rather than weighing down on your shoulders. I am very susceptible to neck pain and getting tension headaches after carrying a heavy pack for a few hours. While nothing is 100%, this pack is such an improvement in that aspect. And I can tell by my sore lower back on the next day on how much this pack distributes the weight on to your hips and lower core area.

Pros:
- Bomb-proof materials and construction (afterall this is a tactical pack made for it)
- High quality manufacturing
- Endless amount of straps and options to customise and configure the pack
- Molle system provides ample options to expand the storage capacity of the pack with add-on packs (make sure you choose compatible ones)
- Amazing carrying comfort even with high load
- Truly offloads weight from your shoulders and on to your core body

Cons:
- Weight of the empty bag - about twice the weight of normal hiking packs with the same volume

Comment:
If you are after a backpack that can withstand anything that you or nature throws at it while providing maximum support, comfort and reliability - this is an amazing product for it.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.tasmaniantiger.info/en/product/tt-base-pack-52/

Osprey Exos 58 Hiking Backpack

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:      2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Lightweight Multi-Day Hiking

Review:
Prior to purchasing this pack I have used my other Osprey 65l pack for all my multi-day hikes. Comfort of that pack is still unsurpassed to this day. However, I have then explored the feasibility of using a 45l pack and cut down on everything weight and size wise where I can, without sacrificing certain comfort.

As a result I bought the Osprey Levity 45l pack, which is great for anything from a few hours hike to 3 days. It is a great pack but I figured I need something thats in between the super light Levity 45 that lacks a bit of space and sturdiness, and the Osprey 65l pack that is a bit heavier and roomy than what I require for a 4-5 day hike.

So I bought the Osprey Exos 58l pack and so far it has delivered exactly what I needed. A pack that is very lightweight, well built and capable of handling a load of up to 15-17kg, as well as it being very comfortable to carry for several days. Except for winter trips to the snow where I need a lot more gear, this is my #1 pack now for trips up to 4 days. I used it recently on a 4 day winter trip (no snow) and the full pack had close to 18kg at the start (that included all food and 3l water). Padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt is thin but its thick enough to provide sufficient comfort.

In summary - for multi-day hiking outside the snow, this pack is the perfect combination of weight, size and comfort. Ideal weight to carry for multiple days should not exceed 15kgs for maximum comfort but the pack can handle 18kgs without any issues.

Pros:
- Very light pack considering its size
- Despite the minimalist style pack to keep the weight down, carry comfort is excellent even on multi-day trips

Cons:
- No integrated rain cover, needs to be purchased separately (approx. 70AUD)

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.osprey.com/au/en/product/exos-58-EXOS58S18_759.html

Osprey Levity 45 Hiking Backpack

Owner:            Thomas
Used since:      2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:     Lightweight hiking, up to 2-3 days

Review:
Like all my other Osprey packs, this one does not disappoint! I purchased this based on some reviews I read from people that used this for lightweight multi-day hiking. While it seem ambitious to pack all necessities for a few days into a 45l pack - assuming you have the right kit and don’t bring any unnecessary items - it can be done.

This pack is extremely light but has all the carry comfort you would want. Needless to say, in order to achieve this pack weight (approx. 800gr), Osprey has stripped everything down to the bare minimum using thinner fabrics, smaller straps and buckles, etc.

From my own use on several hikes I would say the maximum trip length this pack is suitable for is 3 days. You can fit everything in nicely but beyond that it becomes problematic for 2 reasons - space and weight. Even for 3 days I would say the weight of the full pack is not ideal.

It is most comfortable when the total weight doesn’t exceed 10kgs. When I tested it on a few 3 day trips, the pack weight was 12kgs (incl. all food and 2.5l water) and you could feel this is as much as the pack can comfortably take but it feels happier with less…

Overall - amazingly light and comfortable pack for the minimalist or day hiker. Watch out for sharp things when you put it down or tree branches on your walk as they might easily pierce the thin fabric.

Pros:
- Very light
- Very comfortable
- Good number of essential side and top pockets

Cons:
- Fabric is very thin, hence prone to getting damaged by tree branches, bushes or other sharp items out in the bush. You can avoid problems with taking care a bit.
- No integrated rain cover
- Not really a disadvantage but just a fact - most comfortable when the total weight is less than 10kg.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.osprey.com/au/en/product/levity-45-LEVITY45_577.html