Source Wrap Tank

 (2L Hydration System)

The Wrap Tank

An attractively re-designed version of Source-Vagabonds most popular outdoor hydration system. Low profile design allows better fit into different backpacks. The new wrap tank is all about INSULATION and can be used in any weather conditions. It's the ultimate model for any adventure!

Features

Replaceable reservoir

System is renewable with extremely low cost replacement

Built-in Durabag™ technology ensures CRUSH and LEAK PROOF container

Airtight low profile NC filler cap compatible with filtration accepts ice cubes

Integrated refill handle ensures easy refill with no spills, Weave covered™ tube keeps the first to last sip cool and bacteria free

Carry handle for easy transport, hanging or pack loading

4 ladder lock buckles for mounting the Wrap tank on equipment

Tube top outlet prevents bouncing in transport

Tube clip provides close access to liquid supply

Materials

220 micron Co extruded PE film

Heavy-duty 600D PES fabric X2 PU coated

5mm closed cell PE full insulation keeps water cool for hours

Size

2 or 3 litre available

The Cost

Around £20

Verdict

Now part of my everyday walking gear I wouldn’t be without it. Excellent build quality along with many features.  Only criticism is that (as with many of these hydration systems) is the awful plastic taste from the inner plastic bladder when first used. Best method I found to alleviate this is to 1) Fill the bladder , 2) Drop a ‘Miltons’ sterilizing tablet in there for around 30mins,  3) Squeeze the ‘bite valve’ and the bladder at the same time to flush through and 4) Refill with clean water and repeat (3).  Finally hang upside to drain and dry off.

Information and Links

For further information on Source Vagabond and their products visit Source Vagabond

Reviewed by CamperPete

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RUCKSACKS AND BACKPACKS

VANGO SHERPA

Vango Sherpa

The Vango Sherpa range are available in varying sizes (litres) and back length (50+10S, 60+10S, 60+10, 70+10 and 65) and come with some great features.

Features

QS-4 adjustable back system for easy adjustment to suit the individual

Alloy frame; strong, light and reliable

Ergonomic hip belt shaped for comfort and load carrying

Cool mesh on back contact points keeps you dry and cool.

Detachable rain cover with Vango logo keeps gear safe and dry

Expansion side pockets with compression straps for extra space if required; keeps load in place for added comfort

Twin ice axe/walking pole combination attachment points for ease of carry and access to essential safety gear

2 main compartments and divider, flexibility and convenience for packing

Daisy chain on front, lots of places to attach bits and pieces

Capacity - 60+10L

Weight - 2200g

Verdict

A backpackers dream rucksack for storing everything.

Could give Dr Who’s Tardis a run for it’s money.

The Cost

Around £50 - £60 (depending on size)

Information and Links

For further information on Vango and their products visit Vango

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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RUCKSACKS AND BACKPACKS

VANGO AIR CANYON

Vango Air Canyon

The Vango Air Canyon range are available in varying sizes (20, 25, 30+5 and 40+5 litres) and the first rucksack I’d tried with a ‘meshed’ Air Vented back system. I’m now totally converted and will not even glance at a rucksack unless it incorporates this type of Air flow back system. If you’re looking for a rugged, uncomplicated but comfortable rucksack then you can’t go wrong with an Air Canyon.

Features

Air blast ventilated carry system cool and comfortable on your back.

Padded hip belt shaped for comfort and load carrying.

Wicking polyester/ mesh on back contact points keeps you dry and cool.

Hydration compatible system convenient liquid supply on the move (up to 2L)

Side compression straps secures load from moving (only on 20 & 30+)

Twin/single ice axe & walking pole attachment points safe carrying of tools.

Detachable rain cover with reflective logo keeps all gear safe and dry, visible at night.

Expansion side pockets flexible storage, keeps pocket material out the way (only on 30+5 and 40+5)

Hidden/body map pocket easy to access to map and gear/pole straps

Weight: between 1.3 and 1.8kg

Verdict

It’s a personal preference but I find detachable rain covers a bit of a pain. Ignoring the fact that you have to take the rain cover off to get to anything within the rucksack. Then by the time I’ve got the rucksack off, opened it to get my waterproofs out, put the waterproofs on and then sorted the rain cover out….. the rucksacks already soaked. Ok, so I could have put the rain cover on before I put my waterproofs on but then I’m more concerned about keeping myself dry at that stage than the rucksack. Also if the rain cover doesn’t hug the contours of the rucksack perfectly then you can end up with a mini parachute on your back. I’d rather have a waterproof inner or discard the rain cover altogether and just reproof the rucksack with some fabric waterproofer like ‘Fabsil’ or the likes.

Ignoring my ramblings then the Vango Air Canyons are a good quality product and you can have confidence that they won’t let you down.

The Cost

Around £30 - £50 (depending on size)

Information and Links

For further information on Vango and their products visit Vango

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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HIGHLANDER EXPLORER 65

The Rucksack

Very few UK brands carry the same number of ranges as Highlander, so carefully targeted across all levels, of price and performance to satisfy all the demands of one of the largest and most profitable sectors of the outdoor market. The Highlander Explorer range are available in varying sizes from 20 – 100 litres which is quite a span of sizes so no matter what your requirements there should be one for you. The Explorer 65 comes with some good features usually found on only more expensive rucksacks………….

Features

Capacity 65 litres, Fabric: XTP600 ripstop PU coated polyester, ABS (Adjustable back system) with airmesh padded back and harness. Optional twin compartment conversion. Bottom compartment easy access zipped opening. Ice axe loop and accessory straps. 2 side pockets and  Lid copartment.

50mm adjustable quick release side padded waist belt and 25mm adjustable quick release chest strap. Alloy frame; strong, light and reliable

Verdict

 Highlander are renowned for being a ‘budget’ supplier and if you’re trekking/backpacking on a budget then you can’t go wrong with this rucksack as it’s loaded with features and built with quality materials at a massively competitive price.

The Cost

Around £30

Information and Links

For further information on Highlander and their products visit Highlander

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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CRAGHOPPER DRI-PAC (DP) 35
WATERPROOF RUCKSACK

The Rucksack

Established since 1965, Craghoppers are one of the leading authority in travel and adventure clothing. The Craghopper Dri-Pac (DP) 35 waterproof Rucksack is designed to carry mid-size loads in comfort and totally dry. How do they do this? well it’s ingeniously simple. The main compartment is fitted with a strong nylon proofed taped seamed liner (can be removed) which attaches to the neck of the main compartment via Velcro. A roll-over lid then ensures a totally waterproof seal. The Dri-Pac 35 also uses Craghopper's Flow Motion system which keeps the rucksack very stable and has the vented meshed air back to wick away any sweaty moisture.

Features

Capacity: 35 litres. Weight: 1.45kg. Materials: 500 denier texturised nylon. Closure: lid, two buckles, rollover internal lid. Back system: single metal frame bar, flexible rod, tensioned padding, Back length: 53cm.

Hip belt: padded, Pockets: 2 zipped side, 2 zipped lid Waterproof liner. Flow Motion shoulder straps

Twin ice axe/trekking pole straps

Verdict

A great “throw anything at it” rucksack. Some may think it’s a tad on the heavy side but the simplicity and toughness of it makes up for it.

The Cost

RRP is around the £70 mark but a search on the web can find you a bargain at around £40.

Information and Links

For further information on Craghoppers and their products visit Craghoppers

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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THE HIGHLANDER MIDI MULTI ACTIVE WAIST PACK

The Waist Pack

Highlander has it’s origins in Edinburgh and the Highlander brand is stands for dependability, quality, value for money and conclusively proves that the best need not cost the most. The Highlander Midi Multi Active Bumbag / Waist Pack is ‘bigger than the average bear’ which is large enough to hold your waterproofs and lunch in the main compartment with drinks on the side, so to speak.

Features

Fabric: XTP600 PU coated ripstop polyester. Capacity: 6L main compartment, 2 x 07.7L sport drinks bottle holders. Can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder via a detachable strap. Front zipped pocket. Twin vertical compression straps. Double side adjuster straps, Mesh articulated back

Verdict

 Highlander are renowned for being a ‘budget’ supplier but this little beauty certainly doesn’t look or feel like it. Perfect for those short treks, or longer treks if someone else is carrying most of the gear.

The Cost

Around £15

Information and Links

For further information on Highlander and their products visit Highlander

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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MARMOT "FLATHEAD" WAISTPACK

The Waist Pack

The Marmot ‘Flathead’ Waistpack is a great unisex midsized all-purpose lumbar pack. With a spacious storage compartment, the Flathead is perfect for a day hike or as a tourist tool on your travels. The zip outside organizer pocket is a great place to stash the small stuff. Water bottle pockets on the Flathead allow you to carry hydration with you on your journey. The Flathead's key holder prevents you from hunting through your pack at the end of the day to find your car keys. Daisy chains allow you to clip on extra gear as needed when a backpack or daypack will still be too big

Features

Spacious main compartment has twin stash pockets. Hanging pocket with exit port for your portable music player. Split-Wrap hipbelt helps stabilize the load during rides and aids in transferring weight to the hips as you walk. Front zippered pocket organizes small essentials like keys, wallet, cell phone and ID. Front compression pocket lets you stash a jacket or hat and gloves. Features two mesh water-bottle side pockets with a bungee that holds bottle in place; pockets are sized to hold a two-liter bottle. Comes with a carrying handle and removable shoulder strap. Approximate volume - metric 10 litres. Average weight - metric 0.79 kilograms. Material Nylon. Number of pockets 3 + main compartment   

Verdict

If you need a waist pack then look no further as this has to be the ‘Dogs Dangly Bits’ of waist packs. It has enough pockets for all your bits (even room for your waterproofs) plus attachment points to add more if you feel the need. This pack is designed to hug the bag so to reduce any ‘droop’ away from the back under load. An excellent piece of  kit for the walker who likes to go light.

The Cost

Around £40

Information and Links

For further information on Marmot and their products visit Marmot

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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DEUTER FUTURA AC (Air Comfort)

The Rucksack

The Deuter Futura AC (Air Comfort) range are available in varying sizes (22, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 40+10  & 50+10 litres) so there’s definitely something to suit everyone and they all incorporate the ‘meshed’ Air Vented back system.

The Deuter Futura 32 Litre AC is the middle of the road size wise as it is ideal for a day on the Fells, or maybe longer.

Features

Performance-enhancing Aircomfort back ventilation system. Capacity of 32 Litres + 4 Litres in side pockets.

Anatomically shaped, soft padded waist belt with bilaminate waist pads. Anatomically shaped MeshTex shoulder straps with load stabiliser straps. Bottom compartment with removable compartment separator.

Side bellows pockets. Top lid pocket and zipped front pocket. Two side mesh pockets.

Two pockets for valuables- on the waist belt and inside the rucksack. Wet clothes compartment.

Ice tool and trekking pole attachment loops. Top lid attachment rings. Raincover. Hydration system compatible.

Verdict

This has to be one of the most comfortable rucksacks in this size range that I’ve owned. It also feels very light under load which may be due to the anatomically shaped soft padded waist belt and shoulder straps (with load stabilizers) that take the weight off your back and shoulders. 

Having owned a different brand 35 litre rucksack I was more surprised how much room there is the in the Deuter Futura 32 Litre AC rucksack. With a wealth of hidden pockets and attachment points then you’re sure to find a place for all you need to carry.

The Cost

Around £65 (The AC range vary between £45 and £80 depending on litre size)

Information and Links

For further information on Deuter and their products visit Deuter

Reviewed by Camper Pete