[A self-paying comparison review without consideration] A person who has been involved in the outdoor industry for many years, carrying a popular and popular model of medium-sized backpacks that can be used for staying at a hut or in a tent.

As more and more of my mountain climbing friends around me are making their tent camping debut, I've compared the medium-sized bags available this year for those of you who are checking out the best ones to try this year

Compared to 30 years ago when I started hiking, equipment has become much smaller and lighter. In the past, a 60L or larger backpack was the norm for camping in a tent, but tents and sleeping bags have become smaller and lighter, and freeze-dried food has become more common, so now even a 30L backpack can be used for camping in a tent

So this time, we thought it would be useful not only for people who are just starting to camp in tents, but also for experienced campers who are thinking about making their tent camping lighter and more compact, so we compared camps in the 40-50L class, which can be stored without using extremely lightweight equipment

A comparison review of medium-sized backpacks that can be used for camping in a tent

Select a comparison candidate

The seven items I chose this time are mainly new models that will be available in stores this spring (2021), and include not only major popular models but also talented models that are "actually amazing." Simply put, these are the seven models that remained after narrowing down the models that I personally found interesting. The selection criterion behind this was "lightweight." I picked out items that are conscious of lightness in the materials and parts they use

Furthermore, since the total weight exceeds 10 kg, a sturdy frame was also a selection criterion. As I also like fastpacking, I also tried out one "ultralight" model. I hope to be able to tell you how it differs from regular trekking packs

• Deuter Futura Pro 40
• GRANITE GEAR PERIMETER 50
• GREGORY Paragon 48
• Mont-Bell Chacha Pack 45
• Osprey Kestrel 38
• VAUDE Brenta 44+6
• (Reference exhibit) Arc'teryx Aerios 45

Points of evaluation

The six evaluation criteria used in this comparison test are as follows. For more information on why these criteria are important, please refer to How to Choose a Backpack

1. Comfort: Elements necessary for comfortable carrying, such as fit on the back, feel against the skin, and breathability
2. Stability: The lack of stress and safety when carrying heavy loads, walking, or moving around
3. Storage capacity: Ease of packing. Rather than the capacity itself, it's about how easy it is to take things in and out, how easy it is to organize, etc
4. Ease of use: Ease of use includes things that cannot be simply classified as storage capacity or comfort, such as back adjustment functions and the quality of the straps and zippers
5. Durability: The strength of the fabric used and the resistance of the parts to breakage
6. Weight: Weight per volume

Test environment

This time, we carried camping gear (approximately 10kg) and went up and down a hiking course in a low mountain that also had rocky areas like those in the Northern Alps, and compared the results

Here's the gear I packed in my backpack

• tent
• tent mat
• sleeping bag
• sleeping bag cover
• Mat Air + Closed Cell
• Cooker
• Cutlery
• Gas stove
• gas canister
• table
• Cold weather clothing (top only)
• Rainwear top and bottoms
• Change of clothes (2 long sleeves, 2 pairs of socks)
• Emergency Kit

Total weight of the above kit: 5,680g

In my case, this equipment is sufficient for outdoor temperatures down to around -5°C, and is generally sufficient for summer mountain climbing

The tent is a relatively new and lightweight one, but the sleeping bag is a standard three-season, and the mattress is a lightweight air mattress, plus a closed-cell mattress for security and relaxation. There's also a table, so there's plenty of room to make the list even lighter. When actually hiking, I'll add water and food to this list

In my case, I also add 2L (2kg) of water and 1-2kg of food depending on the number of days. Add alcohol to your liking!

Test results and spec comparison table

Impressions of each model

GREGORY Paragon 48

#Just like an honor student #A capable person with no flaws #Overall 1st place

This is the place

• A pack is something you wear. Yes, that's right!
• Lightness as Gregory

This is △

• Rear ventilation: Not very noticeable
• The price is a bit high

The brand is a giant in the backpack world, and their catchphrases like "the Rolls Royce of bags" are easy to agree with. Being a contrarian, I have never used one before, but I thought it was odd that this brand wasn't included in the comparison review, so I chose the lightweight Paragon

He's the kind of honor student you always find in class, and yet he's also light-hearted and easy to get along with. (That's perfect!)

The shoulder straps and hip belt, which are the lifeblood of the pack, have been given a lot of attention and are designed to be gentle on the body while distributing weight well and holding it securely

The difference from German packs is that the weight is distributed evenly across the shoulders as well as the waist

 

The materials and parts are designed with ease of use as a top priority, and attention has been paid to achieving both strength and lightness.The balance between each has been carefully considered, with careful consideration given to which parts require strength and which do not, which is impressive

And each part is easy to operate

There aren't many things that bother me, but I do want to point out that the open back for ventilation is pretty pointless. It's a waste to use urethane foam in the back contact area, even though that's such a valuable space. It's a bit disappointing considering you're paying for this functionality. The fact that the hydration hook is also reserved for your own use is a bit of a pain. It's mostly just a nitpick, though

Access to the front and side pockets is good. The main compartment is also no problem. Access to the bottom is also good. The external attachments are almost in line with modern specifications. It's truly an excellent bag. I would prefer it to have a few imperfections

This was the first time I've properly used a Gregory bag. It's as good as I expected, and I was surprised. It's really well made. I recommend it to people who have the money and don't want to make a mistake. It shouldn't be a big problem no matter where you go in the mountains in Japan. On the other hand, you're sure to come across the same product and color in the mountains. Just be careful not to accidentally take it with you at the mountain hut! It's a medium-sized bag that people who are short on time and can only shop online can buy with confidence (although I don't use it myself lol)

Deuter Futura Pro 40

#Most surprising #Reborn German hero #No.1 when carried on the waist

This is the place

• Load distribution to the waist. You can really feel the attention to detail of a German brand
• A cool feeling on your back and a view of the other side

This is △

• Non-adjustable back length results in a different fit
• Access to the side pockets I use quite a lot

German brand Deuter has also redesigned its brand logo in 2021. Their flagship items have also been redesigned, which I've been interested in. German brands have always had a bulky and sturdy image, but this is a big makeover. It's like they look handsome when they take off their glasses

At 1,620g, it's not exactly lightweight, but thanks to the excellent metal frame and hip belt, the load on your body when carrying it feels lighter than a mediocre UL pack. If the weight exceeds 10kg, if the weight isn't on your hips, your shoulders will start to hurt and become uncomfortable in the latter half of the climb. This discomfort is unacceptable in the latter half of the climb, when it gets tough. You can't enjoy the beautiful scenery. This pack, on the other hand, distributes the load evenly between your hips, so you can walk steadily without feeling much weight on your shoulders. Even when maneuvering your feet on rocky ridges, the hip belt doesn't push up too much and fits snugly around your hips

It's great that the tape extending from the frame connects to the hip belt!

Also, because the back is completely open, your back doesn't get sweaty, but there's padding around the waist! And it works! However, because the luggage compartment is farther away from your body, it feels less stable. These two points are physically incompatible, so ultimately it's a matter of preference

There's nothing lacking in terms of storage space or attachments, but there are a few things I personally find lacking. For example, the side pockets are large enough, but they're difficult to access. Unless you have very flexible shoulders, you can't take out a bottle while wearing the backpack

This was the item I was most interested in during this test, and I was surprised by the change

If you're someone who sweats a lot and hates having to wear a jacket with an open back, this is an item you should try out at a store. Preferences may vary in the finer details, but this meets all modern requirements. Unlike American brands with a strong backpacking culture, it doesn't have many external gimmicks, but I personally recommend this kind of compromise for those heading out to the Northern Alps, which have a strong alpine feel

VAUDE Brenta 44+6

#Hidden talent in Germany #The most surprising person this time #Best Effort Award: 2nd place overall

This is the place

• I was really surprised at how stable the hip belt was
• Price: This price for all this? Is the pricing wrong?

This is △

• In comparison, there are some unfortunate details. Functionally there is no problem, but the impact of cost cutting is
• Durability of small parts I won't know until I continue using it, but perhaps it's due to the weight reduction?

Vaude is the brand with the biggest gap between its popularity overseas and Japan. It may even be more famous in Germany than Deuter. It's a comprehensive brand that also handles clothing and tents, and offers a wide range of packs. I chose this product because it was lightweight, and it was a big hit. Have you ever had a transfer student in the class next to you, and then you talked to him and found out he was a really nice guy?

I researched competing brands and incorporated them into the design, and it turned out surprisingly well. First of all, I want to say how great the fit is. The fit around the waist is particularly excellent, and is comparable to Gregory and Deuter

The cooling sensation on my back is the best I've experienced so far!

The functionality is sufficient, there are no problems with the size or design, and the cost cutting and weight reduction make it seem like it will still work. I wonder if the designer is Japanese? It's reverse engineering

It doesn't feel very original, but it does everything well. If there's one thing that bothers me, it's the quality of the small details. The main part is expensive, but the small details are made of cheap materials, the parts are large, and they're hard to grip. However, these are things that don't affect the overall product, so they're not worth worrying about

I knew about this brand, but I had never used it. This time, I used it for the first time and was simply amazed at how authentic it was. Perhaps that's why I'm being too lenient in my evaluation. Still, given the performance and price, I can confidently recommend it. I've never seen it on the mountain outside of the industry

Osprey Kestrel 38

#Backpack spirit level #Best value for money #Great functionality that hits the spot

This is the place

• Great value! This is a great value for the price
• Ease of use: Every detail is streamlined and user-oriented

This is △

• Weight: A bit sad, but there is a lightweight version available!
• Fitting: People's tastes may differ. I'm OK with it

Osprey is a leading American brand that rivals Gregory. This brand is known worldwide for its top value for money, and is a successful brand not only in the US but also in Europe. This time, instead of a model that emphasizes lightness, we chose the classic Kestrel. It's not particularly eye-catching, but it's solid and sometimes flashy. It has its secret fans

Osprey is a great value brand with plenty of functionality. This classic bag has no noticeable holes. It's functional enough for camping in a tent, and the design of the parts and the pockets are all there

The compression belt works in conjunction with the front pocket, holding your belongings securely in place while also preventing the contents of the front pocket from spilling out. This has always been a key feature and has been highly praised

The fact that the hydration is stored on the outside of the main compartment may make anyone who has spilled the contents of their hydration pack inside the main compartment in the past grin

So, are there any drawbacks? Well, there is one thing that bothers me. That is the fit. It may be due to the design of the back, but the weight on the waist is divided into two halves, but it tends to be concentrated in the center and also on the lower back

There is a strong feeling of pulling the shoulders backwards, forcing you to straighten your posture. Many people who tend to hunch their backs may find this uncomfortable. This varies from person to person, so it cannot be said to be a drawback, but for those who are bothered by it, it is something they cannot compromise on

Personally, Osprey is the brand I use the most out of all the ones in this lineup. As always, it offers consistently good value for money. The design is perfect for any mountain range in Japan, but fit is an important factor for a bag, so please try it on in the store before evaluating it

GRANITE GEAR PERIMETER 50

#Attention to fitting #Adjustable shoulder and hip belts #No.1 size adjustment

This is the place

• Fitting: Adjustable shoulder strap width and hip belt, as well as back length
• Lightweight: This light weight with a metal frame

This is △

• Stability: It's quite stressful on rocky ridges
• Access to the main room is difficult compared to other areas

We picked out some interesting items from Granite Gear, a big name in the UL world and the home of backpacking in the United States

Since the design philosophy is fundamentally different, I feel a little hesitant to talk about them in the same category, but when talking about lightweight packs, it's one of the brands that you can't leave out. It's like that guy who doesn't stand out in class but is super energetic in club activities

Even in this size, the UL world tends to make frameless bags, but this bag is equipped with a metal frame in addition to the resin plate. What's more, the shoulder strap attachment position can be adjusted not only in height but also in width, which is a nice feature for relatively small Japanese people

Another great feature of this pack is that it can carry more luggage than its 50L capacity, as it has a front pocket on the outside that is divided into two sections, a very large side pocket, and a top lid and bottom panel that can hold various items that don't fit in the main compartment

I personally love how they've focused on making the small parts lightweight, and the functionality is comparable to other companies' packs

However, while the shoulder and hip belts are adjustable, the way they are attached is a key point as they allow for too much movement. When you enter a rocky ridge, there is a lot of side-to-side movement, which causes your body to shake. This is an issue that cannot be ignored depending on the mountain range you are using, so you have to be careful about where you use them

The weight is also placed on the lower back, but it is not distributed to the left and right, but is concentrated in the center above the tailbone. Some people may experience chafing, so please check at the store

Also, with a pack this size, it's a bit of a challenge that the main compartment can only be accessed from the top. If it's raining when you arrive at the campsite, you want to set up the tent as quickly as possible, but the tent is at the bottom of the pack. If you take everything out of the main compartment to set up the tent, your luggage will get wet. At times like these, you really appreciate the bottom zipper

Personally, it's been a while since I've used Granite Gear, and this backpack really exudes the scent of backpacking. I wouldn't recommend it for hiking the rocky ridges of the Northern Alps, but it would make a great companion for a 3-4 night hike on the Shinshu Trail. The subdued color scheme and UL-style design will surely strike a chord with backpackers

Mont-Bell Chacha Pack 45

#The team leader worked hard and got slimmer #No.1 in lightness

This is the place

• Lightweight: Weighing less than 1400g for a 45L bag is impressive
• Rain cover - so detailed it makes you wonder what happened

This is △

• It looks like there's no hip belt attached
• Bottom zipper: Not there, open the bottom

Montbell is a Japanese brand that everyone knows. For long-time mountaineers, the transformation they've undergone over the past decade is simply astounding. They're a well-known, all-round brand that's been making backpacks for a long time, including Zero Point, and this time we've picked out a lightweight, mid-sized pack from their line. They're doing their best, but there are always people who are a little off-kilter

The main material, reinforcement material, and metal frame were all selected with weight reduction in mind, resulting in a total weight of less than 1,400g. It's quite light for its size. I picked this item after looking at the catalog specifications. The right pockets are in the right places, and all the right parts are there, and the price is the result of the company's efforts. The built-in rain cover, in particular, was the best-made of all the items in this test

The side pockets are average in size, but they are easy to access

However, it's true that the most common question was, "Have you tried it?" The thing I was most concerned about was the fit. I'm 170cm tall, weigh 62kg, and have a back length of 49cm, which is relatively average or slightly small in modern Japan, but is this an overseas brand? The size specifications are one size fits all, and there's no back length adjustment

I wear size M trekking pants for Japanese brands and size S for overseas, but the hip belt is too big. The size and design of the cushioning are completely wrong for me, so the weight doesn't rest on my hips. The design is such that the weight is concentrated on the tailbone, but it slips down and the buckle digs into my lower abdomen. As a result, I end up carrying the pants only on my shoulders

Also, the bottom zipper access, which allows direct access to the main compartment without opening the rain cover, is a bit difficult to use. I won't go into detail here, but there are many designs that are just like, "I have it on my bag because it's on other bags," and this was the pack with the most parts among the ones I bought this time

This was my first time using a Montbell pack, and perhaps due to the size not fitting, I was disappointed. It might be a completely different experience for someone over 180cm tall. Fit is extremely important with packs of this size, so even if your budget limits your options, be sure to get a thorough fitting at the store before making your selection

(Reference exhibit) Arc'teryx Aerios 45

#A sharp Canadian guy #Attacks the fast pack #Lots of handy pockets

This is the place

• Side pockets I might just buy it here
• Material: This thickness of ripstop is white

This is △

• It's expensive. It's cheaper than it used to be
• Horizontal shake: Not too bad if used normally

Arc'teryx is a brand that even crying children can be silenced by, and I love Beams too.Even people who don't go mountain climbing have good products

This Canadian harness manufacturer is a top brand, it's amazing. They make great products. This time, I checked it out as a reference exhibit, partly because I was interested in something different. There's always that one handsome guy with a bit of a swagger

For those who don't know what a fastpack is, perhaps I should mention Haruki Tanaka. Fastpackers, like him, are people who move through the mountains at a faster pace than the average person, and their mountaineering style is fastpacking. It's pretty violent, though. To move quickly, they carry as little equipment as possible, making it lighter in weight and smaller in size. For such people, a 45L pack is like a regular 70L pack. This pack is positioned in that category

I try not to take breaks as much as possible, so I often eat and drink while I'm moving, which is why the bag has lots of pockets that are accessible while wearing it

Not only the shoulder harness and hip belt, but also the side pockets are heavy, so it's easy to store relatively large equipment in these areas. Rainwear, lots of snacks, and sometimes even cameras. The side pockets on this bag are significantly larger than other models, and the opening can be adjusted, which is its greatest feature

Since you won't need a rain cover, the construction is simple with as few seams as possible and the material is highly water-repellent and waterproof

The shoulder straps are thin but padded, and are wide and have stretchy mesh pockets

The only thing that bothers me is the flimsy frame and hip belt

However, the situation in which it is used is different from the lightweight/medium-sized packs we compared this time, so if you think of it as something like a featherweight fighter competing in a middleweight bout, perhaps it makes sense? It's a very attractive product for use as a fast pack. It's expensive, though

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summary

This time we've brought you a hands-on test review of a mid-sized (40-50L) lightweight pack available this spring

When making my selection, I didn't check in stores, but instead mostly just looked online and checked, so some of the reviews I gave were quite extreme, and I feel a little sorry about that. However, since this is a comparative review based on actual purchases of the products, I was free to write freely without any bias towards the manufacturers. However, these are merely one person's opinions, so please don't take them at face value and test them out for yourself

Personal ranking (tent camping)

• 1st place Gregory
• 2nd place: Deuter, Vaude
• 4th place: Osprey

This is the order of fitting. Granite Gear and Arc'teryx are in a slightly different genre, so they're OK for those activities. As for Montbell, I can't use them because the size doesn't fit

There is a huge difference between a pack that fits properly and one that doesn't, so please make sure to ask at the store. If you are carrying over 10 kg, a hip belt can make a big difference

The fitting process consists of four steps:

1. Place the center of the hip belt (which is roughly concave) over the upper protrusions on both sides of your pelvis and secure it with the belt
2. Fasten the shoulder straps
   and adjust the back length so that the base of the shoulder straps rests at the top of your shoulder blades.
3. Tighten the chest strap
   so that it is at the same height as your armpits.
4. Tighten the top stabilizer and bring the pack closer to your body.
   This is the tape that connects the top of the pack to the shoulder straps.
   Be careful not to tighten it too much, as this will pull up the shoulder straps and cause them to slip.

Personally, this was a very fresh and meaningful review project for me, as it was the first time I had used some of the brands. Although I am just an individual, I hope that this review will be useful as a guide for you when choosing tools

So, have fun with your new gear and enjoy your mountain trip! Hooray for everyone!

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Keroppa

It's been over 30 years since I started to wander around the mountains and wander. I didn't join a mountain club, but I was enjoying the book, magazines, and web information by examining it with my own body, and for some reason I started working for a certain outdoor gear manufacturer. The style of playing in the mountains on weekends all year round, and we enjoy not only peak hunting and traverse climbing, but also fly fishing in the basement, river climbing, BC skiing, trail running, fast packing, orienteering, and more, depending on the season. I love gear, and I can't help but sample items that interest me! I was making excuses and bought it, but by chance I decided to write about it here. I am grateful for your continued support in this industry, but I will review it from the perspective of a first user without any consideration. I will do my best to contribute to all the activities that spread out from new gear!