What Back Packs ?

[benedict]

Hi all,

 I have had  a look through a few previous blogs around back packs, but im still at a loss. Can anyone advise whats a good backpack to buy for this event. I was looking at Salomon xt wings vest 10+3 exp but not sure ill get everything in it. Has anyone who has done it recomend a good brand of back pack, and things to watch out for.

 Tanks

 Ben

[Kelly]

I raced with a Salomon XA 15 pack vest last year. If you pack light and fast and your clothes aren't massive..you should be fine. My advice would be to pack all your mandatory gear in a dry bag and take it to a shop were you can load it up and see for yourself!

[Steve]

check out wilderness equipment, control freak, i am just trying to find stock in sydney

[Michael]

benedict, there is so much different backpacks that no one is 'best'.  i had a 15L + 2L bladder kathmandu backpack which was light and not expensive and fitted all the gear without much space for anything else.   Some people seemed to have slightly smaller ones but they must have been good at packing.  as they say try a trial pack at the store, for me 15L was good without any spare space.  I like the 'Source" bladders with a fold over top and a slide to close.  Then you have a wide opening at the very top and you dont have to fiddle with a screw opening with tired arms. michael

[benedict]

Thanks all,

 I got a Salomon xa20 which can hold a 3l bladder and 20L i have used it on a few runs and it seems excellent hardly notice its on my back.

    Ben

[Daryl]

Hi Guys & Gals, I've bought a Salomon XA20 pack. I can carry all the gear, with room for food etc. It feels as comfortable as I think I'm going to find. My problem is the chaf it is giving me on my back. Particularly the lower section just above my shorts. I found that wearing a singlet under my running top helps, however after a 5hr session last weekend it is giving me grief. Any advice on what I can do to either prevent, or ease the problem will be greatly appreciated.
Daryl

[Owen]

Daryl,  I haven't had any problems when I've been training with my pack but haven't gone more than 7 hours yet.  I anticipate the longer you train with it the better it'll get but I also have a couple of backup plans for the race.  Am gonna stash a second pack in the later check point bags incase the first pack causes too much chaffing. Hopefully a bigger/different pack with different pressure points will help.  I also anticipate I'll be walking the second half so not too concerned about the size or stability of pack.  Also, when I've been training I usually swap my pack to the front, kind of like a baby bjorn (if you have kids you"ll know what I mean) to access the bag while still running (salt tablets, water, get hat out etc). I'm hoping doing this every now and then will give me some relief from hot spots on the back.  Although the packs aren't designed for it as long as you have a chest strap (that essentially becomes a shoulder blade strap) the pack seems to stay on ok.  Not recommended for long periods but something that might be worth a try during training. If none of that works I reckon some strong sport strapping tape on the hot spots from the start will help you last longer. Cheers, Owen

[Paul]

Daryl,

I have an innov-8 pack but have a similar problem. I just take some vaesline (I actually use quoleum chamois cream which you can get from bike shops, but either should work), smear it all over the problem area and you should be fine. It might be wise to have some more in your drop bags or with your support crew so you can reapply as needed.

Paul

[Daryl]

Owen / Paul

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to respond - greatly appreciated.

I will take both of your tips on board over the next few weeks to see what works for me. If I have any break through moments in this area I'll let you know,

Daryl