Deuter Speed Lite 10 Litre Backpack

Advantages: Very comfortable, Lightweight, Small size when rolled up
Disadvantages: Expensive

...As a keen walker/backpacker/camper I had, until a year ago, used the traditional foam rollmat to sleep on. This was very uncomfortable, but then whats the point of camping if your not going to rough it a bit? However, I went out and bought a Thermorest Ultra-Lite mat through a recommendation by my friend and couldnt believe what I had been missing out on? Sleeping on one of these is better than my shoddy matress at Uni. First, you unroll your mat from its pouch, undo the air valve and it self inflates. Inside the mat there are fibres which when the mat is filled with air, hold it to the correct thickness (about 3/4 of an inch). If you like sleeping on a firm surface, or if u are short of time, you can pump it up a bit more with your mouth but otherwise it can just be left with the valve open and will inflate within 10 minutes... Read review

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Advantages: Light and strong
Disadvantages: not cheap

...One part of either a backpacking or cycling camping trip is that at night it gets dark and if you’re away from city lights it can get incredibly dark. Some say it can be romantic, the dark night with stars shimmering away, the stars that you never really see in built up areas. But it also means you cannot see where you are going. Camp sites can be full of trip hazards (guy lines from tents for example) so a reliable torch is a must. So what torch do I use? My preferred torch for camping is one from the MagLite range of torches the model being the MagLite 2-C Cell Flashlight, I chose this because it is not too big and heavy (that is counter productive when space and weight are at a premium), also for me I want a torch that can give out a good light (this used to be very important when making my way back to the tent after a couple... Read review

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Advantages: High Volume and Superb stability with heavy loads
Disadvantages: Military image - olive green

...You don't see the Vulcan around much these days but I had one and it was a rock steady backpack. Manufactured by Berghaus for the serious mountaineer but affectionately used by the military and forces due to its high volume and stability when loaded to the maximum. Features 100litre volume with two detatchable side pockets (very useful for expeditioners who have trekked to a base camp and then require a day pack for day walks etc) - the pack comes with straps to turn the side pockets into a small backpack. A feature copied by many other manufacturers. Internal frame that can be moulded to your back. High density foam in the right areas to prevent chaffing and rubbing (eg hips, shoulders and lower back - good lumbar support) My one had a divider between the main sac - not sure that this was common but very useful to keep dirty... Read review

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