As far as hiking goes, I was for a long time an avid user of Osprey backpacks + Osprey hydration bladders.

I have however come to realise that I now have come prefer the UL-style packs with the two large side pockets in which I can place water bottles. It was using the LiteAF 46lt full suspension pack that has driven this transition.

So much so that I am now thinking of getting a smaller pack around 30lt for multi-day hikes where stoves, tents and sleeping bags are not required.

This is also leading to the point where I am considering selling off some of my Osprey packs. (I still a big fan of Osprey though and will continue to use some of their other products).

I do like looking into UL packs where I can order customised as much as possible. This is not a cheap option, but neither are Osprey packs. If I'm going to spend money like that, it surely is better to have something that is customised to me.

The one thing that niggles is that using a UL-style pack does not really work for the occasional snow hike. Bottles on the outside will freeze. UL packs are not really meant for carrying skis and snowshoes.

#whatsinyourpack #hiking #backpacking #ospreypacks #liteaf

Backpack and some miscellaneous items for the Fish River Canyon hike.

The backpack is the 46lt version from LiteAF (https://liteaf.com/product/ecopak-eplx-46l-curve-full-suspension/). I am taking the optional hip belts pockets (https://liteaf.com/product/hip-belt-pouch/) as well as the hip pack (https://liteaf.com/product/fanny-pack/).

I have found a way to either strap the hip bag into the hip belt, or alternative to carry it on top of the back pack. The hip pack is primarily for camera equipment. If I decide not to take any action camera, it will stay behind.

I have also added a stretchy water bottle pouch from Hilltop Packs (https://hilltoppacks.com/collections/accessory-pouches/products/custom-stretchy-water-bottle-sleeve-holder-pouch) as the one from LIteAF does not suit my needs.

Some additional items:

- Sea To Summit Trash bag (https://seatosummit.eu/products/trash-dry-sack-past-season). It keeps all the trash safely contained and the smells out of the backpack. THis is the older model and there is a newer model available.

- LiteAF Hiker Wallet (https://liteaf.com/product/small-zipper-pouch-hiker-wallet/). I'll have some cash and a credit card in there, because when one finishes the hike, it will pay for food, drinks and the warm water pools.

- Hilltop Packs Zipper Puch (https://hilltoppacks.com/products/zipper-pouches?variant=43560830632193) - This keeps my passport and all relevant documentation. The hiker wallet also goes inside.

- Cébé Sunglasses - I use photochromatic 0-3 so that I can ever wear it in low-light conditions. The latter is useful when one might encounter brush, branches or insects.

- Nooz Optics reading glasses (https://www.nooz-optics.com/en-us/collections/reading/original) - I have found these to be the most dependable and lightweight for backcountry usage. They go in a hipbelt pocket for quick access.

- Kimbefeel Milos sandals - The best weight-to-comfort sandals I've come across. Thicker than Xero, but lighter. Unfortunately they are discontinued.

- Leki Traveller Alu telescopic poles (https://www.leki.co.uk/item/813/Leki/Leki-Traveller-Alu-Blacksilver-Greyneon-Yellow.html) - Although slightly heavier, I prefer the aluminium version over carbon as I use these as my tent poles too. Even though I am not using a tent for this hike, I need it for other hikes on this travel, so these are the set of poles of choice.

#fishrivercanyon #hiking #whatsinyourpack #namibia #liteaf #noozoptics #cebe #leki #kimberfeel #seatosummit #hilltoppacks

I wasn't happy with the positioning of the shoulder pouch on my LiteAF pack. It was (1) too high, and (2) did not close well enough to keep 500ml bottle in place.

So I opted to customise by using this stretchy water bottle pouch from Hilltop Packs. It comes in two sizes and I ordered the smaller version as I only want a smaller bottle. I also took the opportunity to use a photo from where I was standing in the Orange river between South Africa and Namibia.

https://hilltoppacks.com/collections/accessory-pouches/products/custom-stretchy-water-bottle-sleeve-holder-pouch

My suggestion to future buyers of bespoke LiteAF packs not to invoke the option of the shoulder pouch, but rather to buy an aftermarket version. Gossamer Gear also has a good product.

#liteaf #whatsinyourpack #hilltoppacks #hiking