Gear Envy: MHM Salute 34L Backpack (Midnight Black)

[Helen1]

Browsing around Sports Pursuit and came across the Ho34L Backpack (Midnight Black). It's a good size for a camino, and I like the loop of the S zip and the pockets. However, I have lovely rucksack and really don't need another one, although that s zip is very tempting!

More here: http://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/740743/join/Helen_King_53730

 

[Anniesantiago]

Browsing around Sports Pursuit and came across the Ho34L Backpack (Midnight Black). It's a good size for a camino, and I like the loop of the S zip and the pockets. However, I have lovely rucksack and really don't need another one, although that s zip is very tempting!

More here: http://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/740743/join/Helen_King_53730

I tried to look at it but there was some advertisement popped up in the middle of the page and I couldn't get it out of my way.

 

[Helen1]

Hmmm... it's an irritating website that makes you login to see anything. Have posted photos below. I had thought that if they gave you a link to share they might at least let other people see it!

Found a better link try:
http://mhmgear.com/salute-34
or

 

[Mark Lee]

Looks like a good pack. Perfect size for the average Camino. I may scale down if I do another one.
Anybody interested in buying my 48L REI?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I like this pack:
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/sh...en-s-Kyte-36-Pack_10210094_10208_10000001_-1_

This one is 6 liters larger than my 30L Arcteryx, which I adore and have used for 10 years and it's STILL holding up.

 

[zzotte]

a 34l backpack at 3.8 lb? empty? your are kidding right?

zzotte

 

[Anemone del Camino]

a 34l backpack at 3.8 lb? empty? your are kidding right?

zzotte

I agree, the weight of the MHM pack at 1.5 kg is just too much.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Who are you talking to????

 

[spursfan]

a 34l backpack at 3.8 lb? empty? your are kidding right?

zzotte

No, sadly it's true - all packs advertised as lightweight are far too heavy for day walking such as the camino - you need to search for ultralightweight to find anything sensible - something like 500g/one pound

 

[koknesis]

i would somehow advice against buying a backpack online without trying out how it sits LOADED on your body. packs weight is important, but even more importantly is how the suspension is designed. a rough estimate for this might be the stated maximal load weight, if such provided.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

It's not as easy as "that's too much". I tried many backpacks before my trip and I certainly wanted to go as light as possible, but the most comfortable pack for me was the osprey kyte 36 at 3.2 lb. It fit so well that even fully loaded I wasn't aware I had it on after a minute or two, far more comfortable for me than any of the much lighter frameless packs I tried.

You have to try packs to see what fits you best.

ETA I should maybe have mentioned that when Norwegian weighed my carryon going over (ultrasil duffle containing full backpack and one of my pacer poles) it only clocked in at 6.2 kg despite the heavier pack.

 

[Waka]

I bought the Lowe Alpine 35/45 ltr, it was the best fit me, so comfortable. Yes the down side was that it came in at 1.5 kg but fully loaded it only came to 9 kg including water. It certainly did me for my 42 day journey on the CF last year.
It's not the weight of the pack, it's the way it fits your body shape with all your worldly goods.

 

[Mark Lee]

My 48L REI I bought two years ago and have used on two CF's weighs in at over 3 pounds empty, but it's a good pack. Durable, and adjustable. I bought it sight unseen off the internet and once I got it adjusted all was good. Not to mention the price was right on the thing as I got it on sale. I can afford way more expensive packs, but why? I'd rather spend that money on other stuff. On any of my Caminos I don't think I spent over $300.00 total for my entire kit. Pack, shoes, clothing, etc.
It seems that the very lightweight, high-tech packs are twice the price. Less for more, if you will. A lot of prospective pilgrims reading these posts do the Camino on tight budgets. To them I say don't get caught up in the notion you got to spend a ton of money on expensive equipment to walk across Spain. The first time I did it, I carried a frame-less pack with no hip-belt I bought for $40.00.

 

[C clearly]

The comfort of your backpack is second only to your footwear in importance. If it weighs 1.5 kg, that is still not bad. In spite of what a few comments suggest, I don't think most people have packs that are much lighter in weight.

 

[zzotte]

It's not as easy as "that's too much". I tried many backpacks before my trip and I certainly wanted to go as light as possible, but the most comfortable pack for me was the osprey kyte 36 at 3.2 lb. It fit so well that even fully loaded I wasn't aware I had it on after a minute or two, far more comfortable for me than any of the much lighter frameless packs I tried.

You have to try packs to see what fits you best.

unfortunately the big box store only carry packs for the masses, two companies come to mind that makes ultralight packs super comfortable but pricey one is Zpack the other is Elemental Horizons they are both cottage manufactures I have the Aduro SL Elemental Horizons 40l at 21 oz the best pack I ever owned, the best part is that you can customize it my has a frame and the most amazing side pockets.

Zzotte

 

[Jo Jo]

+1 for Zpacks and Elemental Horizons. Also look at ULA and Hyperlite. I loved my Osprey 28L, but shaved about a pound off with a Zpacks. Liked it so much I bought my wife one too. And she loved hers. I love REI, but they don't carry the cottage manufacturers, who have by far the best (lightest, most innovative) packs in the world. A bit more expensive, but worth it for me.

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

 

[Michael Caleigh]

I tried on many packs and finally bought the Osprey Talon 33l. Fits perfect for me and only weighs 860g. No idea how much that is in pounds.

 

[skipronin]

As one of the posters stated above not every backpack manufactured is in every outdoor store. I was looking for a panel loader after viewing Lindsey Cowie's equipment video. Actually, it had to fit, I preferred that it be a panel losder, and I wanted it to be between 30 and 40 liters.


A salesman recommended the MHM Salute 34, even though it was not in his store. The salesman had met a hiker on the Appalachian Trail who was using the Salute to do the whole trail. I ordered a Midnight Black Salute 34 through REI. However, I discovered the shoulder straps bit into my armpits when it was being fitted. The rest of the bag was fine. After looking around, and not finding a similar bag in the same size range that I was happy with, I decided to think outside the box. I had the original straps removed by a shoe repair shop and replaced with a set of large Gregory A3 response straps. And unless you were paying very close attention, you would not realize the straps did not come with the bag as the color matches. Now the bag fits, and while there are many Salutes, I have made this one mine.