by norts » Thu 05 Sep, 2013 2:38 pm
Well I have had two walks now with Exped Lightning 60. Maria Island and Wylds Craig. Not hard long walks so durability has not been tested. It will now be hung up until I do the AT next year.
The minuses first:
The top of the aluminium stay popped out of the top sleeve and continued to do this on both walks whenever I picked up the pack, I finally worked out that after adjusting the back length you need to pull the velcro up very tightly so that it pushes the top of the stay up into the sleeve. My fault for being lazy and not doing this, although something in Expeds literature that explains this would be handy.
You need to be careful how you pack it, if something is protruding it can rub on your back.
I think the side pockets wouldn't last long in any scrub.
The compression strap that goes across the top of the pack and clips at the front has to be undone if you want to access the small zip compartment, annoying but you don't have to use this strap and it can be taken off. I want to keep it on as I will use to hold a piece of clothing on a day that requires "great coat on, great coat off".
The pluses:
It is comfortable to carry, I did bend the stay slightly to keep it away from my back, I handled 18kgs very comfortably.
The zip pouches on the waist belt are very good, I can keep a compass, lip balm and a few chews in them( I usually carry a bum bag for that, but don't need to with this pack)
The deep side pockets for water bottles are good and because I use a homemade drinking system the compression strap across the pocket(which some ppl have complained about) doesn't bother me as I am not taking my drink bottle out all the time.
I emailed Exped about the issue with the stay and had prompt responses and helpful advice.
I am happy with the pack and think it will work for me when doing the AT.
Hope this helps anyone contemplating this pack as I haven't been able to find many reviews on it.
If anyone has any questions about the pack please feel free to ask.
Roger