Just found out Kathmandu having an easter sale up to 60%.
I've also been informed that their membership costs only $10 to sign up and no more annual fee (I know the other competitors are free).
Just found out Kathmandu having an easter sale up to 60%.
I've also been informed that their membership costs only $10 to sign up and no more annual fee (I know the other competitors are free).
I only purchase their backpacks for daily use and it last but I don't know about the hiking one. They usually has a big discount for non member during easter every year.
Dude are you going to travel like Bear Grylls or Paddington Bear? For choosing a pack its essential to go out to a few shops and try some on. ; )
There are two main families of large backpacks.
You can use one for the other, but generally you have a better time with the one suited. Oh, and ignore the daypack strapped on the back. It's basically useless back there as it pulls you backwards, and when travelling your most important valuables are in your daypack.
As for the price, shop around, visit the stores, have a feel of the materials. Pretty much all the major competitors stock a similar model for a similar price (assuming it's their own "home brand")
Go and try some on with weight. Decent quality packs are adjustable but you still find that some will be more comfortable than others.
Cheers gents.. looks like ill have to go into the store to try some out
fyi ill be using it for a japan city + nepal hiking trip. Flights bought for peanuts thanks to Ozbargain of course ;)
I'm not an expert on backpacks, but it would be worth watching a couple of the "backpack fitting" videos on Youtube. Here's one on torso length which I thought was interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qvt29gv0X8
Also, make sure you test the backpack out with some weight in it - good places will have a couple of phonebooks to load the thing up with. And make sure you take some practice hikes with it, too, to break it in.
Went to Nepal last year, took everything Kathmandu, their hiking shoes are on special now too. Though granted in Nepal you can buy imitation everything anyway…. but quality wise we cannot complain about kathmandu…
Consider one with wheels so you have the option not to carry it.
I'd start with Macpac pinoyjay. I recently did the little bourke street run to look at all hiking packs and it was a no-brainer. My choice was the 75ltr Macpac cascade for $300.
My original Macpac is still going strong after 25 years.
comfortable, long lasting, durable
Interesting, you're right the $10 annual fee is now a lifetime membership.
Prices are dropping with the quality, Highly inflated RRP, and the sydney outlet store has closed. Sounds like they're getting desperate.
If you ever join their membership try to mention it, they might able to reactivate your old membership so you don't have to pay $10. And yes I think their price are highly inflated but with big discount sometimes it worthy.
A Kathmandu sale? Bwahahaha.
Most of the time, Kathmandu sell reasonable quality outdoor gear for a reasonable price.
Every so often, they pack their "SALE" signs away and double the prices. Reasonable quality products for absurdly inflated prices.
This madness lasts a couple of weeks. Then they bring the "SALE" signs out again, bring the prices back to where they should be, and everything is sensible again.
Why do they have these ridiculous non-sale periods with their grossly inflated prices? Who knows. I guess it gets them mentioned on OzBargain every so often, and gives a false benchmark "full price" for them to trick unsophisticated buyers, who haven't done any research, into thinking they're getting a fantastic deal.
when does the sale end?
Right before the next one starts probably.
For those who have YHA membership you should be able to get Kathmandu membership for free. There is a YHA option on form to tick.
Just picked up a Kathmandu hydration bladder which is actually a source widepac for $24.00. Cheapest I've seen so far, except for the Kathmandu branding.
would anyone be able to give some advice re: the backpacks for travel/hiking? Are these good prices or should i just get something cheap off ebay?