Gear Review: North Face Terra 65

As promised, I have thoroughly tested my North Face backpack and believe that I have an accurate idea of how well the pack holds up. When I was in Peru, I put the pack through a lot of rugged tests, not to mention bags get beat up when travelling anyway, and it seemed to hold up well. It, first of all, survived the flight which tests it's durability to begin with. With the excessive use when hiking (over 40 miles), and enduring all sort of weather (wind, rain, sun, heat, cold, extreme altitudes), it has experienced a rugged test.


I want to systematically go through this review and look at it's:

• value for the money
• overall construction and features/comfort
• durability
• suitability for it's intention

Value for it's money:
The North Face Terra 65 is, I believe an obsolete pack, in that it has been replaced by a newer model. I bought this pack for $110 on sale at a Dick's Sporting Goods. Pricing on the internet can range from $120 to $180. I believe this is a reasonable price for what you are getting. The durability, features, and ease of use are well worth the price as you will see later in this post.


Overall construction and features/comfort:
This is largely based on opinion (in my opinion). I give it a 4.8 out of 5, but others may not because everyone like different features. I prefer a simpler pack over one with many pockets. As far as construction, I feel that it is a sturdy frame. The pack is an internal frame with the standard 2 aluminum slats. The pack is made of a thicker nylon that is water resistant. I don't believe it is marketed as "water resistant" but I found this to be the case when I encountered rain. Pair it with a rain cover and you probably won't need a pack liner (if it's newer). The one downside to the construction that I experienced was the thickness of the material. The thick material adds durability, but also adds weight and when you are hiking long distances, it is remarkably noticeable. Overall, the pack has a top loading design with drawstrings and 2 buckles for the lid. However, it does have a side zipper to access the interior without opening the lid. There are also 2 thick Velcro straps for trekking poles (one on each side) and the standard 2 ice ax loops. I like the 2 compression straps on each side which do an excellent job and compressing the pack as well as holding gear.


The shoulder straps and hip belt are thick and well padded and never had an issue with them. As with most packs, the shoulder strap system can be adjusted depending on the size of the user. The shoulder straps give great flexibility to adjust it to fit perfectly. However, the waist belt only has the standard adjustment straps and nothing to finely adjust it. I didn't personally have a problem with this, but my body type fit it well. I hiked 30.8 miles in the Andes and didn't have any issues with the suspension system. I found them to hold up quite well. My only complaint is when hiking that far (particularly if there's lots of stairs), the waist strap can loosen slightly.


As far as features, I am very happy with this pack! There are 2 pockets on the face of the pack that are roomy and offer plenty of space. The 2 side pockets are mesh and stretch significantly to hold water bottles, snacks, etc. Both sides of the waist strap have large packets to hold snacks, GPS, etc. Most packs have smaller pockets, so I was impressed with size on this one. The lid only has an exterior pocket that is large and zips all the way around the lid. This made it easier to organize and find items quickly instead of trying to dig through a pocket with a small mouth. The inside of that pocket has a mess pocket that I found great to hold items that may be needed but not immediately.


The pack does have a water bladder pocket on the inside with only one exit port on the right side. I did not use this on my Peru trip, but have used it. There are 2 elastic pieces on the straps of the pack that I use to run my water bladder tubing through to hold it. I also used one to hold my watch/thermometer.


I am impressed with the sleeping bag pocket, the mouth is large and the compartment is large itself which is rare for a pack. I actually found it to be too big for the bag I brought to Peru. The divider between the man compartment and sleeping bag compartment can be loosened to make one large compartment.


I think overall, it is a comfortable pack. I felt the weight I was carrying, but that is usually the case with most packs, especially at high altitude. I never has issues with comfort of the pack during my whole Peru trip.


Durability:
I found the pack to quite durable, but I don't think I would give it 5 stars in this area. The material holds up to wear better than I expected. I think if you let it undergo excessive abrasion, it would wear through, but it seems to hold up to normal use exceptionally well. The zippers are large and don't bind up, even when the pack is stuffed. The straps and suspension also holds really well. I had the compressions straps cinched down TIGHT and they held up very well. My only complaint in durability would be the seems at the top of the pack. When it has any moderate amount of weight, the seems over the frame seem stressed and I was a little nervous as to whether they would hold up. They did well, but I don't like when a seem is overly stressed. I think the stress points could have been reinforced better. One of the pluses, though, is that it holds up well as a seat when you stop to rest. I would lay it down on it's face and use it as a seat and it didn't show any wear after that.


Suitability for Intention:
This is the summary of the whole review and believe this pack passes my inspection incredibly well! The pack is 65 litres which was just the right size for my trip. But of course, it's important to find a pack the right size for what you need. North Face does made a Terra 55 if you need a smaller pack with the same construction as this one. I have to say, it held all of my gear quite well and was easy to organize everything in it. I would say it is suitable for oversees trips like I took and for multiday hikes. I did not have a tent, food, stove, or cooking supplies with me so I cannot accurately say it works well for a self contained trip. with that being said, I did have excessive things with me that were specific to travelling Peru and was able to pack extra clothes and luxury items since I had the extra room. I believe it would hold tent, small stove, solo cook set, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, change of clothes, food, and maybe even a backpacking chair in the main compartment if you pack it right ( I have had it packed for self contained trip, but have not taken one of those trips with this pack yet). I do believe I will use this pack for my Appalachian Trail trip. As I stated before, it is a simple (and slim) design which I think makes it easier to pack and with the slim design, helps to avoid over-packing.


Altogether, I am very happy with this pack. If you are looking for a good pack that will hold up to the elements and lots of abuse, I think you have found what you are looking for. But as I mentioned, pack design is a personal preference and it may or may not suit you needs. I was able to adjust it to fit me perfectly, but some people with other body types may have issues with it. Overall, a good pack!

Gear Review: Camelback Rogue

One of the most important things that you can take on your trek is water. We can only live 3-5 days without water. That makes water a valuable thing to have when hiking, biking, boating, or simply walking. Most people understand this. Because it's so important, there are several brands that make all different styles of containers to carry it. One of those brands is Camelback. I have never done a review on any Camelbak item before so I will do one on Camelbak itself, along with a particular hydration system. 

Camelbak is one of the most well known brands when it comes to water carrying systems. They have a wide variety from water bottles and bladders, to filters, backpacks, and drink mixes. In fact, they even make gear for the military. Because of the quality and name, they are a little pricey, but you do get what you pay for. 

To start out, let's look at a water bladder (since that is primarily what this review is about). Camelbak makes 3 sizes of bladders: 50 oz., 70 oz., and 100 oz. These can range from backpack style bladders to lumbar pack bladders. All bladders are BPA free and range in shapes. The lid is easier to get off and on than other bladders. With Camelbak, it only takes a quarter turn to take it off or replace it. This makes refilling so much quicker. The mouth also has 2 stands that flip out to air dry the bladder, which is unique to Camelbak. The top of the mouth also has a little hook to secure it in other packs (such as your large pack for backpacking). 

The hose (that I have) is a little shorter than other brands. It took some getting used to, but I think I like it better. With my old bladder, if the hose hung down it would drip. However, the nozzles on Camelbak bladders are very well made and have a shut off valve on them. Therefore, if the hose is hanging, it won't drip. The way it hangs also makes it easier to just pick up, drink, and drop it. There is also an option to get a clip that goes near the bite piece and can be clipped to a shit or strap to have it near your mouth. Camelbak also makes insulators to keep the water, that is in the hose, cold. 

Altogether, the bite piece and hose are comfortable. And not only are they comfortable, but also easy to clean. The bladder, hose, and bite piece are all very well designed. 

Now, onto the carriers. Camelbak has a huge variety of packs. They have large day packs that are great for short backpacking trips. They also have small packs that only hold the bladder. As I said before, they have backpack and lumber pack styles. Each of the packs are designed for a specific purpose, whether biking, running, or hiking. The pack I have is the "Rogue". This is a medium sized pack that is a actually designed for biking. 

This pack comes in either red or black, unless you get the redesigned one which has green. It runs around $85. The pack is made of a durable nylon material. The front of it (the part on your back) has 2 mesh/foam pieces down the sides. These make the pack more comfortable and allow for air flow. The straps have this mesh as well for breathability. The back of the pack has reflective striping for cycling in low light or at night. The bottom of the pack has a small drain hole for the unfortunate event of a leaking bladder or if it gets wet. On the top of the pack is a loop to hang it up or carry it by hand. 

The bladder slides in the top like most do, and a Velcro strap holds it in place. In fact, the carrier holds the bladder snug enough to fill it without taking the bladder out. The flap that covers the mouth of the bladder does not secure like most small bladder carriers do. At first I didn't like this feature, but found that it makes filling the bladder much easier. There is a little plastic piece on the bottom of the flap to hold it down. 

The straps have nylon webbing that are adjustable. The ends of the straps have Velcro loops to secure them to the strap itself, to avoid the straps from flying around. The front of the straps have small gear loops with reflective tape on them. One strap also has a clip holder for the hose. The straps also have a chest strap with buckles. 

Looking at the face of it, the pack has a zipper pouch on the bottom part. Inside this zipper pouch, is a netted pouch. This is designed to hold bike repair tools. This pouch is suspended by netting, which makes an additional pouch behind it. Inside this pouch is an elastic loop which I call a "banana pocket". The mesh netting on sides also have compression straps that can be tightened. 

The flap that covers the mouth of the bladder also has a zipper pocket. On the inside of the pocket, is a small lanyard with a gear hook. In addition, all of the zippers have pull cords instead of standard zippers to keep from having a lost or broken zipper. 

The pack itself is very comfortable and feels natural on the back. It fits me well. For those of you who are ultralight hikers, this pack is very light when empty and it holds weight evenly. When I initially started looking for a Camelbak, I was trying to find a small daypack such as the "Fourteener" or "Mule". However, I am very happy with this smaller pack. Even though it is made for cycling, it works great for hiking as well. In fact, it has just the right amount if room for my essentials (compass, paracord, food, jacket, flashlight) and then some. For cyclists, the Rogue is great for day rides or if you are also riding with panniers. However, if you are cycling a long distance, I recommend looking into a lumbar pack because they don't sweat on your back. 

If you are looking for a good day hike pack, consider looking at the Mule, Rim Runner, Could Walker, or Trail Blazer. For what I'm doing, this pack is perfect. I put the bladder in my Teton Explorer pack and strap the Rogue pack on the outside to use for short day hikes after camp is set up. 

Overall, I would recommend getting a Camelbak. They are pricey, but it is a good investment. Any questions or experience, please comment below. 

Packing the pack

There are endless ways on how to pack your backpack for a trek. You will pack it differently based on type of hike, climate, type of pack, what you use more often, and what you take. As I go through this, I will show how I pack for 3 season vs. winter and hammock vs. tent. My Teton sport backpack has the main compartment, a sleeping bag compartment in the underside, a long outside pocket on one side, two short outside pockets on the other side, a netted water bottle pouch on both sides, a netting gear pouch on the back, a water bladder pouch on the inside, and a pouch on the top flap on outside and inside. 

I also have a smaller pack I use in the summer sometimes that only has a main compartment, two long pockets on the outside on the back, pouch on inside and outside of top flap , and two netted gear pockets on the side. You can see a big difference between the two. All packs are different so how you pack it will vary. I will use my Teton for example throughout this post. I'm going to show you how I pack my pack, then will give some packing principles to always abide by. 

First, I will cover the main compartment. Depending on the trip, the way I pack will change. The following are what I have in my main compartment:

Hammock, pillow, cook set, food and fuel can in stuff sack, air matress, snow shovel, backpacking chair, water filter, clothes. Of course, I don't carry the snow shovel when there's no snow or the hammock when I bring the tent. I don't pack the water filter when I'm hiking in snow. Typically when I pack for a hammock camp, I put the hammock, cook set, air matress, and clothes bag in first. On top of that, I put my food bag, water filter, and chair. Lastly, I put the pillow on top with a Nalgene bottle. In winter, I wrap the water bottle in the pillow. In snow, I take the handle off the shovel and slide both in along the back. In 3 seasons, I put my camelback bladder in the pocket on the inside and squeeze the camelback carrier in somewhere to use as a day pack. 

In the sleeping bag, compartment, I have my sleeping bag and space blanket/tarp. The compartment is rather small so if you have one and a large sleeping bag, you can take some smaller things out of the main part, like food and clothes, and put them in the sleeping bag compartment and sleeping bag in the main or on the outside. You can experiment and work with it until you find a solution. 

The top, outside pocket on the flap is where I put the things I will need the most to keep them handy. All packs have a pocket on top of the pack. The following is what I always carry in it:

Ground cloth, duct tape wrapped around a card, map case and map, compass, cotton gloves, multi tool, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, flashlight, headlamp, and bandanna. You may not put the same things in this pocket, but just make sure to have there what you will need most. 

Just on the other side of the top flap, there's another pocket that I typically keep my hygiene stuff, extra first aid supplies, medical tape, and soap. 

The long outside, side pocket I normally use to put longer, small items and things I may need before opening the main compartment. I usually carry my spare tent stakes, bear bag cord, small shovel, and folding saw. 

The top smaller pocket on the other side I typically put my fire starting and cooking equipment in. I have my stove, lighter, tinder, and back up stove and fuel. The bottom small pocket I use for survival gear. I have a dry box with extra lighter, hand warmers, fishing kit, can opener, and flint fire striker. I also have a pill fob with basic OTC medications like ibuprofen and Benadryl and have my emergency space blanket in the pocket as well. 

On the outside of the pack, I strap my foam sleeping pad on the back and the tent on top (when I use my tent rather than hammock). When I hammock camp, I have my underquilt strapped to the top and spare blanket on the back. I have a carabiner with paracord on it that I put on a shoulder strap. I also put my snacks in the outside mesh pockets. Most packs have some way of securing your trekking poles to the outside and have gear loops for ice axes. When I take snow shoes, but not using them at the time, I use lashing straps to strap them to the sides. I always keep an insulated Nalgene bottle pouch on the hip belt that I keep a water bottle in. It's nice having an insulated one because it keeps water from freezing in winter and keeps it cool in summer. 

That is how I typically pack and it may change depending on what I decide to take and what kind of hike I'm on. You will have to mess around with it and decide how your gear fits best and suits you. But regardless of how you pack, remember these principles:

Pack light

When I first started backpacking, I liked to take EVERYTHING for worst case scenario. But I quickly learned that ounces lead to pounds and pounds add to pain. Only bring the essentials and as you buy gear, get the lightest stuff possible. Do your best to minimize your gear or you will suffer on the trail and may have to dump some stuff. 

Heaviest on top

When packing, bear in mind that when the heaviest items are on the bottom, it will feel heavier than if they were on top. Try to follow this as best you can. However, some heavy things I put on the bottom if they will be the last things I need to pull out such as my hammock. Also try to put the heaviest gear closest to your body and lighter gear away from your body. This will keep your center gravity... Well... In the center. 

Accessibility

Accessibility is important. You don't want your snacks for the day on the bottom of the pack or your sleeping bag on top everything. Pack logically and based on how soon you will use the item. You want the things you will use first, more often, and more likely to be in convenient spots. That is why I put the items I use most in the pouch right above my head. They are handy and I can access them while I'm still walking. For example, when winter hiking, first thing I will want to do when I reach camp is to set my pack down, but without it getting wet in the snow, so I keep my ground cloth in the top pouch so it's the first thing I grab. I can now set it out to put my gear on before setting up camp. 

Obviously, you will also want to put items in the pouches that are more logical. I categorize my stuff when I pack it. The larger gear I put in the main compartment, the essentials I keep in the pouch above my head, the fire starting and cooking gear in one pouch, survival gear is in one pouch, etc. As you pack and hike a few times, will learn where you want your stuff packed. You can pack the same way I do or you may find a method that works best for you. I hope this was a help to you. Comment and let me know what works best for you and what you think. 

My gear list for backpacking

If you search the internet, you can find hundreds of gear lists and videos on gear lists. I recommend eventually making your own gear list and as you gain experience, you will learn what you will and won't use. This list is to get you started and I will give you the essentials that you should absolutely have. Your gear list will vary depending on the type of hike your doing, how long the hike is, the climate and weather. This post will be in conjunction with my next post on how to pack your backpack. 

Shelter

It's pretty important to have some sort of shelter. Whether it be a tent, tarp, hammock, or simply a large poncho. It's always nice to sometimes sleep under the stars with no shelter or sleep in a snow hut, but you should always have some sort of shelter to fall back on. I even carry something that can double as a backup shelter such as tarp or poncho. 

Sleep system

You always need some sort of sleeping bag or blanket. Even summer nights can get cold and it's always nice to have a little extra under you. It is vital that your sleep system is appropriate to the weather. You aren't going to use a 40 degree sleeping bag in freezing temperatures and probably don't want to use a -20 bag for summer. One of my previous posts will help you in determining your sleeping bag. 

Water

Water is the most important thing in any hike. It's always better to have too much than not enough. I personally carry 2 Nalgene bottles. In the warm weather I also carry a camelback and a smaller aluminum bottle. Water does add a lot of weight, so it's important to also have some form to purify water if you go on any extended trip. I have a Cohglan water filter and purification tablets. In winter you can melt snow and don't really need a filter. Plan your trip well. If you know there's going to be plenty of water sources, carry less water and have a filter. If water will be scarce on the trail, carry more. I will post a bit later on how to find and carry water. 

Food

Food is next to water in importance. Your food is all up to you. Your preference in food choices and the length of trip will determine how much and what kinds of food you will bring. There are dehydrated foods out there that you can just add water to. You can always get MREs or carry something like rice or noodles. Just remember that the more you bring, the heavier your pack will be. If you don't pack your food right, you will take up valuable space in your pack. I have been taking ramen noodles and rice in zip lock bags. I carry my food in a stuff sack, but a lot of people prefer to put each meal in its own zip lock bag. I like everything in the stuff sack because when I go to hang my bear bag, I just need to hang my one stuff sack. I will post some recipes for over the fire in a later post. If you bring things that need cooked, you need some type of stove, whether it be an alcohol, gas, or wood. You also need a cook set. I have a larger one for hiking with multiple people and for winter, and a smaller one for hiking alone. Bear in mind, you need something to melt snow in if you're hiking in winter. 

Clothing

You should bring some kind of jacket along, no matter how warm it is outside. The nights may get chilly and you may get an unexpected rain. It's essential to bring extra socks. Depending on how hard you hike, the temperature, and weather, you may have to change socks during the day. When hiking hard in wet or hot weather, you should change your socks 1-2 times a day. Factor in additional clothing that has a potential to get wet or sweaty. It's also vital that you bring some type of hat. In the warm months, you need to keep the sun off your face and neck. In cold, you need to keep your head warm. Your head is very vascular, making most of your heat escaping through your head. When protecting from the rain, I recommend a small, spare poncho because you can keep the rain off as well as have a spare shelter. 

Navigation

I prefer to use maps, I'm a little old fashioned but whether you use maps or GPS, you need something. You never know when you might lose track of where you are and may need to regain your bearings and get back on the trail. I carry a map in a waterproof map case, protractor, pencil, and orienteering compass. Not only should you have them, you should know how to use it. Take a small course or stay tuned for a later post I will put up on how to navigate. GPS is becoming very popular. If you bring GPS, make sure to have spare batteries or a way of charging it like a solar charger. In fact, you should have spare batteries for all electronics. You should also know how to use your GPS before setting out. If you do bring GPS, bring a map as well. You never know when the GPS will quit working or die and it's always good to have a map. 

Pack

In my opinion, a backpack is important. I have never seen someone hike several days without one. The type and brand of pack you get 100% depends on what you like. I have a Teton sport explorer 4000. It's the right size for me and has plenty of room for all my gear. Every pack is different: some have lots of external pockets, some have none. There are several different sizes and styles. Do you want external or internal frame? Do you need some way to hold a water bladder? Do you want a built in pack cover or liner? Before spending a lot of money, determine what you need. 

Tools

I highly recommend a multi tool like a letherman. These can be used for just about anything. I also like to carry a pocket knife. You should consider a small shovel to dig a latrine. I also have a folding saw to cut firewood and a collapsible snow shovel if I'm hiking in deep snow. 

Light

I carry just a small LED flashlight. It fits into small places in my pack and is bright. I highly HIGHlY recommend a headlamp. If you end up setting up in the dark, it's nice to have a headlamp so you can work with both hands. 

First aid

First aid kit is essential on the trail. Being how I'm a paramedic, I tend to go overboard with medical supplies. I recently condensed it down to the essentials: gauze pads, gauze rolls, alcohol pads, bandaids, moleskin, medical gloves, and antibiotic ointment. I also carry ibuprofen and Benadryl. Benadryl is great for allergic reactions. I carry my first aid supplies in a zip lock bag because it can compress more that way. 

Everything else 

Everything else you carry is based on your preference and type of hike. I will, later on, give you a guide on packing for winter trips, desert trips, and ultralight. The following are things you may want to also bring:

Lighter or fire striker

Some kind of tinder

Cord or rope (needed for bear bag)

Duct tape

Repair kits

Sleeping pad or air matress

Camera

Pillow

Space blanket

Survival kit

Gloves 

Hand sanitizer

Backup stove

Bandanna

Carabiner

Fishing kit

Trekking poles

This will be a good start, but alter it to fit you. You may not use some stuff and you may have some stuff that you will use that I didn't mention. Feel free to comment about other things you carry.