[backpack][first trip] Exped Explore 60 backpack $329

A place to share systematic reviews of bushwalking equipment, services and idea.
Forum rules
Forum rules
This is a place to share fair and systematic reviews of gear. Share the good, bad and ugly as well as including how you tested it and reviewed the gear. This is not the place to carry on about a bit of gear that failed, sometimes good gear has a lemon - this is more about systematic reviews. Although this can be a way to help gear manufactures with feedback, this is not the place to hassle them or ask for money back.

Start each thread with
[tag]Brand, product, RRP in AUD. The tags have two parts the type of gear and type of testing/review. eg
[Sleeping bag | Unboxing] Kmart Summit Hooded $29
[Stove | Field test]Jetboil, flash $150

Suggested review types. Unboxing, field test, 1 year on, stress test, teardown.
If someone else has already reviewed the same product in a similar method then please use the initial thread to include your review. Please note if the gear was provide to you for free, loan, discount or if you paid full RRP.

[backpack][first trip] Exped Explore 60 backpack $329

Postby Neo » Fri 04 May, 2018 3:07 pm

I have really liked the Lightning 45 with added Flash pocket but needed a larger pack to contain winter bulk, activity gear and more food for longer trips.

So after debating how big to go, I ordered the Explore 60 online. This pack has two slightly narrower aluminium struts as part of the super comfortable harness, compared to the Lightning models with one central strut. Another model in larger capacity sizes with a single strut would be the Thunder series.

Comparing to the popular Lightning packs, the main differences are:

Top lid
Thicker fabric
A pack fabric rather than stretch mesh on the side and hip belt pockets.
Different compression system.

The Explore was great on it's first outing around the Deep Pass area of Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks. I did a two nighter which was mostly off track, stepping and pushing through scrubby undergrowth.

It has heaps of adjustment options beyond the sliding back length. The load lifter straps can be repositioned completely as with the Lightning and also slid along the shoulder straps, the extension collar could be folded in and a lower pull cord used, the top strap and lid could be completely removed and all the Rapid hooks work quite well one handed.

I made little adjustments to them all and will continue to as I dial it in for a perfect fit and different trip gear.

Somehow I loaded it to the max! Using the extension sleeve, adjusting the height of the lid and a few flat things in the back/front pocket. I was carrying a helmet, harness in a dry bag and my usual fresh food in reuseable containers. Plus my cold weather sleeping bag not squashed as small as it could go and more layers just in case.

It's a great pack :)
Neo
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1887
Joined: Wed 31 Aug, 2016 4:53 pm
Location: Port Macquarie NSW
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: [backpack][first trip] Exped Explore 60 backpack $329

Postby Ms_Mudd » Mon 07 May, 2018 2:54 pm

Great review. Much more coherent than my own attempt.

Sounds like the stays are probably a great idea in a pack that size. I have a 55lt with only one central strut and it carries very nicely until about 13kg but if I wedge it out to capacity with gear, it isn't as comfy. Sounds like your new Exped is all over that.

Love the idea of fabric rather than mesh pockets, so much more durable.

Hey, we were not too far away from each other on the weekend. I drove home from the Blue Mts via the Putty to beat the Sydney Sunday arvo traffic.
User avatar
Ms_Mudd
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1033
Joined: Fri 23 Mar, 2018 11:26 am
Location: NSW
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Female


Return to Gear Reviews

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests