I live close the the Canadian Rockies so there were excellent opportunities for backpacking. I once went into Mt Assiniboine (11780 ft.)which was a five day trip into the wilderness. We didn't climb the mountain as it's a very technical climb and I have no experience with that.
In backpacking you must pack: food, cooking utensils, water treatment kit, clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent and a few other goodies. Don't forget the rain jacket or the wind shell!
So your backpack could weigh up to 50 lbs. For this weight you need a good pack that would make it comfortable to carry.
I bought such a backpack that would hold 90 liters. My foresight wasn't that good as my backpacking days were ending. As a result I only used the backpack a half dozen times.
I've kept the pack just in case I would go out one more time. But I realized that when downsizing the backpack could be sold.
I advertised on Kijiji and never heard anything until a lady called two days ago. She came immediately and bought the pack as her son was going to Australia.
Now she told me that when they were looking at my ad the son said isn't that funny how he got is Grandpa to model the backpack! When the lady gets home she will tell her son it was Grandpa's pack and he actually used it.
Love it! I nice looking back pack!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was still backpacking.
DeleteHah! That's priceless! I bet that lad will be quite impressed.
ReplyDeleteOur son had to have a similar backpack for Scouting. They did a long hike with their backpacks filled as you described, but each Scout also had to carry a piece of equipment or jug of water or bag of supplies for the group. He was pretty tuckered out after that weekend :)
The Mt Assiniboine trip was with Venturer scouts. they had to do a major backpack in their program.
DeleteLol! young people think anyone over 40 is one foot in the grave!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a good pack and in top condition, I hope you got a good price for it
Well if you see a pack like this in Australia, you'll know it mine!
DeleteHa-ha! That made me laugh... Grandpa modelling the backpack! It's nice that that young man will make good use of your redundant backpack. Have you ever considered modelling men's underwear Red?
ReplyDeleteYou mean I did so well with the backpack that I might have a chance with underwear modelling?
DeleteYup! And swimwear too - including leopard-print thongs.
DeleteThat looks a good backpack. Lots of tourist here have one.
ReplyDeleteTourists usually don't have something quite so large. It was fun.
DeleteI've never been backpacking. You are a marvel.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for downsizing. It's tough, but your children will thank you for it!
All the best, dear sir.
You'v missed a major activity in your life!!!
DeleteLove the story that it was recycled. Wonder what new adventures are ahead for your backpack across the Outback.
ReplyDeleteI've been promised photos of the backpack in Australia.
DeleteI say Lol also. I remember when my daughter was 40. Plus she looked really attractive. She asked her son. Do the kids in your class ever say how young your Mom looks? He said at 40 you and others at 40 are considered old Mom. Funny now her son is 21 and he loves to have picture taken with my daughter. And his mates make lovely comments how young she is and others. Well that kid who has your backpack will think different when Mom tells him the story of you.
ReplyDeleteIn my case, I know i'm old. In fact, I'm elderly. We have to face these issues with reality.
DeleteHAHAHA! I got a good laugh out of this. Young people seem to think that anyone over 40 has no life :)
ReplyDeleteI know I've been there. I look back at photos of Mom and Dad and they look so young.
DeleteHa! That's awesome. I'm glad the backpack is going to have an exciting second life Down Under!
ReplyDeleteYes, they've promised me photos!
DeleteThat backpack looks quite capable of carrying a lot of necessities.
ReplyDeleteAnd let me tell you those lot of necessities are heavy.
DeleteI think it would be hard to accept those days are gone and sell your backpack. How lovely, though, that it will continue on to have adventures without you. Australia, no less!
ReplyDeleteI'm a realist. I accept that I'm elderly and that there things I will never do again.
DeleteThat's a serious getting out there sort of pack!
ReplyDeleteYes, rain snow ...you name it.
DeleteI like being a grandpa, but still feel young at heart. Been a long time since I hiked for more than a day.Bike works beter for me.
ReplyDeleteI will always feel young but I will face the realities of my body!
DeleteAh those young ones ;) That is a real nice looking backpack with some great memories it sounds like. This young man really lucked out thanks to his mom, and thanks to you. We are still downsizing here. I sometimes wonder if we will ever get it done.
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me that I still have my old overnight backpack in storage and will never use it again. Maybe I should do the same, sell it. Or give it away, since it's nowhere near in as good conditions as yours. I smiled that they thought Grandpa modeled it but never used it. Good for you, Red. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a backpack similar in size. I use it when we go grocery shopping. It does hold a lot and is quite heavy at times but once one my back, I'm ok with it. I don't drive anymore and I love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that someone else will appreciate that bag. Good that you decided to downsize and found a new home for it.
Similar as my experiences using "Duluth Pack" in the
ReplyDeleteBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota's north. Your pack your pack to carry what is essential along with your canoe on the portages. Many fond memories of those trips...:)
This is a funny story Red. The big backpack reminds me of one I had so many years ago for my first trip to Australia and New Zealand. I wasn't climbing anywhere (just hills in NZ to get anywhere, lol). I was using it as my luggage. I found it heavy but better than carting around luggage without wheels as was the type in use in those days. I can't remember what I ever did with that backpack. I might have gifted it to a younger brother.
ReplyDelete