Before every big backpacking adventure comes Kathmandu.
The first, last, and often only name in outdoor and mountain gear, they've got on hell of a range for when you're going through hell on the range. It ain't cheap, but that's why you A) join their Summit Club ($10 for lifetime membership, bargain), and B) wait for their massive half-yearly sales when you can score up to 50% off almost their entire store. Worth it when that Gore-tex jacky you've got your eye on is a cool five hunjy.
They're my go-to for backpacks, I've had 2 or 3 over the years and that's all I've ever needed because they're so well-made, you can kick 'em around and treat them like dirt and, like a faithful dog, they'll just keep showing up. I can't wrap my head around the difference between all the different fleece and thermal and parka types because there's hundreds, but I'm sure some people out there can. Mathematicians, probably.
Heading to Africa for a few treks and climbs later in the year, I just dropped a big chunk of my wages here. I just hope I use the gear again. Otherwise it's like a soccer mum buying a Range Rover because she likes the idea that she might go off road one day... read more