Every year, Jon and I say we’re going to start hiking more. And every year the summer comes and goes and we don’t dedicate time to the mountains – the ones that we can see from our living room window.
It’s kinda sad because we are literally surrounded with natural beauty. (It’s the nice weather we’re waiting for, I tell myself.)
This year we’re motivated by more than the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We have our sites set on the Snowman Trek in Bhutan for the fall of 2013.
The Snowman Trek is considered to be the hardest trek in the world with 11 passes, many over 16,000 feet and one over 18,000. It’s not something that one takes lightly. And as, such we’re starting our training now.
Die-hard hikers will laugh but the fact that we’ve been out hiking twice just in the last week is a big deal for us. We first did Little Si (1,900 feet) and then Mt. Si (3,900 feet).
On both hikes, I took the
Osprey Syncro 20 with me. This daypack is comfortable enough that I wore it for 4 hours of hiking and never felt like it was uncomfortable or heavy. It has a light internal frame that keeps the shape sturdy and the hydration/reservoir system in place.
There are plenty of straps to cinch the pack down tight so it doesn’t feel unwieldy and enough pockets to keep all of your items organized and prevent them from rattling around.
What I love:
- Airspeed suspension keeps the pack off of your back, allowing airflow which helps you stay cool(er)
- Multiple zippered pockets that make it easy to organize your items (so many in fact, that it wasn’t until after my second hike that I discovered a new pocket that still had the packing paper stuffed inside!)
- Expandable outer mesh pockets that can each hold a water bottle
- Wide hip belt for added support (very comfortable, by the way)
I’ve got nothing bad to say about this bag except that I might opt for a slightly larger version for a bigger hike. The Syncro 20 is definitely sufficient for a day hike when all I need to carry with me are snacks, a light jacket, digital camera and water. But add a large camera and an extra lens and I’m afraid it would be too small – especially if the reservoir is filled with water.
Available on Amazon for less than $120.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Camelbak All Clear Water Purifier
Chaco EcoTread Flip Flops
Bolle and Serengeti Sunglasses
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