Exped Lightning 60 - pack review

In short, it's a winner!

Pros

+ lightweight 

+ stable

+ comfortable for a lightweight pack

+ fully adjustable harness system that is utter simplicity to adjust to any torso size

+ clever compression system that cinches up nicely and adds to the stability of the pack

+ weather resistant 

Cons

- a little too spartan in some respects

- hipbelt pockets & side pockets won't stand up to too much bush-bashing or pack hauling over rocks

- lacks accessible pockets for those things you want handy (probably both a pro & a con)

Recommend for

Fast packing adventures where weight is crucial

Exped Lightning 60 loaded with 18.4kg

 

With a 3 Peaks attempt coming up, I've been on the hunt for a lighter multiday pack.

The problem of course, is lighter packs tend to sacrifice stability and comfort.

I finally discovered the Exped Lightning 60 and the Marmot Graviton 58 as my two finalists. In the end, I went with the Exped for its size and great reviews (not that you can find a lot).

I've now had a chance to try it out with an 18.4kg load and the following are my first impressions.

Stability

Wow! For any pack, this is one stable pack - let alone for a lightweight one. The pack doesn't have a frame per se, rather it relies on a single, centrally placed aluminium stay - and it works a treat.

Comfort

Based on my relatively short test (7km with 18.4kg inclusive of hill and stair repeats) the Exped is comfortable enough. Granted, it is no Osprey Aether (the Smokey Dawson Recliner of packs) but weighing in at just 1100 grams it is well over 1kg lighter than the Osprey. It is pretty darn comfortable for a lightweight pack - or at least my back says so :) It's certainly more comfortable than any other lightweight packs with a decent load on that I've used in the past.

The only area I think they skimped a bit too much is in the shoulder straps, they have bugger-all padding and I'm thinking they would be a problematic on a multiday walk with a heavy load. I'll probably tape some lightweight foam onto them for 3 Peaks (though I'm not intending to be carrying 18+ kg).

General

The Exped is a no-frills single compartment top loading pack. It doesn't have the conventional top pocket, rather, it has a roll top same same as a stuff sac. It does have a pocket that you can access externally, but I wouldn't hold out too much hope of getting stuff in and out easily with a full load.

The roll top certainly helps with weather resistance though and in making the most of the packing space. The other features of the pack that add to its weather resistance are the minimalisation of seams and zippers - big thumbs up on this front (though it does mean you don't have stuff handy like you do with a top pocket).

There is also an internal mesh pocket for nicnacks.

The manufacturer says the Exped is hydration system compatible, but all this means in reality is there is a hydration port on each side of the pack. There is no internal bladder compartment or clip (to keep the bladder upright) and there are no loops on the harness to route the drinking hose.

I really like the compression system on this pack, it looks a little ungainly but it clearly adds to the pack's overall stability. It also creates the capacity to carry stuff externally, like a wet tent fly or jacket etc. The straps are well oversized for this, but neatly roll up and are held with velcro ties when the extra length is not required (pretty clever really). This saves on the need for a back mesh pocket that most packs incorporate these days.

Whilst I'm on straps - hallelujah!!! Finally a modern pack that doesn't have hipbelt straps that dangle past your knees when cinched (do they really think people that fat go pack walking?).

The harness system is ingenious and fully adjustable for all torso lengths. The system is simplicity itself. I'm a fan of clever design and this is über-clever design. All packs should rip this adjustment system off! The hipbelt is well padded and comfortable and there are two generous mesh hipbelt mesh pockets. Being mesh, they don't look overly durable, but hey ya can't have everything (same, same the two mesh water bottle pockets). As I said before, the shoulder straps are a bit skinny.

Like all modern packs, you get the obligatory ice axe loops and an elasticised walking pole strap.

They also make a 45L version for those who are travelling ultralite or for those big day trips with lots of gear.

Conclusion 

The Exped Lightning 60 is a bit of an ugly duckling and in some respects a bit too spartan - but if you want a lightweight, stable, comfortable large capacity pack - the Exped is your huckleberry.

Exploring the Fenix 5 Navigation Options

Wow! 

Double wow!!

Triple WOW!!!

I'm impressed.

The versatility and practicability of the Fenix 5 navigation functions is extremely impressive - and my impression only has a little to do with the new maps screen addition. One of the reasons I got it was because of the promise of a focus on broader outdoor pursuits and not just fitness - and so far, it hasn't disappointed.

In fact, the capacity to customise and maximise your data feed outstrips that of the handheld Garmin outdoor lightweight sports flagship, the eTrex Touch 35 t (though it is pretty sexy too).

To be fair, a lot of GPS watches (Garmin and otherwise) have components of this functionality, but they aren't as accessible, comprehensive, or as customisable in my view as the Fenix range and the '5' is taking it to the next level.

The map function is ok, but the screen is limited in size (obviously) and fairly low res (compared to say, an Apple Watch) - it's also not quick, or simple to pan or zoom. The preloaded Aust/NZ topo lite mapping is ok for around town, but with a 40m contour interval not really suitable for off-track bush navigation. NB I've loaded the full version that I already had (10m contour interval) but haven't been able to get it to unlock (yet)??? 

Used in conjunction with a standard paper (yes paper) 1:25,000 topographical map and a compass, in theory, you could find your way anywhere with absolute certainty. NB the small size of the receiving unit and antenna - along with the issues inherent with all GPS units, doesn't make this strictly true in practice.

Also true, you do need a bit of Nav-fu to be able to interpret it all and apply the correct settings on the Fenix to match it to your map data, but it isn't rocket science - just arcane.

Why a paper map? Context. Any GPS screen is too small for on foot, in the donga navigation. Screens are ok when you have nearby reference points and road locks, but not so much where the nearest peak is 2km away and you need to keep small scale (more detail).

So in the Navigation settings you get some standard data screens - some are set and 2 are customisable, but you can also elect to add in more customisable screens too.

In preparing for an upcoming off-track bushwalk, I've set my navigation data screens up to give me what I want, when I want it.

In setting the customisable screens you can select from 1 to 4 fields in various different configurations. I go for 3 fields mostly, with the main info I want taking up half the screen. I've also grouped the data depending on my purpose in referring to the GPS.

Below is my preferred setup. Note, I've added a 3rd customisable data screen.

_{Data Screen 1}

 

Data screen 1 shows me the compass heading (direction I'm currently travelling), the GPS heading (the direction the GPS wanted me to go from point A to point B), and the bearing (the direction I actually now need to travel to get to the next waypoint from where I currently am). In practice, I still trust a magnetised needle over an electronic one for marching on a bearing. My trusty Silva is also a must for shooting bearings directly off the map between waypoints.

This data is really useful though as a snapshot when on foot in the bush, because you can build up a little mental map of what you are ACTUALLY doing, compared to what you should be doing. 

In the real world in the scrub you usually can't go in a straight line - vegetation, rock outcrops, and other vertical challenges have a habit of getting in the way. So having the data to help you understand the ramifications of your detours and build your mental map and get back on course is great.

_{Data screen 2}

 

I've set data screen 2 to show destination waypoint (what I've called the spot I'm now heading to - when tired this is more useful than you may think), the horizontal distance remaining to the next waypoint, and the vertical distance to the next waypoint (Pythagoras fans knock yourself out).

This data is all about feelgood or depression (depending on your outlook). It gives you the guts of how much further you have to go.

_{Data screen 3}

 

And finally, my 3rd screen I've set to show my location (where I currently am right now in a way I can translate to a 6 figure grid reference for my map), and my elevation (what contour line I'm on).

This data allows pretty pinpoint location on a map as long as you have a reasonable view of the sky and keep the altimeter calibrated (particularly in changeable weather).

The list of data field choices is absolutely enormous, so you could go on making up new customised data screens to your hearts content. What drives the decision on how many, and which data, is the nature of the environment and purpose of your trip.

You can manually input your waypoints or use Garmin Basemap (free) on your Mac or PC. Or, use a third party program like Memory Map (free) using 3rd party mapping (that you have to buy - though there is an increasing amount of open source digital mapping available these days). You can also create routes, but my preference is to navigate waypoint to waypoint - IMHO it keeps you sharper as you get tired.

And of course, there are the set screens (not pictured) that include the map screen and other fitness and watch data.

The only limitation that really sucks on the Fenix is that you cannot sort the waypoints alphabetically like you can on the Etrex for easy scrolling to what you are looking for.

CAVEAT: as previously stated, for it be accurate, you need to make sure all the settings on the Fenix match your map data - and you need to keep the compass and the altimeter on the Fenix regularly calibrated - don't rely on the GPS to do it automatically as they are notoriously inaccurate. 

And as always with GPS, you also need to take into account your view of the sky and take your location with a grain of salt if your view is in any way impeded.

Conclusion

I now have a better appreciation of the price of the Fenix, as you are really getting 2 devices - a state of the art GPS fitness watch/hrm and a serious navigation GPS/compass/altimeter all in the one package. Oh yeah - tells the time too...

The design engineers at Garmin have really put their best foot forward on this one. While it could be just called an incremental advance on the Fenix 3 - I'm calling it a game changer that is on the right track to replace handheld devices and a concept that will only be improved on over time.

So will the Fenix 5 replace the eTrex as my primary GPS for bush navigation? Well the jury is out till I've tested them side by side and I can put the small receiver and antenna through their paces on my upcoming odyssey.

Happy days :)