What I value the most on my personal long-distance treks is immersing myself in nature in full autonomy.

I simply love traversing landscapes for days on end while carrying everything I need on my back, preparing and enjoying dinner late in the day and sleeping in a new -stunning or just convenient- spot each night.

It’s quite obvious that my backpack has to be Durable , Functional, relatively Lightweight and able to Carry with Ease heavy loads!

For the last 4 years, on all my long distance treks abroad and a few 5-day trips in Greece I’ve used the SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt backpack.

If I exclude the Spanish Pyrenees traverse  (840 km, 47.000m D+), on all the other trips I carried a lot of food supplies.

Here are my impressions:

The product’s photos below that were taken indoors are recent ones after more than 100 days of usage and 4 proper washes in the washing machine.

Key Specs

Price (on SALEWA website): 220€

Weight: 1622 gr (1491 gr without top lid)

Volume: 42+5 liters 

Material: 100Dx280D Nylon Twill, 210D Nylon Honeycomb

Dimensions:  70 x 30 x 22 cm

Torso length: 45-53 cm

Load carrying capability 

The  SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt   employs two removable aluminum stays for structural support.

Despite having a slim profile, I was impressed by how comfortable it felt under heavy loads for days on end, equally good as much heavier backpacks.

For example, on a recent 2 week and 400 km trip in Norway ( September 2024) I started with 18kg where half of it (9 kg) was food.

Food supplies for a 12-day trip in Sarek NP wilderness, Swedish Lapland (2023). 

Weight distribution 

The weight is distributed quite well across the hipbelt, shoulder straps, and the back panel. It’s one of the main reasons that it’s my go-to backpack, as more than often the terrain where I venture -being rough, unstable, steep or densely vegetated- demands for a pretty balanced load on my back, in tune with the body.

Ventilation 

Much better than the previous model. I can agree that SALEWA ‘s Dry Back system (EVA pads with 3D ventilation channels) does wonders on the ventilation front. I also like the added ventilation in other key areas through the split hip belt and shoulder straps.

Comfort 

The back length is easily adjusted (45-53 cm) with a Velcro as well as the hip belt and the shoulder straps, giving an exceptional fit. 

The foam used in the back panel, lumbar area, and hip belts is firm to support the weight of a heavy pack but soft enough to be comfortable.

Storage 

Main compartment

The main compartment has a slim profile contributing to better stability. The contents can be easily reached either from the top or from the front.

Even without the top lid it can be sealed snugly and 5 liters of volume can be added. The top lid’s height can be easily adjusted.

Like in many trekking backpacks, the bottom (where usually the sleeping bag is stored) can be separated from the main compartment and has easy access with a zipper from the front.

I usually prefer storing the tent’s fabric, as it’s soft enough and if wet I don’t want it to mess up with my dry equipment.

Hydration sleeve

I am not a big fan of hydration reservoirs, but I use the sleeve anyway storing a SAM splint, paper maps for the coming days and any other document.

Top lid

The removable top lid has two large pockets (internal and external) for lightweight objects that I might need (gloves, headlamp etc) and can also be used as a carry bag.

Hip belt pockets

They are large enough to store items that I might need asap ( for example 3 bars of 100 gr and trail mix in one and a collapsible cup, a monocle and my GoPro on the other). I never had any issue with the zippers despite the dirt/mud that accumulated over days/weeks in the field. 

 Side pockets

I usually store my tent’s poles, pegs and footprint on one side and on the other a water bottle and a paper map. I find their height convenient in order to reach while moving a slim 1-liter water bottle.

External attachments 

Side compression straps

Slim and durable, they secure snugly all the above placed at the side pockets as well as other gear (like a closet cell foam mat cut in half). 

I never lost anything even on hard days when bushwhacking in the Arctic.

There are also fasteners for trekking poles, an ice axe and a rope. I particularly like the bungee at the center, where I attach my Crocs at the beginning of the trip or washed clothing that needs to dry. 

Shoulder straps

There’s a good balance between width and thickness and I don’t feel my shoulders stressed even under heavy loads. They are compatible with the SALEWA flask holder, but I prefer using the collapsible cup right from a water source or the solid 1-liter bottle.

The discrete load control straps -as well as the chest strap – are quite useful when carrying heavy loads. 

Waterproofing 

Just like most backpacks, it’s not waterproof. It does have its own rain cover stored at the bottom, which can easily be used in case of rain/snow.

I personally find raincovers unreliable, especially in high winds and I always line my backpack with a lightweight waterproof stuff sack. A trash compactor bag is a cheap and effective alternative.

Durability 

The material used (100Dx280D Nylon Twill, 210D Nylon Honeycomb) proved to be pretty strong and durable after more than 100 days in challenging environments as well as 4 proper washes!

Value for money 

At the price of 220€ (2024) it might not be the cheapest option on the market, but considering how durable it is and how comfortable it feels under heavy loads, I believe that’s a value for money!

Summary 

SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt backpack is an excellent choice for hikers/ backpackers who mostly carry loads between 10-18 kg, in either moderate or challenging terrain and conditions.

A product built to last for years !

If you need more volume, check the roomier option of the same model, SALEWA Alptrek 55+10 lt. I’ve used its previous version on all my treks between 2018-2020.

I wouldn’t advise for an even bigger one ! 😊✌️

Check here for tips on how to organize a trekking backpack 

and here for a practical trekking/backpacking gear list.

Disclaimer :  I was given the SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt backpack for free by SALEWA due to our collaboration. I’ve never recommended-nor I’ll do in the future- a product that won’t surpass my expectations!