If I exclude the Spanish Pyrenees traverse\u00a0<\/span><\/a> (840 km, 47.000m D+), on all the other trips I carried a lot of food supplies.<\/p>\n Here are my impressions:<\/p>\n The product\u2019s photos below that were taken indoors are recent ones after more than 100 days of usage and 4 proper washes in the washing machine.<\/p>\n Price<\/strong> (on SALEWA website): 220\u20ac<\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 1622 gr (1491 gr without top lid)<\/p>\n Volume:<\/strong> 42+5 liters\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Material:<\/strong> 100Dx280D Nylon Twill, 210D Nylon Honeycomb<\/p>\n Dimensions:<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span>70 x 30 x 22 cm<\/p>\n Torso length:<\/strong> 45-53 cm<\/p>\n The\u00a0 <\/span>SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt<\/a> \u00a0 <\/span>employs two removable aluminum stays for structural support.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Food supplies for a 12-day trip in Sarek NP wilderness, Swedish Lapland (2023).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The weight is distributed quite well across the hipbelt, shoulder straps, and the back panel. It\u2019s one of the main reasons that it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Much better than the previous model. I can agree that SALEWA \u2018s 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Even without the top lid it can be sealed snugly and 5 liters of volume can be added. The top lid\u2019s height can be easily adjusted.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I usually prefer storing the tent\u2019s<\/a> fabric, as it\u2019s soft enough and if wet I don\u2019t want it to mess up with my dry equipment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I usually store my tent\u2019s<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I never lost anything even on hard days when bushwhacking in the Arctic.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a good balance between width and thickness and I don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n The discrete load control straps<\/strong> -as well as the chest strap<\/strong> – are quite useful when carrying heavy loads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Just like most backpacks, it\u2019s not waterproof. It does have its own rain cover stored at the bottom, which can easily be used in case of rain\/snow.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n At the price of 220\u20ac (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\u2019s a value for money!<\/p>\n SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt<\/a> backpack is an excellent choice for hikers\/ backpackers who mostly carry loads between 10-18 kg, in either moderate or challenging terrain and conditions.<\/p>\n A product built to last for years !<\/p>\n If you need more volume, check the roomier option of the same model, SALEWA Alptrek 55+10 lt<\/a>. I\u2019ve used its previous version on all my treks between 2018-2020.<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t advise for an even bigger one ! 😊✌️<\/p>\n Check here<\/a> for tips on how to organize a trekking backpack\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n and here<\/a> for a practical trekking\/backpacking gear list.<\/p>\n Disclaimer :<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/span>I was given the SALEWA Alptrek 42+5 lt<\/a> backpack for free by SALEWA<\/a> due to our collaboration. I\u2019ve never recommended-nor I\u2019ll do in the future- a product that won\u2019t surpass my expectations!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":14833,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107,124,126],"tags":[288,334,155,192],"class_list":["post-15249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-aside","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-blog-english","category-equipment","tag-gear-review","tag-outdoor-equipment","tag-trekking","tag-trekking-expedition","post_format-post-format-aside"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_7035-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nKey Specs<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_3143-1024x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nLoad carrying capability\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_1092-225x300.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWeight distribution\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_1365-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nVentilation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_3144-1024x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nComfort\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Storage\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Main compartment<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_7547-768x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_7550-768x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nHydration sleeve<\/h3>\n
Top lid<\/h3>\n
Hip belt pockets<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_7544-768x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>Side pockets<\/h3>\n
External attachments\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Side compression straps<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_7542-768x1024.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nShoulder straps<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_1860-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWaterproofing\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_1337-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDurability\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DSC06736-1024x684.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nValue for money\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Summary\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globetrekker.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_1268-300x225.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n