Safari Gear Guide: backpacks and daypacks for safari
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Your self-drive safari will be fantastic provided you have the right gear along with you. Safari backpacks, a safari travel bag, a safari luggage bag, safari day packs are all a part of your safari gear. Of course there are many great items to pick from so you want to take a look at all of them. When you have the right items, your trip will go just as you want it to. Be sure that you plan well in advance so that you have everything that you need at your disposal. Don't procrastinate because you want to have it all in place before you go.
Take a look at what we can recommend for you. Make sure that you get the gear that you will need so that your self-drive safari is a total success. We know that you will find these items to be very helpful when you are going on your self-drive camping safari.
Best day packs for a self-drive safari
During your self-drive camping safari, you will be travelling all over. You need good gear to do that. Daypacks are ideal because they offer you the space that you need to carry your belongings. You want to make sure that you have all that you need to stay safe and fed while you are traversing the land.
Here are 3 daypacks for a self-drive camping safari that you will want to take a look at. We have listed out the pros and cons for each one of them too. Make sure that you consider getting one for your trip:
Lowe Alpine Vector 25
Price at time of writing £24.99,-
As you plan your self-drive safari, managing your budget is crucial. And the Lowe Alpine Vector 25 is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget friendly option.
While you’re mostly in your car when you’re on a self-drive safari, you don’t want your bag to take up to much space when not in use. Especially outside of the reserves when you don’t want your bag being visible, you’ll need to be able to store it somewhere out of sight. With this daypack only being 48 X 28 X 23 cm you’ll be able to do this easily.
The Vector 25 offers a well-thought-out storage configuration to cater to your self-drive needs. From compartments for your camera gear, binoculars, and maps to external mesh pockets for water bottles, snacks, and quick-access items, this pack keeps everything within reach for your convenience.
Pros
Airmesh system for high ventilation
Padded back straps for comfort
Room for a laptop or tablet
Key clip to easily find keys
Cons
While the Vector 25 provides all the essential features, it may not offer some of the premium add-ons found in more expensive daypacks. However, it compensates by being the perfect blend of functionality and affordability.
Tropicfeel Nest (16 to 30L)
Price at time of writing from £149,-
The Tropicfeel Nest Backpack is not your ordinary daypack, it's a true game-changer when it comes to it’s versatility. The standard option has adjustable dividers and with it’s multiple compartments you can store camera equipment, binoculars, field guides, and personal items securely.
But the add ons like the Organizer and Camera Cube XL make it even more practical. You can extend the Tropicfeel Nest from it’s smallest size of 16L to 30L allowing you to pack even more.
Weighing in at 2.43 pounds, it is water-repellent.
Can be a daypack or an outdoor backpack. Designed for high performance with a choice of 4 colours, it is sustainable and made for comfort.
Pros
Water repellant
2.43 lbs.
Comes in 4 colours
Cons
The Tropicfeel Nest Backpack's versatility and quality come with a higher price tag than standard daypacks. However, from our experience with this pack, it is a worthwhile investment as it’s also a great pack to take with you on the plane.
Osprey 20L
Price at time of writing £60
The 20L Osprey has a similar size to the Vector 25 (48 X 28 X 24 cm) and both weigh almost the same (585g vs 560g) but in capacity the Osprey is slightly smaller with its 20L but still provides sufficient room to carry your essentials, including camera gear, binoculars, water bottles, and personal items.
Osprey is known for delivering quality at an affordable price point and this dayback falls in between the other 2 choices when it comes to pricing.
This daypack comes with an integrated sleeve for a 15 inc laptop or tablet.
Pros
Made from recycled materials
Plenty of colour choices
Cons
More expensive then the Vector 25 while having less capacity
Zipper stops halfway the pack making it difficult to reach the bottom
Best backpacks for a self-drive safari
Your self-drove camping safari will also consist of some trekking that you will need to do. You want to have great backpacks to store the things that you need. It may include your sleeping gear as well as clothing for the next day. To be as prepared as possible, you want to have the best backpacks with you.
Here are 3 of the best backpacks that will offer you the space that you need to have a great time. There are pros and cons for each one of them.
Low Alpine Backpack 65L+15L
Price at time of writing £206
The Lowe Alpine Backpack 65L+15L is a reliable and spacious backpack, perfectly tailored to meet the space requirements for a camping self-drive safari. The top is extendable so you can increase the volume by 15 litres. And while 80 litres is a lot we’ve always found it easy to carry this backpack as the straps are really supportive.
It has 2 compartments, one is large and accessible from the opening at the top, one at the bottom which has a separate zipper on the outside to access just that compartment. This is where we always have the clothes we need most often (like t-shirts, socks and underwear) separated by packing cubes. If you don’t completely fill it up, it has several straps on the side to make the bag smaller.
This backpack weighs 2.34 KG and has an adjustable back system. The fabric is water-resistant and made of 500D Nylon. Your travel gear will be kept safe with a key clip with an SOS panel and daisy chain lash points.
Pros
Very large capacity 65L + 15L
Brand known for it’s quality (mine is already going strong since 2008)
Cons
The most expensive option out of the 3
Tropicfeel Shell (22 to 30 to 40L)
Price at time of writing £179,-
Just like the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack, the Shell is not your ordinary backpack due to it’s built in versatility. The same type of add ons like the Tropicfeel Wardrobe and Camera Cube make it even more practical.
You can extend the Tropicfeel Shell from it’s smallest size of 22L to 30L (both carry-on approved) and then to 42L allowing you to pack even more. It is available in 4 colours and the 180-degree opening allows you to see what is inside the wardrobe section.
This backpack is 60 X 30 X 23 cm when using the 42L option and weighs 1.5KG.
Pros
Lightweight
Versatile compartments as well as being able to use it for all different kind of trips
Cons
While the modular design is an advantage, the Tropicfeel Shell may not offer the same vast capacity, ruggedness and tailored back-straps as the Low Alpine Backpack 65L+15L and Osprey 65L
Osprey 65L Backpacks
Price at time of writing £179
With a 65-liter capacity, the Osprey 65L Backpacks provide ample room to carry everything you need for a self-drive safari, but might become a bit tight with camping. We’re always surprised when we’ve packed our clothes and see how much space is left, till we pack the camping equipment and the whole backpack is full.
This backpack offer a straightforward, no-frills design. While this backpack (Atmos) is specifically designed for men, there is a female 65L equivalent with the Aura.
This backpack weighs 2.19 KG and has an adjustable back system designed to make it feel like you’re carrying less weight. The fabric is water-resistant and made of 630D Nylon.
Pros
A slightly cheaper alternative to the Low Alpine 65+15L
AntiGravity™ suspension makes it feel like you're carrying less
Cons
There are some features that are not needed when going on safari like the Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachments
Best luggage accessories for a self-drive safari
Having the correct luggage for a self-drive camping safari is also important. The luggage will have the room that you need to make sure that you have all of your items with you. It will allow you to be as prepared as possible for your great adventure. You want to make sure that the items that you get will have enough space.
Here are 3 products that are fantastic luggage accessories for a self-drive camping safari. Check out the pros and cons of each one so that you are prepared to get the best one for your needs:
Flight bag for your backpack
Price at time of writing £20.95
This Backpack Locker - flight travel backpack/rucksack/bag transit cover - lockable (padlock included) duffel bag (Black, 55 - 75 Litres) is a fantastic addition to the gear that you bring along for your self-driving safari.
It will make a huge difference for you when you have a lot of items to bring with you. Put your backpack inside this great item to protect it when travelling.
You know there is plenty of room in this flight bag because it is 95 cm with a circumference of 120 cm. With side and shoulder handles, you can carry it easily
Pros
Zip locks prevent items from being stolen
Nice size of 95 cm and circumference of 120 cm
Lightweight
Side handles
Shoulder handles
Cons
Only comes in the colour black
Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Luggage organisers
Price at time of writing £25.38,-
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sacs Set with 3 Sizes, L/M/S Packing Organiser, 72 cm, 8.5 L, Clear S/F/B is another accessory that you will want to consider for your self-drive safari. When you have this item along with you, you can expect to fit all the essentials that you need to have with you and you can stay organised.
This is an accessory that both men and women use on their self-driving safaris. It has a top zipper closure and is PVC-free.
When using it, you can reduce the volume by 80%. It is lightweight, durable, easy to use, and comes with a one-way pressure valve.
Pros
PVC-free
Top zipper closure
Reduces volume by 80%
One-way pressure valve
Nylon
Lightweight
Easy to Use
Comes in sizes L/M/S
Cons
Not convenient for some people
Scrubba laundry bag
Price at time of writing £45
The Scrubba Wash Bag 2.0 - Portable Clothes Washer for Hotel and Travel Washing - Light and Small Eco-friendly Hiking and Camping Essential is just something that you need to have along with you.
You will be as organised as possible when you need to wash. This wash bag is durable and portable.
With all that you can carry along and it comes in 3 colours. It is a popular, practical, and easy-to-use piece that will make your trip a success.
Pros
Portable
Durable
Lightweight
Roomy
Comes in 3 colours
A popular piece
Easy to use
Practical
Cons
People may not like the colour choices
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT...
..a walkthrough of the best daypacks, backpacks and luggage accessories for a self-drive safari and what to consider when buying them.
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