Which backpack to choose for Malaysia jungle?
How do you choose a jungle backpack for use in Malaysia? This is one question I get very often from friends. An important and valid question considering the amount of investment that’s going into this piece of outdoor gear.
More often than not, people purchase packs based on brands, fanciful designs and whatever’s current. It is also common that people choose a particular pack because of the ‘prestige’ feeling that comes with the brand. I know this because I am one of them …well, at least I used to be.
I have come to realize that in the Malaysian jungle, it all boils down to how practical the pack is for the environment. One may choose any brand or design that one fancies but the most important thing is that the pack should fit comfortably (with load) and should be made of reasonably durable material.
This pack back panel allows no ventilation at all. Probably more suited for the cold/ dry climate
It may also be worthwhile to look at the back panel of the pack. I sweat profusely in the heat and humidity of the jungle. This has in many cases caused mild to severe rashes on my back. While this could be due to the fact that I have not showered in days, I also belief that it is caused by the constant ‘clamping’ of the pack to my back without any ‘airing’. My back is soaked with sweat and without some air ventilating it, becomes a great place for bacterial growth. The rashes will go away on its own (keep dry and wash with soap) but it certainly is one of them irritating things that will just ruin your trip.
The back panel of my Macpac Tekapo 45+, well suited for me
This is not bad as well
Another rather good design
So, if you are looking for backpack to use in the Malaysian jungle and your plans include hours of walking, it would be wise to consider a pack with a back system that allows some form of ventilation for your back. Different brands have different sorts of back ‘systems’ but as long as it keeps your back ventilated, it would do the job.
Avoid backpacks that are designed for cold weather. The back panels of such packs will normally ‘stick’ to your back, with no room for ventilation. This makes sense in the cold where such designs would help keep the body warm but would probably a disaster for the rainforest kind of climate.
Osprey's airspace technology allows great ventilation
Osprey brand of backpacks used to have close contact back panels but their recent ‘airspace’ models are excellent for the jungle where there is high humidity. The back panel has a mesh and beneath the mesh there is a layer of foam with protruding ‘nipples’ (I don’t know what else to call them). This allows air to ventilate on a bigger surface area, hence a more comfy back for jungle use.
Osprey's airspace foam 'nipples' allows air to ventilate
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Looking for more information on outdoor and camping backpacks in Malaysia? Why not try www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com
Thanks, this is helpful info. Unfortunately I will probably not make it to Malaysia anytime soon! but the backpacks you are recommending would be pretty ideal for Florida and eastern North Carolina also, where I will be hiking soon.
I m bag addict. And like girl, I collect bag and backpack. I found out the pack behind is still not ventilated enough for me. Feel the heat cannot escape from my back.
Recently brought a replica backpack with a nylon mesh behind that separete the behind bag. Will test it out.
Hi Cheah! I totally understand the addictiveness of packs. We ought to share collections
Yes, I agree that the ventilation can be better.
From the picture I see, you are more crazy than me. he…..I didn’t realize, I ve many bag till my girl friend highlight to me one day.
great tips!
i’m using a high sierra backpack eventhough i actually my backpack at the moment is mainly meant for urban use. i used to wonder what was the purpose of the ‘net’ at the back of a pack.we went trekking with a dutch into Maludam national park last may and his pack has that.now i know ;p.
Hi Edward! Thanks for dropping by and glad that the information was helpful to you!
Ive always used Berghaus backpacks – the ones thatre similar in design as their excellent bergen DPM. I also have 4 Bergen DPM…. with 15 years in the services internally and externally, Id say personally the British Bergen DPM the most robust and comfy.
At the end of the day, function MUST beat form.
Avoid all those backpacks that has TOO many unnecessary strings etc etc all over. Unless, of course, one is treading a tourist circus trail where no lant life will hook onto the backpack!
Ideally too, the backpack should have side pockets that can be taken off as they may hinder movement while hacking through the jungles as well as can be utilised as daypacks.
Hi Forestgump! Thank you for visiting our site. I agree with you totally on packs. And I know how the Bergens and Berghaus stands up to our environment. They are not the prettiest looking but they really beat the rest of the packs hands down. Awesome stuff.
Now you make me wanna go and get one myself!
Hi Keong,
Thanks for your informative website. Do you know where they sell surplus military gear in Malaysia? I am looking for a patrol pack and maybe a poncho?
Hi Kevin!
First of all, thank you for your comment on our blogsite. Much appreciated.
Patrol pack and a poncho. I assume that you are looking for American made gear. One of the best places to chop for such items are pertama complex and campbell. ButI have to warn you that you need to do some bargaining as they are NOT cheap at all.
Another place is the flea market at Amcorp mall on Sundays. There are a few sellers there selling military surplus as well but again, prices are a bit steep.
Alternatively, ebay is a good avenue.
I would not go for jungle camo stuff for use in Malaysia. Some years back, there were some security issues about the public using jungle camo stuff. Go for Olive Drab or camo that is not used by the Malaysian army, then you ought to be fine
Hope that helps.
Was searching online for backpacking advice and found your blog, very informative! =D
I’m looking for a new backpack ( going to Borneo Island in a few months time) but found that most of the backpacks sold in malls are quite pricey =( I don’t mind the brand of the bag, just need something sturdy ( strap stabilizer prefered, most of my bags strap torn after a few use) with reasonable pricing. Any advice?
Sending you an email!
hi guys… do you think deuter backpack is good for camping, trekking or etc… and can give opinion which one backpack have good durability…
Deuters are popular packs in Malaysia but we think its mostly because it is the most easily available and affordable for most. Try brands like Lowe Alpine, Osprey and Macpac. They are better brands in our opinion.
Hey There Myrainforestadventures,
Speaking of which, I’m considering on backpacking to Europe this March, So i’m doing my homework. I’m planning to start from Rome and go one round around Europe and back to Rome again.
Do you think a global pass(for traveling around all 18 countries) is worth it if I thought I would just go to 7 countries at the max and 4 at the minimum? Or it’s better and cheaper to get a point to point ticket when I’m there?
I’m thinking of going for 20 days and probably spend 3 days at each country, will my time be too constrain?
Thanks!
Catch you again soon!