Backpacker magazine

I recieved my first issue of the US Backpacker magazine yesterday. I subscribed after I decided not to renew my 'Trail' subscription for all sorts of reasons - not that it's a bad mag, it's just not for me.

Not a bad read although this issue is a 'tip's special '- lot's of useful and not so useful little snippets. A bit like reading Trail. Let's see what a 'real' issue brings.

This month the Gregory Z55 gets a 'rare' 5 out of 5 in a review of weekend sized packs. I have just done a weekend out with it and I am still very happy (more on that soon).

One thing that suprised me was the number of 4x4 adverts in the magazine. It's just strange to see, rather like seeing someone smoking in a pub here in Wales. I remember an emailed conversation with Guy Proctor (ex Trail Ed.) a year or two ago about 4x4's, and cars in general, in his magazine and he said the readership wouldn't tolerate it. Do they all catch buses?

One of my vehicles is a 4x4 - it's a seven seater Mitsu' Delica and gets a load of us into the hills instead of taking two cars. But let's not get into that - I look after the planet in other ways.

Anyway, if you fancy a change and want the US persepective on the sport, check out the magazine. It's worth it just to see how spoilt our US friends are for varied terrain to explore.