063 – Berghaus Antaeus review
June 20, 2008 in Travel Gear
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In this episode of the Indie Travel Podcast, Craig and Linda Martin review the Berghaus Antaeus 45+8 pack. We discuss the price (70 pounds on sale, not bad), as well as the features, which include:
- - A roomy central space that isn’t too big and isn’t too small. We lived out of this bag and a small daypack for six months, so it fits all the essentials.
- - Two side pockets with zips that lie flat to the bag when not in use and pop out to provide an extra 4 litres of space each when needed.
- - A large zip-up storage space on the top for easy access to essential items.
- - Space for hydration systems, with holes to put the hose through.
- - Biofit back system which lets you adjust the harness in lots of different ways, so that it fits you perfectly.
- - Attachment points on the front of pack to tie things to.
- - Raincover in its own little pouch.
The only major negative we found with this bag is that there’s no way to lock the bag shut since the main compartment closes with a drawstring. You either have to plastic wrap the bag when you travel, or buy a separate pack cover to put it in. Don’t buy a Tatonka one like we did – they’re expensive and our one hasn’t served us well at all.
So, the Berghaus Antaeus 45+8 is a great all-round pack, suitable for almost all independent travellers. It comes in men’s and women’s versions, it’s a good size (though you will need to know how to pack light to use it), and it’s great if you walk around with your life on your back a lot – if you’re a hiker, eurail pass traveller, or general backpacker.
We’ve been introducing new features to the site recently, like iTunes enhanced shows, articles from different authors and “travel talks” the new video podcast. This week we’re launching another new site feature: one minute reviews. If you want to submit some one-minute reviews, send Craig an email at mail@indietravelpodcast.com.
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This week Rock/Creek is having a tent sale. Get in now.
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This article was written by Craig and Linda
Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 
csm2mkrtw said on May 9, 2009
I got the 50+10 of the same brand – 7 months now… they are quality!
Frankie Evans said on June 27, 2009
Got this pack in Version 4 for £54 from Gaynor’s in Ambleside in the English Lake District. (They have a website and do mail order). It is 45+8 (not 48+5 sorry). Best rucksack ever owned, just completed 600k Pennine Way walk, no problems. Biofit system fiddly but good when settled in. Camel pack probably a must as no external means of carry water supply.
Craig and Linda said on June 29, 2009
You’re right Frankie: 45+8! I fixed it up on the notes here, but have we’re not able to easily fix it on the audio.
Numbers really aren’t my strong point!