The UNUS52 BACKPACK was officially released that Friday. Ahead of the launch, we took it out for a final round of field testing with a group of friends. We set off from Taipei early in the morning for a two-day, one-night hiking and camping trip to Songluo Lake in Yilan, Taiwan.
The Songluo Lake Trail took us through the lower elevations of the Xueshan Range. Although suited to intermediate hikers, we found the pace relaxed enough to chat, stop for snacks, and enjoy the surroundings along the way.
Although the route was relatively short with few steep sections, the trail was often wet and slippery, so we had to watch our footing. Luckily, the weather stayed dry throughout our hike, making the walk more comfortable and enjoyable. Before long, we reached the first water source and stopped for a short break.
We arrived at the lakeside campsite that afternoon. Shortly after, the wind began to pick up, giving us a taste of Songluo Lake’s unpredictable weather. We hurried to pitch our tents and managed to finish before the rain grew heavier.
By then, thick fog had settled over the lake, reducing visibility to around ten meters. With the opposite shore hidden from view, standing by the water felt like looking out over an endless sea.
As night fell, the cold and rain drove us under the tarp, where we cooked a hot meal to warm ourselves up before settling into our tents for a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, the fog slowly lifted, revealing Songluo Lake in the soft morning light. We lingered by the water, taking in the view that had been hidden from us the day before. Then, with our tents packed and the sun on our backs, we began the walk home.
