Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: RedLeader on October 13, 2010
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So I'm still on the lookout for a decent, light rucksack for overnighters. Probably 30-40L and needs to be comfy.
I've tried a variety and never found one that I really find comfortable and the trouble is you can never really tell until you've done a few miles fully loaded so traipsing round Cotswolds wearing one doesn't really give an overly good indication.
What's everyones preference these days?
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Would you slap me if I suggested an OMM Villain? :D
I'd seriously, seriously give one of the Golite packs a try. Despite their lightweight brand name, I really like their ethos of 1) make a pack comfortable, 2) make a pack functional, 3) after all that, then see where you can save weight. They are a bit pricey, but are very durable, well made and for me its money well spent if the fit is good. Also, it's usually heading towards the end of the year that Backpacking Light start to reduce the price of the 2010 stock before the new gear arrives. Thats how I got about £40 off my Golite Quest.
I'd take a look at the Golite Peak (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product446.asp?PageID=96). Ticks all the boxes and could technically be the only pack you ever need for day trips, weekenders and longer. Don't be put off by having to measure your back length, its dead easy and I'd rather have a back length made to measure than an adjustable pack with a fiddly and heavy system.
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The straps on the OMM were really uncomfy - they really dug into my shoulders. Hows the strap padding on the golite?
Would you slap me if I suggested an OMM Villain? :D
I'd seriously, seriously give one of the Golite packs a try. Despite their lightweight brand name, I really like their ethos of 1) make a pack comfortable, 2) make a pack functional, 3) after all that, then see where you can save weight. They are a bit pricey, but are very durable, well made and for me its money well spent if the fit is good. Also, it's usually heading towards the end of the year that Backpacking Light start to reduce the price of the 2010 stock before the new gear arrives. Thats how I got about £40 off my Golite Quest.
I'd take a look at the Golite Peak (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product446.asp?PageID=96). Ticks all the boxes and could technically be the only pack you ever need for day trips, weekenders and longer. Don't be put off by having to measure your back length, its dead easy and I'd rather have a back length made to measure than an adjustable pack with a fiddly and heavy system.
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The straps on the OMM were really uncomfy - they really dug into my shoulders. Hows the strap padding on the golite?
The Golite is definitely better padded than the OMM. I did notice the shoulder straps on the OMM were pretty spartan on the padding, as even with an overnight load I felt my shoulders burning a bit. My Quest was loaded up with a fair few kilos for the WHW and it was comfy from start to finish for me.
If you can get out for an overnight trip you are more than welcome to try my Golite? It's a bit bigger capacity wise, but still carries an overnight load well and would be a similar fit/padding to the other Golite packs. Or if you are house bound I can call over with it some evening for you to have a look at?
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Might try and get an overnigher with it if you didn't mind. Hopefully I'll get a quickie sometime in the not too distant and I fancy a light summit camp.
The straps on the OMM were really uncomfy - they really dug into my shoulders. Hows the strap padding on the golite?
The Golite is definitely better padded than the OMM. I did notice the shoulder straps on the OMM were pretty spartan on the padding, as even with an overnight load I felt my shoulders burning a bit. My Quest was loaded up with a fair few kilos for the WHW and it was comfy from start to finish for me.
If you can get out for an overnight trip you are more than welcome to try my Golite? It's a bit bigger capacity wise, but still carries an overnight load well and would be a similar fit/padding to the other Golite packs. Or if you are house bound I can call over with it some evening for you to have a look at?
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I got the lightwave fastpack 50l and I'm in love with it ;D it suits me for overnighters and family days out and I can't fault it . Compared to my old 2.5kg vango rucksack it's light very light and waterproof ..
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/lightwave_fastpack_50.html
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Might try and get an overnigher with it if you didn't mind. Hopefully I'll get a quickie sometime in the not too distant and I fancy a light summit camp.
Sounds good to me, its probably the best way to find out properly whether or not you like a rucksack. Sticking some books into one whilst in a shop just doesnt seem to be a good indicator as to whether or not it will be comfy on the hill!
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The straps on the OMM were really uncomfy - they really dug into my shoulders. Hows the strap padding on the golite?
It sounds like your not wearing it properly. Is the back length adjustable? You should be aiming to at least 70% of the weight of the pack on your hips.
Did you ever get sized up for a pack? shoulder shape and broadness as well as back length will determine what style of pack you need so although it sounds kinda gay a womans specific rucksack might suit you better only difference is they are in an A shape (I.e. slighter narrower at the shoulders).
Other than that I would try adding a bit of padding to your villan. Cut up an old roll mat and put a bit round the pressure points, best way to add padding without adding too much weight.
Or just carry less!!
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Around the hips..... news to me, my villain seems to put most of it on the shoulder straps.... my other vango has lots more padding but is a big beast, but I'm pretty sure in saying, the hip strap - doesn't come down my back far enough to my hips - so i guess that doesn't fit me then....
useful to know for next time anyways.
Do people of the six foot tall variety generally need to look for special rucksacks ?
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Around the hips..... news to me, my villain seems to put most of it on the shoulder straps.... my other vango has lots more padding but is a big beast, but I'm pretty sure in saying, the hip strap - doesn't come down my back far enough to my hips - so i guess that doesn't fit me then....
useful to know for next time anyways.
Do people of the six foot tall variety generally need to look for special rucksacks ?
The villan and the likes are probably reasonably bad examples of how to fit a rucksack as generally the people who buy them are fast and light and know not to expect the comfiest bag ever.
Usually on a more padded hip belt you'll see/feel a bit of an indent in the middle of the strap, You want that on or as close to your hip bone as is comfortable. You should be able to loosen the shoulder straps right off and feel the bag sitting completely on your waist.
Sinch the shoulder straps up untill comfortable (not too tight) and see how the bag sits, you don't want any gaps between the shoulders and the straps, if you do you need to micro adjust the shoulder straps at the top or get a new back length.
If your hip belt doesn't reach your hips and the back lengths as long as it'll go then sit sounds like its too small. I wouldn't say at 6 foot you'd need a special rucksack but the large back lengths would be a good starting place!
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I'm glad you got that job Chris, you're a mine of information!
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The OMM's only have one back length which is an issue of contention with taller folks... yer blogger PTC* has insider info that longer back lengths are on the cards soon.
I'm thinking of the Golite Pinnacle for a winter/long distance/big mountain pack. My Granite Gear nimbus (55+10) is ok, but not quite big enough for those things, and too big for shorter/summer trips which a 30L might better suit... (contact if interested)
Packing and fitting is a science alright. Personally, I find hip belts and sternum straps more to help keep a pack on or stop the weight swinging over rough ground... I like a pack to sit comfy with them undone.
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For measuring my back I followed the instructions on the Backpacking Light website here - http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page47.asp
I also found this PDF file on the Gregory Packs website really useful for helping me decide on whether or not the pack was the right fit for me - http://www.gregorypacks.com/files/pack_fit.pdf
Because I bought the Golite from the internet that Gregory document was invaluable as I'd never bought a rucksack before and didn't have someone in a shop to guide me. It really helped me identify what I should be looking out for, and I guess I was just fortunate that it ticked all the boxes.
One thing that threw me is that although I'm 6ft, my back length is around 18" which puts me firmly in the medium back length for Golite. Kat actually has a longer back length than me, which just highlights how you can be reasonably tall but have a shorter back length. The quick way to check your hip belt is in the right place is to stick the pack on your back with some weight in it. Now put your hands on your hips and use your thumbs to find the top of your hip bone. The top of your hip bone should be roughly in the middle of the padded part of your hip belt, as far as I can gather :)
I'd say the Pinnacle would be a great pack Craig. I think its the same capacity and design as my Quest, but with a roll top lid and a foam back pad rather than the more shaped plastic back panel in mine. Its about 500g lighter than mine though, which is impressive given the Quest only weighs in at 1450g anyway! Again, I know its not the same pack but if you ever fancy a look at my Quest just give me a shout :)
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Yeah, I'd definitely take a gander at it sometime. It'll be one of the last thing I get on the long list as I have no real need for it in the next year (who knows what will be invented by then)... and I'm probably better to get my gear and see what space it needs anyway. I just know the nimbus was too small on the WHW with food for a week: although there were maybe some superfluous items in there, it's a capability I would expect for distance trekking. A multi-day big-mountain assault might also need space for bulky tent, bag, fuel, etc but I don't know enough yet.
*hijack* must catch up on your WHW experience - is there a thread on here about it?
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*hijack* must catch up on your WHW experience - is there a thread on here about it?
I actually put together a (rather lengthy!) write up of our WHW trip, but never got round to finishing it! Think I just had to finish writing up the last day, and pairing up some photos with it so must do that soon :)
Speaking of which, I bought Ronald Turnbulls "Not the West Highland Way" (http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/615/title/not-the-west-highland-way) recently. Looks like a superb book, and the alternate routes seem fantastic. If I dont make it on to the TGOC then I think I will have a solo trip on an alternate WHW route. If you are interested in the book then there is a discount code for buying it through Cicerone - enter "NOTWHY" at checkout to get the book delivered for £10.
/hijack :)
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Rucksacks are a science i think.
I have a few, much to my lovely wife's disgust.
The latest serious (for me) one was a 40L highlander for the MMM. The straps are comfy and it has waist and chest straps. The frame gives the rucksack a convex shape at the back, holding it away from the back for helpful cooling, though the weekend of the MMM this was not an issue.
It's about 1KG in weight, has a few attachment points, builtin rain cover, a mesh pocket at each side, one big compartment and one small. This is now my rucksack of choice for comfort and size, and my aim is to fit all necessary equipment into it. This includes making custom tent poles to fit inside.
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It's just over six months since this topic was last updated. I might be in the market for a new 35L rucsack. Bearing in mind the products already mentioned each with their own pros and cons can anyone give an update on their use and revised recommendations?
I might just have to call into Cotswold/Tiso and try some out with advice and guidance from NI-Wild friendly staff.
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Can anyone give an update on their use and revised recommendations?
I have three main bags but nearly every time I go for the Mountain Hardware Dihedral, I cannot fault the bag. I know I sometimes go on about their kit but it is one of the few items I would just keep buying.
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/XUiru3NfF7yei974XLUG8vG6VLFoAcBzsNeM1I1ZiEgjLdbRJOYBcM3xfgvPOg0k9o7W7F37RRPRkhmp4wn7rJczX_XrjrrX2i5fDfsAA0jNMm2IDYg68Jjynd2yb8NhO3MUewRwqbP2JWpe71_Uc2eLQGHmeGzeQfeEmwtzZb8AxKzwnQTYtsTjNtT4vi-gEVLgfwgSFvQ9DuwKB8w)
I had originally bought the Berghaus C7 1 Series 65+10 pack but after one days use I found the shoulder straps too uncomfortable to the point where my shoulders were in agony. Another issue I had with it is the waste strap does not keep its tension and as a result, it has very seldom seen the light of day.
(http://www.nevisport.com/images/prod-img/404002_bioflex_main)
Another favourite of mine is the The North Face Prophet 40. Again, it is very seldom out on the hills as like to have a wee bit of spare room at the top of my bag and I find the 40 does not comfortably allow for that.
(http://www.ellis-brigham.com/images//lightbox/204286960.jpg)
My daypack of choice is the REI flash 18, it holds everything I need and is virtually weightless at 280g (http://veritas.myaptportal.com/files/2010/12/rei-flash-pack-300x300.jpg)
For me Gucci back cooling systems are a waste of time as the frame holding a specific shape restricts my packing approach. I think there is no definitive answer as to the perfect bag as we are all different, just get out there and see what fits / feels best for you.
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Hey Matt
If you ever want to sale your c7 give me a shout.
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I'm still totally sold on Golite rucksacks (http://www.golite.com/carry-gear). Wouldn't buy anything else personally, but that said just because they suit me doesn't mean they would suit everyone. I have the Golite Quest as my big load lugger for multi-day trips and Kat recently bought the Golite Jam as an overnight/weekend pack. I had originally considered getting the Golite Peak as a lightweight daypack/overnight pack, but having seen the Golite Jam I would probably use it instead. It cinchs down really well, so can carry much smaller loads than its capacity suggests. I know you are meant to try before you buy, but I took a chance and bought mine through Backpacking Light (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk). Turns out it was worth the gamble as it fits perfectly :)
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My Haglofs Tight large (30L) has proved good for running to work, and a number of bivvi's including the infamous meelmore/meelbeg night. I also used it on my alpine course which made my packing very selective, but seemed to impress the guide.
There is a larger 35L version, but here are my thoughts...
It is very comfortable and stable, with good compression. My basic version is pretty light and extra loops and buckles can be removed in seconds. Great DWR on the fabric (which is also fairly hardy - although I have a small hole in the bottom from the alpine granite/or shovel handle wedged inside).
The big zip is great for packing and getting at stuff, but the shape of the bag makes using all of the space a little awkward - it is hard to maximise the tear-drop bottom and not over-stuff the top. You have to be careful not to bow the back so it becomes uncomfortable. Also, not good for carrying a rope: I wore most things in the Alps, only carrying shovel, probe, food, water, insulation and crampons. Axes went in the compression straps and the helmet buckled to the haul handle when not worn.
I feel it is best for moving fast, and light travel, but for climbing and overnighters is really pushing it. Although the stability is always welcome, the shape does seem to make things awkward. My exped drybags are just slightly the wrong shape to make best use of the bottom space, and using a larger one defeats the advantage of the zip and takes up room with it's excess.
I may consider the likes of the Crux AK37 or Osprey Mutant for future alpine day-excursions, and still thinking of the MH Super Scrambler 55 for backpacking or multiday climbing.