Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: dean1970 on September 29, 2011
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hi,
just wondering what you all are using to carry your kit. Winter is on its way and nights getting colder, so that means bigger bag to carry some warm clothes and a decent winter sack and tent.
I like issued kit. Hunted around for some decent priced packs and after some thought, bought an ilbe main and day pack. Used it lots of times now. It is current usmc kit. I like the packs. very well made and strong. Designed by Arcteryx.
The belt is very large, but the material covering the inside of the belt is a little poor. Marpat pattern, not a bad pattern but it is still a bot army barmy.
As i say, in my opinion these are strong, well made, but the pack alone is heavy.
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I have a Osprey Talon 33 for a day pack and in the middle of trying to find a Osprey Kestral 68 for the rest of the stuff.
The reason I like the Osprey stuff is because its all they do. They only mak packs, they dont try and do clothing or equipment (Like Karriomor or North Face) they stick to what they know best and do a great job with it.
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For a day pack I just use a small discontinued pack made by Source (the same people who make the hydration bladders). In my opinion day packs dont need to be anything fancy unless you have to carry technical kit e.g. climbing or winter mountaineering. My better half, Kat, uses an OMM Classic 25 (http://www.theomm.com/products/packs?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=4&category_id=1) and it is absolutely superb, I used it on a recent trip and its got it all.
For a weekend pack I use an OMM Villain (http://www.theomm.com/products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=2&category_id=4). Like the Classic 25 its an amazing pack with so much functional space. Only downside is that due to the lightweight construction the straps are a bit spartan on padding so I find it gets a bit uncomfortable with heavier loads. Best suited, in my opinion, for sub 10kg. Kat uses a Golite Jam (http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=151002110&mc=&t=&lat=) which again I've borrowed and find to be superb. Golite are probably my favourite rucksack manufacturer as they always say they aim to make a pack comfortable and functional first and then look at the weight.
For longer multi day trips I use a Golite Quest (http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=151002110&mc=&t=&lat=). Despite its huge quoted capacity its just as good carrying small loads as it is big thanks to some clever volume reducers. Pack is super comfortable, light and very durable. I love it!
One pack I really like the look of for a super versatile day bag is the Alpkit Gourdon 20 (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16379&category_id=251). Such a simple idea and should be good for a whole range of activities!
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I'm still on the lookout for a light weekend pack, I was actually pondering putting up a thread but you beat me to it :)
I have a Vango Contour 50+10 at the moment for weekend use but it's too heavy. I have a Berghaus Airflow 35 for day use but it's a bit weighty too!
I have a DPM Patrol Bag that I was selling if anyone's interested.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuykXCg4NVFnodAhTgD8Z4jhVL_RKYiBdOInWA59pYjxqrh7Um8g)
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1977.0
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REDLEADER...
There's a one here - http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/deuter-speedlite-10/fuseaction/products.detail/code/62410119/group/218/level/3
its £35 and might be a bit small for this time of year but its on my wish list!
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REGATTA
for most day (well halfday) walks i don't actually use a rucksack, if it looks like i'll be wearing a coat then i stuff everything in the pockets ;D (w/proof trousers, hat, gloves, buff, map, compass, whistle, gps, water, lunch, torch - its a big coat ;) )
my running sack is a karrimor x-race 20L (approx 0.6kg), only actually used this once as i don't run too much :(
my "lightweight" daysack is a 35L regatta survivor (approx 1.1kg) tough as nails, build in raincover, pockets everywhere
also have a 45L regatta landtrekka (approx 1.6kg), same features as above, use this for mountain marathons (well i've only done one so far ::) )
my normal overnight sack is a lichfield something 60+10L as i pack heavy when i camp as i like my luxuries and it helps build up the muscles ;)
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Tomorrow will be my day of reckoning Landy as I've just weight my pack for one night and totalling 14 kg without water.
I'll not be racing ahead anyway. Been a while from I had to cart a full pack.
All loaded in the trusty old Vango 65.
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I have seen some of the packs mentioned. I need to talk about all kit lol. Boots, sleeping bags, tents, burners clothing etc etc lol hey I will get there in time.
One thing I forgot when I took this up again, was weight. 10 years ago no problem, now the knees and ankles like to remind me to just take things a little slower.
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If it's a more tactical look your after check out the packs from 5.11 on 5.11tactical.com. I can get good rates on all their gear for anyone interested.
GF
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Day walks I use an Osprey Atmos 35. Plenty of space for the summer time and should be more than good enough for an extra layer in winter.
My overnight rucksack is a trusted-old Karrimor Jaguar 70 (or something like that), that is nearly as old as some of our forum members. It hasn't seen nearly enough use yet to retire it.
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Just made my own alpine pack! Post here (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2219.msg26092;topicseen#new)
Have a Haglofs tight L (30) as a day pack/minimal overnighter.
Berghaus Remote 30 as my bike courier bag.
Deuter Speedlite 20 as a running bag.
BCB 25 was my day pack but is now in training pack duties for loading with weight - it's surprisingly tough and light.
Previously have owned a Karrimor Sabre and Granite Gear Meridian.