Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: surfnscenic on February 08, 2013
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What kit bags do you have and:-
what do you use it for,
good and bad points,
features you find useful,
Features you just wonder at.
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What sort of kit bag?
Holdall, 30l pack, 60l+ pack, hydration pack or other?
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I have an old kit bag, which I use for packing up my troubles, it makes me smile, I guess that's a bonus!
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I have an old kit bag, which I use for packing up my troubles, it makes me smile, I guess that's a bonus!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jvb_zWfEPsg/TD2dZ_Fgh9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/_fHfvKIcsh8/s1600/tumbleweed1.jpg)
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(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120214203122/protagonist/images/1/11/Touche_Turtle.jpg)
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I have the Mountain Equipment 70L Wet & Dry Kit Bag.
what do you use it for,
Mainly holidays, its great for clothes and folds up when there unlike a suitcase. Its also useful for car camping. A smaller one would be good as a tent organiser. It sometimes gets used as a transport bag between the garage and the house before it gets packed into my main walking bags.
good and bad points,
Material is very durable, even the garage mouse could not chew through it.
features you find useful,
The choice of shoulder straps with chest buckles or padded handles. A strong loop handle makes it easier to manoeuvre out of containers etc. There is an internal zipped section for wet clothes and it does a fairly good job at keeping water in. There are further small sections to the sides of the bag and in holiday mode it works for boxers and socks at the sides, dirty kit in the waterproof bit.
Features you just wonder at.
None
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i have a kit caravan ::)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/caravan.jpg)
and a kit car :)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/boot.jpg)
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a kit car :)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/boot.jpg)
Can you talk to it on your watch like Michael knight? ;D
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i often talk to it, but it never talks back ???
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I have a Mountain Equipment one same as Matthew, although maybe the 100L (?) you can fit 2 trekking poles diagonally inside it.
All the inner compartments mentioned are useful without intruding on the main space. Good chunky zip on the main opening that you can lock to secure the whole bag. Super durable, and half the price of a North Face bag that looks exactly the same (and are magnets for thieves!).
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Apologies for my late responses as I was away for the week-end.
The reason I posed he question was that I have just purchased a Mountain Equipment Wet and Dry Bag 40 litre size. I looked at this and The North Face equivilent. I read the reviews of each and looked at each of them in the shop, more than once.
The problem in choosing, I think for me, was not that this was a want as opposed to a need. I already have a selection of bags but just had a notion for another one. One thing I already miss from the Mountain Equipment bag is the absence of end and/or a side pocket(s).
On the positive as already stated the bag is well made and with a strong sturdy zip. The comments about the TNG bag made by Twenty on the attraction for thieves is noted.
Mjaybe just look for another bag. Apparently you can never have enough of them, especially to match with an outfit or footwear. ;) :D
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One thing I already miss from the Mountain Equipment bag is the absence of end and/or a side pocket(s).
i suppose the the lack of external pocket would be to prevent water ingress
another kit bag worth considering is the karrimor 90L from sports direct
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-90l-duffle-bag-794000
(http://images.sportsdirect.com/images/products/79400003_l.jpg)
i use the karrimor vovager 100L bag for work trips, definitely not as durable as proper kit bags but has built in wheels which come in very handy for all the gear i carry through airports
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-voyager-100-bag-794038
(http://images.sportsdirect.com/images/products/79403890_l.jpg)
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One thing I already miss from the Mountain Equipment bag is the absence of end and/or a side pocket(s).
All the pockets tend to be on the inside on these types of bags, for reasons like security of items and integrity of the outer structure. These are typically chucked around in planes of all sizes, strapped to landrover roofs, or yaks...and if there is up to 140L of gear in some of them, very heavy. If you are travelling with them, you would likely have a carry-on/daysack anyway for items you need quick access to. Less is more, and they're still more versatile and user-friendly than the blue expedition barrels ;D
A more 'civilian' type travel bag/case like the second one Liam mentions is probably your best bet for something with external pocket features: they tend to have at least one for your boarding pass/magazine.
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I notice the big kit bags can be really expensive. Even though they are bound to last a lifetime.
Another option could be a big army surplus kit bag. Its heavier because its canvas and its not 100% waterproof, but it is another option. Just food for thought.
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I use an umbro football kit bag at around £8. For waterproofing either drybag or rubble sack inside it
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I have a 90L HellyHansen Hodall in Orange. Great bag that I bought to take up kili due to the size and colour.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helly-Hansen-Duffel-Bag-Black/dp/B002R8IMJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360590309&sr=8-2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helly-Hansen-Duffel-Bag-Black/dp/B002R8IMJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360590309&sr=8-2)
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I use an umbro football kit bag at around £8. For waterproofing either drybag or rubble sack inside it
I have one of these which came as a pack:- sports bag, boot bag (I use this for personal effects while in the gym), a small rucksack and a bag that has a string closure. All very effective at £25 about 4 years ago. I use a dry bag in the kit bag when required.
I just fancied one of those Mountain Equipment or TNF ones, that's all. Was interested to hear what other folk had used.
Thanks for your comments.
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Just noticed this on UK Climbing
http://www.madaboutmountains.co.uk/product/5763/Haglofs_Lava_90 (http://www.madaboutmountains.co.uk/product/5763/Haglofs_Lava_90)
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Just noticed this on UK Climbing
http://www.madaboutmountains.co.uk/product/5763/Haglofs_Lava_90 (http://www.madaboutmountains.co.uk/product/5763/Haglofs_Lava_90)
I'd pay £50 just for that lovely blue colour.
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For bulk luggage I use one of those army surplus kit bags. Its US army, approx 80L and made of heavy nylon in an attractive olive green colour. Its best feature is that it has a pair of shoulder straps. I really like it when Im travelling abroad, its airline friendly, easy to secure with a lock and relatively easy to carry.
If you want a more conventional bag and dont want to spend a lot, buy a British army deployment bag, theres lots of them on ebay and the surplus shops, genrerally under £20. The build quality of these things is excellent and they have features like external pockets and foldaway shoulder straps.
Fred
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Fred, thanks for the info. Had a look at the various sites. Will keep in mind for the future.