Lets talk rucksacks

[pinki]

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.

[surfnscenic]

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.

[Matthew]

 

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.



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.


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.


My daypack of choice is the REI flash 18, it holds everything I need and is virtually weightless  at 280g

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.

[LennyJ1]

Hey Matt

If you ever want to sale your c7 give me a shout.

[suspectmonkey]

I'm still totally sold on Golite rucksacks.  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.  Turns out it was worth the gamble as it fits perfectly  

[twentyclicks]

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.