Topic: Which pack? (Read 6557 times)

twentyclicks · « **on:** May 26, 2010 »

Any gear heads will love this dilemma: I need to choose a bag for everyday, 1-bag world travel, mountain marathon, alpine day pack type stuff $:-\$ . I have a small messenger bag for messages and weekends away(!) and a Granite Gear for trekking. My BCB 25 is too small and my Sabre 45 is too big (both prob for sale soon - awesome but superfluous).

It must be:

Lightweight: sub 1kg
Size – close to the airline carry-on allowances so I can travel without checking any bags (gives me 30-35L) and big enough for stripped down camping, a la mountain marathon (25-30L).
Durable for active outdoor use and rough travel.
Non-descript colours: can I wear it with a suit; can I rub a bit of dust on it and not look like a ‘tourist’, but at the same time not be mistaken as (para)military?
Twin zips: ease of access, large opening for packing clothes, can be padlocked to deter pickpockets.
Large main compartment for clothes, sleeping bag, etc.
Some internal organisation for small items.
NOT an air-flow curved back: I hate them and they don’t pack well.
Outside options: elastic pockets or a bit of bungee compression can be very useful, especially for the mountain marathon, but you don’t want everything on the outside for traveling.
Not too pricey – certainly well under £100!

I did blog about 7 contenders but basically there appears to be 3 real options:
OMM Classic 32 (the outsider) http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=6492
Haglofs Tight 30 (am I ready for a bag this awesome?) http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=3362
Berghaus Remote 30 (hard to fault) http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=2259

Thoughts or other options?

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2010 »

I'd definitely look at the Golite range. I've a Golite Quest and can't fault it, superb pack.

The one that looks like it might fit the bill for you is the Golite Peak.

It comes in 3 sizes - Small, Medium and Large. The Large is 765g and holds 40 litres. It has a great "Compacktor" system that will reduce it down to 17L for those ultra light days to keep smaller loads nice and stable.

It comes in a range of colours; I went for a nice sapphire blue but if you want non-descript then black is your friend. The material is definitely durable, mine came back from the WHW still looking new.

You get a big main compartment with a roll top lid and cinch strap. The front compartment will swallow your other gear, and the twin zips could locked with a small padlock for security. Two side pockets for water bottles etc. and side compression straps. Twin ice axes loops and enough straps to add some bungees too if you want extra load carrying. The back system is excellent - good old breathable fabric with a foam support system. There is also plenty of scope for losing more weight by removing the foam support and hip belt. Oh, the hip belt has a couple of zipped pockets as well.

Obviously I haven't used this exact pack, but having used the bigger one I'm definitely looking at getting a smaller Golite pack for day trips. The features are very similar to the pack I have, just scaled down. If the 2010 version is a bit too close to your budget then have a look online and see if you can get a 2009 version. I did that and saved around £40. Highly recommended!

twentyclicks · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2010 »

mmm, that's definitely a tap looking pack monkey!

Think I will discount it though for the extra price and the top-opening compared to large zipped opening. The OMM is also looking to be out due to this feature...

I might end up buying the top two contenders to side by side compare in real life, then return the vanquished.

RedLeader · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2010 »

There are lots of us using the OMM Villain at the mo and the new model is black rather than orange.

Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Useful Links

Follow NI-Wild

Author Topic: Which pack? (Read 6557 times)

twentyclicks

Which pack?

suspectmonkey

Re: Which pack?

twentyclicks

Re: Which pack?

RedLeader

Re: Which pack?

Bottom Sponsor

Recent Topics