Topic: Lets talk rucksacks (Read 16338 times)

RedLeader · « **on:** October 13, 2010 »

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?

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2010 »

Would you slap me if I suggested an OMM Villain?

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. 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.

RedLeader · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2010 »

The straps on the OMM were really uncomfy - they really dug into my shoulders. Hows the strap padding on the golite?

Quote from: suspectmonkey on October 13, 2010

Would you slap me if I suggested an OMM Villain?

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. 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.

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2010 »

Quote from: RedLeader on October 13, 2010

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?

RedLeader · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2010 »

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.

Quote from: suspectmonkey on October 13, 2010

Quote from: RedLeader on October 13, 2010
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?

Scribble · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2010 »

I got the lightwave fastpack 50l and I'm in love with it

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

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2010 »

Quote from: RedLeader on October 13, 2010

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!

chris · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2010 »

Quote from: RedLeader on October 13, 2010

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!!

MikeD · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2010 »

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 ?

chris · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2010 »

Quote from: MikeD on October 13, 2010

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!

MikeD · « **Reply #10 on:** October 13, 2010 »

I'm glad you got that job Chris, you're a mine of information!

twentyclicks · « **Reply #11 on:** October 13, 2010 »

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.

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #12 on:** October 13, 2010 »

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

twentyclicks · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2010 »

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?

suspectmonkey · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2010 »

Quote from: twentyclicks on October 14, 2010

*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" 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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Author Topic: Lets talk rucksacks (Read 16338 times)

RedLeader

Lets talk rucksacks

suspectmonkey

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

RedLeader

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

suspectmonkey

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

RedLeader

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

Scribble

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

suspectmonkey

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

chris

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

MikeD

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

chris

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

MikeD

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

twentyclicks

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

suspectmonkey

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

twentyclicks

Re: Lets talk rucksacks

suspectmonkey

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