UKC

Following the demise of my trusty Crux AK30 I've decided it's time to treat myself to a new rucksack. This will be used for cragging, Scottish winter and Alpine summer - a fairly standard set of requirements. The Crux was very basic, this time I want a few more bells and whistles - a pocket, for a start! Roughly 30 litres, not too heavy but some durability, some comfort but no bulky waist belt, etc.

Does anybody have experience of either of these models: BD Speed 30 or BD Axis 33 or Marmot Centaur 30?

Thanks in advance

In reply to Tom Stoddart: I have a BD Axis for sale, at a bargain price.. see my post in for sale/wanted...

In reply to Tom Stoddart: I've only used the Centaur but liked it: http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=3855 A decent, light-ish, straighforward sort of pack.

In reply to Tom Stoddart: How did you find the AK30? Not tempted by an RK30? I've been looking at a few packs for Scottish Winter Day routes myself, current contenders are BD Speed 30, Osprey Mutant 28 and Crux RK30. The Blue Ice Warthog was a contender but lacks compression straps and shoulder load transfer straps. Out of the three the BD speed looks the most adaptable with more extension and with the lid off, though a touch heavier stripped than the other packs.

Has anybody any feedback on the swingarm shoulder straps? Do they work well for climbing?

I've been using an Axis 33 for almost a year now and overall I'm very happy with it. I believe its slightly heavier than the BD Speed 30 but it's made from absolutely bomb proof materials, despite getting a hammering and being used for absolutely everything it still looks like new.

The prime reason I went with the Axis over the Speed is the zipper access, I was sick to the back teeth of having to f*ck around with a million different clips/draw cords when trying to find something in my pack half way up a big route.

The swivel hip belt thingy is excellent too, it's a very comfortable pack to climb/scramble with as a result.

My only complaint would be that the zipper pulls aren't big enough for use with chunky gloves (bit fiddly but manageable), which is pretty minor really.

In reply to Styx: I'd agree. I had a Speed 30 before the Axis, and the Axis is tougher and more featured. I wouldn't sell mine if it wasn't for the fact it doesn't fit me that great, but then I've yet to find a climbing pack that does.

In reply to StuLade:
I love the AK30, and Crux have said they will replace it with a new RK30 under warranty, but unfortunately they don't have any in stock and don't anticipate having any until May. Still, excellent customer service regardless.

However, I need something sooner than that, and in some ways would prefer a few more features. I'd like a pocket, and one criticism of the AK30 is that the side compression cords tend to compress the top of the pack rather than compressing evenly all the way up - so everything sits at the bottom like a big bumbag when it is half loaded.

In reply to Tom Stoddart:

You might want to consider the Blue Ice warthog...

http://coldthistle.blogspot.ie/2011/07/blue-ice-new-warthog-alpine-pack.htm...

In reply to Punter S Thompson:
I did, and was more taken by the Blue Ice 30L. But in the end opted for the BD Speed after trying one on. Seems a good balance between weight, durability and features.