UKC

So, I can't be in a special position... I want a pack that carries a useful amount of kit (40L or so), that I can strap my skis to and throw two ice axes on the back. That without being flimsy, without using any of those basic features being like in an episode of the crystal maze and without millions of useless straps hanging off.

Am I missing something here, as I can't find such a pack? I do have an excellent Mammut pack which ticks all the boxes, but sadly is now 11 years old, one of the load-bearing shoulder straps has snapped, and it has long stopped being manufactured.

So, UKC wisdom - what am I missing, and what should I look at?

In reply to James Jackson:


The problem is one person's basic features is another's useless straps.

Try some of these:
Pod Alpine 40 http://www.podsacs.com/i/q/CCPAL40/pod-alpine-40-backpack
Lowe alpine Mountain attack http://www.lowealpine.com/mountain-attack-35-45
Macpac ascent http://www.macpac.co.nz/11657.html

In reply to James Jackson:

This might be up your street:

http://www.exped.com/switzerland/en/product-category/backpacks/mountain-pro...

In reply to James Jackson:

Crux AK37 - the only pack you'll ever need (apart from a Metolious Crag pack, which is a thing of functional beauty, but different use).


Cheers
LD

In reply to James Jackson:

I've done all those things with the Podsac Alpine 40 http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=2843 It's a pretty simple 'classic' design but its a good all rounder and has been pretty hard wearing so far. I think the back system is too stiff but its easy to take the aluminium strut out and the extra padding also if you want to go particularly light.

Most skiing packs have facilities for diagonal carry these days - I think mainly because its just the quick way to carry your skis, but the old school way works alright as long as your top compression straps have clip buckles or similar on them as the Podsac does.

In reply to James Jackson:

Cold Cold World Chernobyl

In reply to All:

Thanks for the pointers; really like the look of the Podsac and Exped packs.

In reply to James Jackson:

If Mammut is your thing, have a look at their current range. I think that the Trion Pro, Trion Element or Trion Alpinist might be right up your alley...

Another pack you could have a look at is the Blue Ice Warthog 38 (very minimalistic, but thicks all the boxes).

In reply to Lurking Dave:


Another vote for the crux. I have the AK-47X, which is a bit bigger than you suggest, but does compress quite well. It's functional, bombproof, and has straps for skis and ice axes.

In reply to James Jackson:

Deuter Guide 35 or 40?

In reply to James Jackson:

Montane Torque 40?

On sale for almost half price at blacks at the minute.

http://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/118822-montane-torque-40l-rucksack.html

In reply to James Jackson:

If you're ever in Staveley pop in to Aiguille, they can tweak their designs to meet your needs.

http://www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/shop/4/15/index.htm

In reply to James Jackson:

http://www.cactusequipment.co.nz/online-shop/alpine-packs/sedition/79-331

or

http://www.cactusequipment.co.nz/online-shop/alpine-packs/alpine-miklat/79-...

would fit the bill by the sound of it (although a strong NZD won't do you any favours on the exchange rate...)

closer to home I agree about the POD Cragsac - strong, dependable, simple, in the sale...

b

In reply to James Jackson:

Osprey Mutant 38 is alright

In reply to James Jackson:

There are loads on the market that seem to fit your needs. On top of all the other suggestions above

Osprey Variant
Grivel Freney 30 or 40
BD Speed 30 or 40

In reply to PSinc:




£65 for the Torque is a bargain!

In reply to James Jackson:

Haglofs make some decent packs, try something like the Rand?

In reply to James Jackson:

Hearing lots of good things about the new Patagonia rucksacks

Try the Ascensionist 45L

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/ascensionist-pack-45-liter?p=48000-0

In reply to James Jackson:

BTW, any first hand experience with the new DMM Vector Trad Sack ?
http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=6176

In reply to andy_e:

Dammit, I might have to buy a Torque 40 now... it seems (from brief googling) there is nothing obviously better for £65?

In reply to James Jackson:

The Black Diamond Speed packs should tick all your boxes. Comes in lots of sizes too:

http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/climbing-packs/speed-30-pack-BD681117_c...

I have the 30 litre version and it is brilliant!

In reply to James Jackson:

Another vote for the Deuter guide packs. Well thought out, comfy, bombproof construction, although it does have a few straps on it that may/may not be what you're after.

In reply to andrewmcleod:


It depends on whether you're looking for something stripped down and functional, or with a few more bits and bobs - the epicentre are doing the BD axiom 40 in a long back length for sixty quid including delivery. More of a crossover pack, but probably fits the bill for most. The speed sacks, also from BD, tend to go in and out of offer as well.

But that Torque offer seems a genuine bargain, compared to other retailers. Is there a new model coming out?
Martin

In reply to James Jackson:

If you're not stuck for cash, cilogear 40b worksack or 30:30 guide should do whatever you need it to. cilogear.com~

In reply to James Jackson:

Blueice Warthog 38 should be in the mix too, nice review on UKC of it.

In reply to James Jackson:

Aiguille Alpine.

http://www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/

I bought a 65 litre customised sac. Adrian is a top guy. The sacs are all hand made to order in the Lakes and are i reckon are completely bombproof.

He supplies loads of the MRT's, Cavers, special forces. Support UK made Goods!!

In reply to andrewmcleod:

The torque is the best bag I've ever had. Perfect size for winter climbing, and cragging. The hip belt can be replaced by some thinner webbing, the back protector and bivi mat can be removed also to strip the bag down for alpine / smaller days out. Although I feel that the bag is comfortable and handles heavy loads well, so haven't felt the need to strip it.

The best thing about the torque is that the lid isn't entirely free floating, but still allows a massive amount of stuff to go in the bag. The top skirt can be packed right to the top, but the lid will still close, and the top pocket isn't deformed and contents are still easy to access.

In reply to James Jackson:
Hi James,

I might as well add some comments:

I'm currently using a POD Alpine 50 for just about everything; Scottish Winter, 4-day backpacking trips, working in the Zagros Mountains where I am at the moment. Super impressed with it but it is on the 'light' rather than 'robust' side. From your perspective it may seem to have a LOT of straps although on the plus side, it comes with 'clips' to hold the loose ends that can be re-jigged with a bit of fiddling to permanently capture all the loose ends. I've found the roll-top a good feature and it is easy enough to fold it back into the sack for use in dry weather.

I previously had a POD Black Ice and got around 10 years use out of it. Climbing partners have had POD Cragsacs. If you want durability in preference to saving a couple of hundred grammes than you can't got too far wrong with either. Also the new owners of POD seems to be keen to compete on price. Their sacs are currently available today for less than I paid back in 2001!

A colleague here has a Deuter Guide 35 which he is very happy with. Certainly can't seem to fault the durability; it has probably seen 150 days use in the mountains here in the last 12 months.

The GF has an Osprey Mutant 38. In terms of the fabric weight and straps etc. it's not much different to the POD and many other similar modern sacs. More traditional draw cord closure. Good kit.

Out of the other packs mentioned the Blue Ice Warthog 38 is the one that stands out as taking a different approach. It is probably the most simple and most durable, although it might sacrifice comfort with the heaviest loads. Given how happy I am with my POD Alpine, I won't be buying one, but do intend to buy the 26 litre version.

In reply to The Ex-Engineer:

The Blue Ice Warthog 38 looks to be a very similar design to the Patagonia Ascensionist but without the waistband padding. After seeing the Ascensioist last weekend this would be what I would be going for.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/ascensionist-pack-45-liter?p=48000-0

In reply to James Jackson:

I have just brought a BD axis 33 am very impressed with it, I'm not a fan of overally complicated packs and so did lots of research v comfortable, carries skis and axes with ease

In reply to James Jackson:

Berghaus AB 85... But they stopped making.them years ago...