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Does this pack exist?

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 Only a hill 13 Dec 2014

I'm looking for a new lightweight daysack, but I'm a little out of the loop in terms of what gear is currently available. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

In the past I have used a 20 litre Alpkit Gourdon. I like its waterproof construction and the fact it can be used as a roll-top drybag. However, my second one lasted less than five years and is already falling to bits.

Here are my requirements:

Size: 25 or 30 litres (max)
Waterproof
Lightweight and simple, but substantial enough for winter use
Comfortable straps and a basic hip belt
Side compression straps and pockets capable of taking an ice axe or water bottle
Either a simple bungee system or daisy chain attachments on the front (essentially, anything that lets me attach wet crampons to the outside of the pack)
Ideally a lid pocket
Not too expensive

Basically, I'm looking for something like an Alpkit Gourdon but a little more like a backpack and less like a glorified dry bag. Can anyone recommend anything? Does such a pack exist?
Post edited at 18:36
 TobyA 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

What's that Glasgow company called that makes them? Everyone seems to rave about - basically seems to be a bit like Gourdon but maybe a wee bit bigger and straps for ice tools etc. They were a great price too. I think it was Wee Davie who has one and said it was great.
 Denni 13 Dec 2014
In reply to TobyA:

Crux RK 30.
Ice axe attachment on front rather than use the side and I've used the rope strap at the top to attach my crampon pouch to.
Also, waterbottle in a pouch has served me well inside the compression straps.
The thing is bombproof but you may have trouble finding one. Wasn't the other company called Lomo or something Toby?
OP Only a hill 13 Dec 2014
In reply to TobyA:

Cheers guys.

Is this the Lomo pack? Looks ok, and the price is very reasonable, but it's a little bigger than I'd like.

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/walkers-drybag-rucksack.html

I like the look of the Crux pack too. Any other options?
 PPP 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

You missed that one, but it's dead simple...
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/drybag-daypack.html

I use it as an everyday sack, it's brilliant. Though if you need to grab a sandwich or a bottle of water, it takes so much time!
1
OP Only a hill 13 Dec 2014
In reply to PPP:

I noticed that one but dismissed it due to the lack of attachment options on the outside. The first Gourdon I owned was one of the plain ones, very much like that design, and it was annoying for winter use.
 PPP 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

Lomo used to make 30l rucksacks with ice axe/poles attachments, but when I asked them, it didn't look like they had any left. The newer model is stripped down. Maybe it's still worth asking? On the other hand, they manage to squeeze down quite a lot, so 40l rucksack might do as well?

These are quite expensive, but provide more than just a drybag:
http://soillholds.com/collections/bags

These are quite nice (never tried them either, just searched on Google). Some of them are quite going quite cheap on eBay.
http://www.over-board.co.uk/backpacks/waterproof-backpacks.html
 TobyA 13 Dec 2014
 Dr.S at work 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

I've got an exped cloudburst - more fragile than a gourdon but lighter, they also do the torrent range which look beefier and might suit?
http://www.exped.com/en/product-category/backpacks?page=2
 jon 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Dr.S at work:

I've got the Exped Torrent 30. It's pretty beefy and is (still) waterproof. Quite costly for something as simple and free of unnecessary gimicks, though. Probably look out of place with tweeds and stuff, too.
 LucaC 13 Dec 2014
In reply to jon:
Last seasons BD speed 22/30 was all of the above, apart from actually waterproof. You'd probably find one in the sale now too.
 Dr.S at work 13 Dec 2014
In reply to jon:
good point - i'd have thought OAH could get something in ventile?
Post edited at 21:14
OP Only a hill 13 Dec 2014
In reply to Dr.S at work:

Believe it or not the tweeds get worn on the hill very rarely these days
 Jon Wickham 14 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

There are very few waterproof packs on the market, but one pack that hasn't been mentioned and is definitely worth looking at is the Arc'teryx Alpha FL 30 and 45 packs: http://www.arcteryx.com/ProductFind.aspx?search=alpha+fl&language=EN

I would also consider the Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 30: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/summitrocket-30-OU4532.html?cgid=equipment-...

and the Patagonia Ascensionist Packs: http://www.patagonia.com/eu/enGB/shop/luggage-technical?k=1G-aQ
OP Only a hill 19 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

Thanks for all the responses on this. Some great suggestions.
 SenzuBean 19 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

Add some more fuel to the fire:

These are super special Cuben fibre packs. Stunningly lightweight, and very waterproof. Unfortunately/fortunately (depends on your disposition) - they're white. http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/ultralight-packs/2400-series-ultraligh...

I cannot give a personal recommendation, but am highly considering them.
 CMcBain 19 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

Montane Cobra 25 (I use it for summer rock climbing but it would make a good winter day bag I reckon). Meets all the requirements and can be found relatively cheaply.
 HammondR 19 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:
From personal experience I can recommend the Cirrus by Aguille. They are made in Staveley, the Cirrus is 33 litres. Aguille will add or delete features as suits you. Virtually custom made sacks. You will get a quicker response from phone or personal visit than from email.

JPSC 19 Dec 2014
In reply to Only a hill:

I would second the suggestion of speaking to Aiguille at Staveley. I had to finally replace my Karrimor from 1965 a couple of years ago and they were very willing to tailor a daysack to my requirements. It is excellent, light, tough, simple and sized to maximise it's usefulness as hand luggage when flying!
OP Only a hill 03 Jan 2015
In reply to Only a hill:

To round off this thread, I thought I'd report that I went for the Montane Medusa 32. It fits my requirements very well and I happened to find one reduced, so I snapped it up!

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