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Do everything rucksack

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Donnie 28 Mar 2015
Looking to buy a rucksack that can do everything up to multi-day Scottish winter. I was thinking somewhere from 40L to 55L.

Hoping to send not much more than £100 and would prefer it not be a big squeeze to get everything in over saving half a kilo in weight.

Options so far -

Low Alpine Mountain or Alpine Attack 45:55
BD Mission 50
BD Epic 45
POD Alpine BlackIce 40:52

(The Epic 45 is cheap on line just now, but is it big enough?)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Donnie






 wercat 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

Aiguille make fantastic rucsacs that withstand a lot of wear and tear. Hand made in the Lake district and unlike some they seem to give you ALL the litres stated. I've had two over the years - the spec had changed by the time I ordered mine but they made one specially to the same spec as the one I'd been very happy with, and in my chosen colour!

 Tom Last 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:
I recently bought a POD Black Ice. It's a great, comfortable sack that looks like it's gonna last for years of abuse. It'll pack down small enough for cabin baggage (backplate removed) and expands to carry enough for recent 10 day climbing expedition - so minimalist tent and mat (strapped on) ropes and climbing gear, sleeping bag, clothes and food for ten days. All in all a great pack with a big BUT - that it doesn't give much clearance for looking up when climbing and wearing a helmet. So a great pack, with a major fault in my eyes.
Post edited at 10:43
Donnie 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Tom Last:

Thanks Tom.

What size did you get? (40+12?)

And is the head clearance issue something you've experienced with other rucksacks?
 Mark Haward 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

A do everything rucksack will always be a compromise in one or more areas. As part of the decision making process I would suggest prioritising the most important features and then compare to the rucksacks. For example: For me it would be how the rucksack performs / feels when climbing ( assuming climbing with sack on rather than leaving at base of route ) and load carrying comfort becomes slightly less important.
I have used a Podsac for several years and found it brilliant for me. Just get the back length right, believe it still comes in three lengths, so helmet does not contact with the sack when you look up. Reason I like the sack is because it strips down to a sub 1kg sack with everything removed ( still has minimalist hip and chest belts - clean and non fussy profile without unnecessary extras but still cut off a few unwanted bits ) which is great for climbing. However, reassembled it can carry big loads with ease.
Try loads of different sacks on with weight in. Crux sacks are great too. Personally, over the years my rucksacks get smaller and smaller as I get used to carrying less gear ( depending on the route /location ) and often find myself using very lightweight 25 and 30 litre sacks. In Scottish winter I only use a small pack as I am cosy in the valley at the end of each day, same rucksack for most alpine routes too.
Happy decision making...
 alasdair19 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

the pod is superb if your talking the old style simple design one with no frills. The newer ones may also be good just never used them

mine has literally done everything and still works well
 Tom Last 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:
Hi Donnie.

Sorry, missed your size requirements.

No I bought their size 3 pack 53+12 as it fitted with my height according to their chart.
http://www.podsacs.com/i/q/CCPBIBP/pod-black-ice-backpack

Unfortunately, they only sell from the one place now I believe so I couldn't try before I bought. Perhaps a smaller size would have had less of this issue - perhaps.

I have had the same thing with an old Osprey yes, but my current Osprey, the old Mutant 28, is spot on.

To be fair to the POD Black Ice, I'd not seen this problem mentioned elsewhere online, so maybe it's just me. But then Again I did buy the correct size, going by their sizing.

HTH.
Tom
Post edited at 13:31
 JayPee630 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:
I've been looking for the same, although probably not so much multi-day trips with climbing and camping gear, so getting one a bit smaller. Have narrowed it down to the Aiguille Cirrus 33l and the Osprey Mutant 28 (maybe the 38?). Other ones I've considered were the Crux AK 37, the Arcteryx FL45, a few BD ones, Montane Cobra, and a couple of others I've forgotten!
Post edited at 18:46
 LucaC 28 Mar 2015
In reply to JayPee630:
Just got a new style epic 45, and it is just about the best all round pack I've used. Tried last week for a Scottish winter multi day walk and loads of space left over for more food if I were going for an extended period of time. Definitely big enough, unless you enjoy packing a huge amount of stuff? I can get winter overnight kit in a 30, but it's too much of a squeeze to pack it up again in a snow hole in the morning. Circa 45l is perfect for me.

No wand pockets or specialised ski holders, I can live without both (and you would get skis on the side straps anyway).

Fabric is burlier than the speed series, and the fixed pivot hip belt is super comfy when packed up full.

Has taken rack/ropes/axes and carries well, even when packed down small, but it wouldn't be my choice for a winter or summer day climbing sack unless it was being left at the top/bottom of the crag, as it is too big to lead near your limit with.
 JayPee630 28 Mar 2015
In reply to LJC:

Oh, the new Patagonia technical pack in a 35l has made the short list too!
 Mike-W-99 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Tom Last:

Ok, pod alpine. I used one for everything and it seemed fine. Looks a bit more compact than the black ice as I never had problems with a helmet?

Dont like the axe attachments on the Lowe Alpine (I have one of the older models)
 PPP 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

I've got LA Mountain Attack 45:55 and it's quite great. Worked well over winter, it cinches down better than any other rucksack I had (well, an emptyish rucksack with overloaded lid is always going to be a trouble!). Lots of attachments for different things (skis, axes, pro, ropes, etc), ingenious access from the side (not so widely used for some reason). Maybe not the lightest and sexiest looking, though.
 Tom Last 28 Mar 2015
In reply to prog99:



> Dont like the axe attachments on the Lowe Alpine (I have one of the older models)

Actually, the se can be said of the Black Ice too. The loops are too big for modern tools. DMM Apex just fell out
1
 Mike-W-99 28 Mar 2015
In reply to Tom Last:

I know what you mean, I think thats what the lowe alpine system is meant to address. However they rely on other methods of attachment which uses the tension of various straps.
As I said , I have the older model where both axes are attached in the same system, I think in the newer models there are separate points for each axe.

Never had a problem with my vipers on a podsacs alpine.
In reply to prog99:

Would Highly Recommend the New Updated Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 35/45
Really Roomy I'd say you can easily get 45/50 litres from it once fully extended brilliant ice axe attachment good hip belt can't beat it for £81 Go outdoors

 KA 29 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:
Another vote for the Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack series. I've used my 35:45 most days winter climbing/mountaineering this season (70 days+), and the only signs of wear are the graphics peeling off. Super comfy, easy to use, big enough and I'll not think twice about ski touring with it in a couple of weeks time.
Post edited at 06:28
drmarten 29 Mar 2015
In reply to prog99:

> Dont like the axe attachments on the Lowe Alpine (I have one of the older models)

You may find it ironic - where did you get your Pod Alpine - but I agree, I replaced the Pod with a Mountain Attack 45:55 and I'm a fan of the separate bottom compartment, but I don't like that axe attachment and as it's fiddly at the top as well the new sacks with twin attachments are only slightly better.



 Damo 29 Mar 2015
In reply to Tom Last:

> Actually, the se can be said of the Black Ice too. The loops are too big for modern tools. DMM Apex just fell out

You realise you can just put the tool through and twist it around a few times to take up the 'slack' then attach it at the top? Makes it nice and tight. Works fine with my BD Cobra hammer.

To the OP, re the new Osprey Mutants. The 38 used to come in S, M & L but now only in S/M and M/L. I don't know what the company specs say, but I tried them side by side and the new models are a bit shorter in the back, a major drawback for me (tall). They're still a nice pack, but I think I prefer the ultimate iteration of the old model (tool patches, not loops).

 Mike-W-99 29 Mar 2015
In reply to drmarten:

I got my Pod alpine here 2nd hand but it got nicked on holiday last year hence the lowe alpine.
 Andy Syme 29 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack is very good and versatile. For me the sizing is not restrictive with helmet on etc, but I tend to put the lid inside the sack when actually climbing anyway.

Used it in Scotland and morroco for ice and mixed routes and it works well for carry in and then straping in tight when climbing.

The waistbelt, lid etc are removeable, in theory, but if you want a pack thats easy to lighten, the alpine attack seems better.

matejn 29 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

I have used Alpine attack 45-55 for the past three seasons and it is a good pack. However, there are some things that bother me. First the lid is not easily removable and when stuffed, it doesn't seat quite well on the pack. When you stuff the lid in the pack, there is no way to stop water or spindrifts from entering the pack. I also find it, that it is not quite that comfortable to carry a full load for long approaches but in my experience that is the case with all lightweight packs.
This are the reasons that I will take a closer look at this pack http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/251002202_v_2132_357/Trion-Guide.html
Donnie 29 Mar 2015
In reply to Donnie:

Thanks all. Think I'm going to go for the BD Epic 45, mostly because it's cheap on line just
 steveshaking 30 Mar 2015
In reply to matejn:

I too would highly recommend the new Updated Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 35/45, its large for its rated size, I can't imagine needing the 45/55 for many things - perhaps multi-day use. I assume the larger pack is similar. Many very well thought out features while remaining a simple looking pack, very tough, easy to climb in, amazing price.

With marejn's points - I haven't tried to take the lid off, but it would be a bit fiddly - not a problem at base? The spin-drift collar is substantial so I find it easy to loosen the lid and nestle it down on top of the collar with the main pack draw string clinched up, they have designed the strap to go over the lot. With that done snow will find it hard to enter, wouldn't be any good it rain.
I don't find the seating of the lid on the body too bad in normal use and it does adjust easily to allow helmet clearance even when full - but most 3 point lid systems can be a bit of a pain compared to ones with 2 main straps.

 1906johns 05 Apr 2015
In reply to Donnie:

I'd suggest a thin ice - much lighter than the black ice and I haven't noticed it being any less durable, comfortable or less functional.
I've used mine for climbing, mountaineering and hiking too
drmarten 06 Apr 2015
In reply to thread:

Anyone interested at all in the Podsacs should have a look at their website just now, most sacks available for £49.99 which looks to be a good bargain if you're considering buying a rucksack.



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