UKC

I need a decent climbing rucksack for Scottish Winter/ Alpine Summer. Previously used Macpac pursuit, which is hardwearing but too bulky. Looking at 35L's, maybe 40's. Has anyone used/ got any of the following?

Mammut - Extreme, Ice 35, Granite
Arc Teryx - Khazri 35
Black Diamond - Speed, Shadow, Predator
Lowe Alpine - Mountain attack
Deuter - Guide 35
Mountain Hardware - Dihedral

Searched the other forums and there isnt much info besides a possible problem when wearing helmets with a deuter guide? I'm aware that the best rucksack is that 'which fits you best' but your average climbing shop doesnt have a great selection, so to save trawling the country to try on each of these I thought I'd get some opinions.. thanks

In reply to Jon E:
I was in the same situation a few months ago and looked at most of the ones you've listed. Have you looked at the Osprey Variant 37, Mutant 38 or BD Sphynx(32 or 42)? Those were my top 3 after much consideration and I finally went with the variant (preferred the fit/features). I'm as pleased as can be with it, but have also talked to several who use and rave about the mutant. It's my third osprey in 12 years and I've never had a problem. Didn't try the Mammut's, but arcteryx - just don't fancy their packs; BD - don't think you could go wrong with any of them; Lowe alpine m.a. - lid too small for my taste, didn't like buckle system and wasn't comfy for me; Deuter - didn't try on but read about helmet problem. MH - heavy and didn't like the shape when packed full. Just my two cents.

In reply to Jon E: I have the mutant 38 in a large which is 41 litres and extents another 10 liters as the lid lifts up higher. It is the best pack i have ever had and weighs next to nothing and is realy strong and comfortable. So depending on your back size you can get small medium and large.
Andy

In reply to Jon E:

I was very disspointed with the Khazri 35. The pack buckled with weight and the top never could fit properly on the pack.

The lowe alpine attacks are very good albeit slightly heavier than the alternatives.

I also like the grivvel packs in this category.

The BD packs also look superb.

In reply to radson:

Im also very disspointed with stupid IE8 that does not include a spell checker...and before any asks...no I cant install firefox....grrr.

In reply to Jon E:

Look at the Aiguille Alpine sacks too - well made, light and not laden with useless 'features'.

In reply to Jon E:

Use a Mammut Granite 40l for Winter and Summer. Can fit everything I need in it and is comfortable to carry heavy loads with.
I've not had any issues with it whilst wearing a helmet. Sinches down enough for my needs but other sacs may do so more.
How it's going to fare after 5+ years of use I can't tell you yet but it seems pretty robust.

I'd prefer it to have a proper snowseal on the top but use a drysac in Winter anyway so not really an issue. The bungee ice axe attatchments can be a bit footerie so worth having a play with first.

If you want a simple, lightweight sac that carries well then worth a look. Took me a while to find a 40l one but glad that I did.

In reply to Jon E: Have a look at Mammut:

http://www.v12outdoor.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=73_89&products...

I have 28l and 35l 'Flight' rucsacs which I think these replaced and find them excellent

In reply to Removed User:

Another vote for the Osprey Variant 37. I bought it for a trip to the Alps to replace a Macpac. It's just as comfy to carry, but a lot less bulky/heavy.

In reply to Jon E:

I've got a Mammut Granit 40l as well. Decent price, nice and simple and fairly light sack. It's ok on the helmet clearance once you drop the lid into the sack and has a few useful gear loops on the waistbelt.

Thanks for your answers, all very helpfull.

In the end I concluded;

Black Diamond packs - hard to trace to try on!
Lowe Alpine Mountain attack - slim and good size, but not a fan of the new opening buckle system
Deuter guide - back system too big for me, also very fusy sack with lots of unecessary bits
MH Dihedral - as above
Crux Ak37 - excellent no frills sack, but I'd like some frill when paying over £100!
Arc Teryx - didnt look very rugged for the money

I purchased Mammut Ice 35 - special offer £79 online. Fits great, yet to try it out properly though.

In reply to Jon E: Crux AK37 it has taken me >5 years to destroy one a record - but (and I might be spreading unsubstantiated rumours here) Crux appear to have disappeared off the interweb.

Cheers
LD

In reply to Lurking Dave:

http://www.crux.uk.com/
A very quick google search stops that spreading

In reply to Jon E:

I've used a Berghaus Extreme Arete 35 for years now and found it excellent, lasted really well, fits in enough stuff, nice simple design and cheap. Does not usually get good reviews on here though. The new version does not looks as good as they got rid of the (bungey) cord

J