UKC

hi all think about geeting  a new back pack for mixed winter days out in Scotland I all ready have the Deuter gide 45+ but find it to big on most days out thinking about a 20 + ltr size what are the opinions on this I know its all down to personal choice just wondering what  the more experienced Think 

tony

My lunch wouldn't fit into a 20 litre sack ...

Just use whatever sack is large enough to take all your stuff. And don't obsess about the actual size: buying a tiny sack won't magically up your grades, despite what advertising and peer pressure might make you think.

Not 20, but 30 ltrs - but still feels very small and light when there's not much in it https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/rucksacks/medium/exped_black_ice_30_pack-14...

But if you are experimenting with ultra light packing - probably one of the cheap and very light Simond/Decathlon ones might be worth trying? 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountaineering-backpack-22-litres-alpinism-22... 25 quid is pretty reasonable eh? 

Or: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountaineering-backpack-33-litres-sprint-33-b... 

Or: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountaineering-backpack-22-litres-sprint-22-g...

I've got an earlier version of the first Decathlon you list. Bought as a cheap bag for work, its become the sac I use  most of the time for day trips - it was with me this morning while out skiing. Well worth the money although I'd find it too small for winter climbing.

I used to have a ~35lt that I used for winter climbing, but ended up getting a 45lt as I was getting pissed off fighting to get everything in, especially after topping out. I haven't noticed any disadvantages going for a bigger bag. But, I also have a ~25lt bag that I use for winter walking and for faster days such as Sron na Lairig or Tower Ridge where a smaller bag is wonderful. 

I was looking for a new day ski touring (purely resort based and side country) pack, that first Decathlon one looks perfect, for £25 its a steal, looks like it would fit avi gear and snacks/drink and a warm layer no problem!

Summiteer are worth a look. Based in Kendal, UK made small manufacturer etc. Slightly larger than what you asked for at 30l but bomb proof.

https://summiteerequipment.com/products/crag-rocket-ii

i really like having a small bag when i climb longer multipitch routes, it gets in the way so much less than a big one, so apologies to Rob but i humbly disagree.

I have the old version of the simond alpinist bag and its great. I assumed it would break really quickly but that for the price i could get through 5 of them and still have paid less than i would for an equivalent Osprey (it was £15 when i got it). 5 years and it's still going well although i'll probably need to replace it in the next 12 months, but i would absolutely recommend it. 

It typical UKC style I’ll pitch in my 2 pennies, but I don’t winter climb so please feel free to disregard any or all of my comments 😂.

I have a deuter guide 35+ (the older blue and lime green one). That is bomb proof and I use that as a winter bag and trad sack for general cragging that has had loads of abuse and is still going strong. 
i also have an Osprey mutant 20l which is my mountain multi pitch (as stated only summer trad, no winter climbing) and bouldering bag, again which I love. 
 

if you have the Deuter 45, maybe look at the smaller 35?

Hi Tony

I bought a Blue Ice Dragonfly 25l last year. Really like it. It’s super light and packed full of features needed for alpine climbing. I think it’s quite cheap too. I’ve been on the website and they have a newer version but are still selling the older versions too. I bought the helmet holder which is a handy bit of kit.
 

https://eu.blueice.com/products/dragonfly-25l-pack

Cheers

Alpkit Gourdon. Bomber.

As others have said, 20 litres is barely enough for your gear plus a flask and some food. You'll have to keep the rope over your shoulder and a spare belay jacket in a dry bag on your belt.  I think for winter, you'll be better off with 30-35 litres.  I use a 45 litres sack.

Whereas for a multi-pitch route on a summrrs day, 20-25 litres could be fine.  Indeed, I'm in the middle of making a super lightweight 25 litre sack ( <1/2 kg) for that purpose.

Love this sack. Use it loads but  personally don't think it's big enough for mixed days