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After a long disscussion with some mates about buying some of Karrimor's reduced sacs (arguing if the hot route is good) and reading some posts here, just wondering what all you experienced climbers think is THE BEST rucsac for general mountaineering use (with mix and ice climbing in mind), - i.e. not huge and heavy trekking ones. (Kind of thinking the 30 - 50L mark)
So what do you think is the best money can buy, from any company around the world, and why is it the best (or why it is not the best?)....
I really want to see people start disscussing here and share their views in detail with reason/explaination/evidence....etc. (rather than flamming people having spelling mistakes) Lets try to make a constructive thread.
Best regards.
So what do you think is the best money can buy, from any company around the world, and why is it the best (or why it is not the best?)....
I really want to see people start disscussing here and share their views in detail with reason/explaination/evidence....etc. (rather than flamming people having spelling mistakes) Lets try to make a constructive thread.
Best regards.
In reply to blamuk: I've got a pile of sacks at different sizes and my favorite has to be my karrimor Hot Rock 30l. So simple and sturdy, the only thing I would add/change on it would be to make it bigger!
I've got some lowe Alpine sacks, 40l Alpine attack and 30l Flywheel running pack. They are decant packs but they have too many gadgets and flashy features on them that annoy me. I just want a simple, tough and relible pack. And in my mind for that you want a karrimor.
Saying that I've never had a MacPac and allot of people swear by them!
Daniel
I've got some lowe Alpine sacks, 40l Alpine attack and 30l Flywheel running pack. They are decant packs but they have too many gadgets and flashy features on them that annoy me. I just want a simple, tough and relible pack. And in my mind for that you want a karrimor.
Saying that I've never had a MacPac and allot of people swear by them!
Daniel
In reply to blamuk: Ive use two, an old pod tear drop, superb scak, so simple, briliant.
and a mammut, cant remeber the type, its light but doesnt compress, but in winter its a good sack, about 50l, not as waterproof as the pod though.
Karrimor were good, but my mate raved about there repair service, suppose that will be gone now?
and a mammut, cant remeber the type, its light but doesnt compress, but in winter its a good sack, about 50l, not as waterproof as the pod though.
Karrimor were good, but my mate raved about there repair service, suppose that will be gone now?
In reply to blamuk: I had an alpine attack 'sac, but i'm now the happy owner of a grivel alpine light. It's 42l, and the comfiest 'sac i've ever climbed with. I would recommend it to anyone.
I've used it in the alps, scottish winter, rock in the lakes, and its been fine for all situations.
I've used it in the alps, scottish winter, rock in the lakes, and its been fine for all situations.
In reply to blamuk:
I've got a Mammut jobbie, 47L if I remember correctly, and it's great. Very comfy sack, compression straps on each side, two ice axe attachment jobbies on the back, holder for a platypus / camelbak with hole for getting the tube out of.
Not very water proof, but then again not many sacks are.
It seems to be a bit of a tardis, friends of mine are always amazed by how much I can get in it (down sleeping bag, rack, helmet, rope, clothes, food, stove on the inside, then other rope and rollmat on the outside).
Cost me £80 squids or so, I think.
I've got a Mammut jobbie, 47L if I remember correctly, and it's great. Very comfy sack, compression straps on each side, two ice axe attachment jobbies on the back, holder for a platypus / camelbak with hole for getting the tube out of.
Not very water proof, but then again not many sacks are.
It seems to be a bit of a tardis, friends of mine are always amazed by how much I can get in it (down sleeping bag, rack, helmet, rope, clothes, food, stove on the inside, then other rope and rollmat on the outside).
Cost me £80 squids or so, I think.
In reply to blamuk:
Probably a McHale SARC. Why? Because you can get it made exactly how you want. Until a couple of months ago you could get them made in full spectra too. They are stupendously overbuilt compared to anything else I have ever seen without a signficant weight penalty- the overspec comes from things like quadruple stitching and a different type of aluminium alloy for the frame which doesn't lose it's shape over time.
I've got a couple of MacPacs (a Pursuit and a Cascade), looked closely at Ospreys and have never seen anything like a McHale. I must add though that I don't have a Sarc- I've got a larger Alpine Bayonet, but going on quality and total customisation I'd be pretty confident of the smaller bags.
Probably a McHale SARC. Why? Because you can get it made exactly how you want. Until a couple of months ago you could get them made in full spectra too. They are stupendously overbuilt compared to anything else I have ever seen without a signficant weight penalty- the overspec comes from things like quadruple stitching and a different type of aluminium alloy for the frame which doesn't lose it's shape over time.
I've got a couple of MacPacs (a Pursuit and a Cascade), looked closely at Ospreys and have never seen anything like a McHale. I must add though that I don't have a Sarc- I've got a larger Alpine Bayonet, but going on quality and total customisation I'd be pretty confident of the smaller bags.
In reply to blamuk:
Ive got A Karrimor Hot Earth 40l, had it 4 years now and it literally fits like a glove. Had one before and only reson I got a new one was that sum tool borrowed and spilt milk in it!!! It stank and could not be washed.
It not easy to say what brand to get, sacs are like boots, due to each person being so different, is best to try as many as you can. When I did this I took an equivalent load about 40 litres in size and put this in the sac. An empty sac is a lot different to a full one. Any good shop should let you try it on loaded.
(ps. as Karri is so cheap now, prob nothing to lose)
Ive got A Karrimor Hot Earth 40l, had it 4 years now and it literally fits like a glove. Had one before and only reson I got a new one was that sum tool borrowed and spilt milk in it!!! It stank and could not be washed.
It not easy to say what brand to get, sacs are like boots, due to each person being so different, is best to try as many as you can. When I did this I took an equivalent load about 40 litres in size and put this in the sac. An empty sac is a lot different to a full one. Any good shop should let you try it on loaded.
(ps. as Karri is so cheap now, prob nothing to lose)
Oh, this certainly uses the 'best money can buy' specification as they are not cheap.
In reply to Daniel:
let see, a hot rock but bigger, that would be a hot ice, hot earth or hot route!
Have anyone seen rucsacs that use dyneema? I found some from a canadian company, mountain equipment co-op. is that cool or just over the top?
let see, a hot rock but bigger, that would be a hot ice, hot earth or hot route!
Have anyone seen rucsacs that use dyneema? I found some from a canadian company, mountain equipment co-op. is that cool or just over the top?
In reply to blamuk: I've got a Karrimor Hot Ice. Use it all year round, and wouldn't be without it. Simple and good. 10 years old and hardly a mark on it despite some real bashings in the past.
In reply to blamuk:Sacks which i've been impressed by are Pod Black Ice,and a Mac Pac of a similar size,and the Pod was too uncomfy as the bit of plastic with the aluminium stave in to give the back it's shape dug into my back at the base,but i was impressed with it seeming well made and having good features,i'm the wrong shape for it,and the Mac Pac seemed as good and comfier,i am going back to get a Mac Pac and see how that is comfortwise.
I can reccomend Outside,as i kept the Pod clean and tried it for a week or two (or four?) around xmas,and as i still had the recipt and had only walked around the block with it,and up to stanage pole from the car park,it was still clean and in new condition,so they let me take it back.They seemed quite keen i was happy with my sack,good service i think.
Cheers
Tim
I can reccomend Outside,as i kept the Pod clean and tried it for a week or two (or four?) around xmas,and as i still had the recipt and had only walked around the block with it,and up to stanage pole from the car park,it was still clean and in new condition,so they let me take it back.They seemed quite keen i was happy with my sack,good service i think.
Cheers
Tim
In reply to blamuk:
The best pacs on earth are definitely Mchale packs !
Sorry guys , who never owned them doesn´t know what he is talking about !
Sure other also good , but never !!!!! that good !
Cheers ,
Sanjin !
The best pacs on earth are definitely Mchale packs !
Sorry guys , who never owned them doesn´t know what he is talking about !
Sure other also good , but never !!!!! that good !
Cheers ,
Sanjin !
In reply to blamuk:
Dyneema and Spectra are just about the same thing. The Kelty Cloud uses Spectra, but you may as well get a custom made pack for that much money and I've read very mix reviews on the Cloud.
Mountain Equipment Coop is great value for money, but I'd say their in-house stuff tends to be at the lower end of the market so I'd really want to see the product first (probably not posible unless you actually go to Canada
Dyneema and Spectra are just about the same thing. The Kelty Cloud uses Spectra, but you may as well get a custom made pack for that much money and I've read very mix reviews on the Cloud.
Mountain Equipment Coop is great value for money, but I'd say their in-house stuff tends to be at the lower end of the market so I'd really want to see the product first (probably not posible unless you actually go to Canada
In reply to Danilovic Sanjin:
Sanjin, every time you talk about McHale or whatever gear you're so keen on, your insistence on exlaiming really detracts from your credibility!!!!
As do your blind assertions that "guys , who never owned them doesn´t know what he is talking about". I've got a McHale and think they are great, but I'm certainly not going to insist that everyone else is some sort of clueless bumpkin for not owning one.
Sanjin, every time you talk about McHale or whatever gear you're so keen on, your insistence on exlaiming really detracts from your credibility!!!!
As do your blind assertions that "guys , who never owned them doesn´t know what he is talking about". I've got a McHale and think they are great, but I'm certainly not going to insist that everyone else is some sort of clueless bumpkin for not owning one.
In reply to jam not logged in:I always take it as enthusiasm that could come across as thinking everybody else knows nothing.
By 'These are the best!!!' he means 'I think they're exellent!!!' i think.
Tim
By 'These are the best!!!' he means 'I think they're exellent!!!' i think.
Tim
In reply to Anonymous: MEC sounds like a really good company to me, the way it is a co-op. I havn't used any of their stuff but I have friends who tell me that their stuff is exellent. They seem unbelievably cheap too. I have friends in Canada and nearly bought a softshell from them, but it lacks a hood!
If you have had experience with MEC please explain why you think their stuff is at the lower end? Price wise yes, but performance? I have to say their sacs are on the heavy side...
If you have had experience with MEC please explain why you think their stuff is at the lower end? Price wise yes, but performance? I have to say their sacs are on the heavy side...
In reply to blamuk:
That was me... I forgot to sign in. MEC stuff is great, but they I believe that tend to take a value-for-money approach rather than the attention-to-detail approach of a company like Arcteryx (also Canadian). In their clothing ranges, this tends to show up in minor things like cut and extraneous detailing, certainly nothing that would detract from function. I've got some of their underwear, but went back to Patagucci stuff just because Capilene feels nicer. The MEC stuff works fine though. I wanted to pick up a pair of MEC Ferrata trousers last time I was there in Jan, but unfortunately they'd all been recalled (I was told because of a sticthing problem)
With some things, fit and attention to detail is much more important. For example, I did a side by side comparison of MEC cold weather mittens with the (much pricer) BD Mercury Mitts, and the BDs are definitely more precise for gripping shafts.
Again, I can't say anything specifically about their packs- I've never tried, or even looked at, one. I didn't realise they did a dyneema pack- is this full dyneema fabric or normal nylon with a dyneema ripstop? If the former I certainly would have paid more attention!
In reply to Timmd :
Having read his gear posts in the past, he never goes beyond just saying stuff that he likes is "fantastic!". He has claimed to have insider (fabric testing) knowledge on performance fabrics but refuses to divulge anything more specific. You can't just say "I'm right because I know more than everyone else" but then refuse to go into detail.
Whenever he criticises other manufacturers, he just says they are "rubbish" without specifically explaining why. Opinions are fine, but to repeatedly assert that they are the the only truth without ever bothering to back them up properly really rubs me the wrong way.
That was me... I forgot to sign in. MEC stuff is great, but they I believe that tend to take a value-for-money approach rather than the attention-to-detail approach of a company like Arcteryx (also Canadian). In their clothing ranges, this tends to show up in minor things like cut and extraneous detailing, certainly nothing that would detract from function. I've got some of their underwear, but went back to Patagucci stuff just because Capilene feels nicer. The MEC stuff works fine though. I wanted to pick up a pair of MEC Ferrata trousers last time I was there in Jan, but unfortunately they'd all been recalled (I was told because of a sticthing problem)
With some things, fit and attention to detail is much more important. For example, I did a side by side comparison of MEC cold weather mittens with the (much pricer) BD Mercury Mitts, and the BDs are definitely more precise for gripping shafts.
Again, I can't say anything specifically about their packs- I've never tried, or even looked at, one. I didn't realise they did a dyneema pack- is this full dyneema fabric or normal nylon with a dyneema ripstop? If the former I certainly would have paid more attention!
In reply to Timmd :
Having read his gear posts in the past, he never goes beyond just saying stuff that he likes is "fantastic!". He has claimed to have insider (fabric testing) knowledge on performance fabrics but refuses to divulge anything more specific. You can't just say "I'm right because I know more than everyone else" but then refuse to go into detail.
Whenever he criticises other manufacturers, he just says they are "rubbish" without specifically explaining why. Opinions are fine, but to repeatedly assert that they are the the only truth without ever bothering to back them up properly really rubs me the wrong way.
In reply to blamuk:
Oh, and I agree. I think MEC is the best gear company in the world. Really good range, great prices and social awareness. Their stores are dangerous for gear freaks- I can spend hours wandering around them in a daze. I should probably retract my "lower end of the market" thing:
It's not that they make bad gear, but they don't make "the best". This thread started out talking about the best regardless of cost, and I don't think MEC aims to play in this smaller niche market.
> MEC sounds like a really good company to me, the way it is a co-op.
Oh, and I agree. I think MEC is the best gear company in the world. Really good range, great prices and social awareness. Their stores are dangerous for gear freaks- I can spend hours wandering around them in a daze. I should probably retract my "lower end of the market" thing:
It's not that they make bad gear, but they don't make "the best". This thread started out talking about the best regardless of cost, and I don't think MEC aims to play in this smaller niche market.
In reply to jam not logged in:
First of all , log in !!!
Next thing , I´m a lifetime MEC member , but if they are making that good packs or generally stuff , well then I something is really strange to me !
They are cheap but never comparable to Mchale packs , that´s a real shame comparing these 2 brands !
I have Kelty Cloud , it´s a bad pack , sorry it´s not working at all !
What else did you praise ?
First of all , log in !!!
Next thing , I´m a lifetime MEC member , but if they are making that good packs or generally stuff , well then I something is really strange to me !
They are cheap but never comparable to Mchale packs , that´s a real shame comparing these 2 brands !
I have Kelty Cloud , it´s a bad pack , sorry it´s not working at all !
What else did you praise ?
In reply to jam not logged in:
You must from Canada directly , I can feel the patriotism in your words !
You must from Canada directly , I can feel the patriotism in your words !
In reply to jam not logged in:
Thanks for your info, you're right I was asking for the best, its just that I was just about to get a softshell (ferrata/pamir/composite) from them so I thought I'd ask about it since you have experience. I knew they aren't the best (absolutely no way considering the price), but I was just a bit shocked to be told they're lower end. I've been looking at the arcteryx stuff too and had a hard time convincing my self that they're not worth it (since even if they're worth it I don't have the money)
I can imagine how dangerous the MEC stores are actually. I suppose its a good thing (!) that Ellis Brigham is so expensive (well, gear in England in general) that I can't even think about buying anything. If they have prices like MEC I'd be living in their stores.
Thanks for your info, you're right I was asking for the best, its just that I was just about to get a softshell (ferrata/pamir/composite) from them so I thought I'd ask about it since you have experience. I knew they aren't the best (absolutely no way considering the price), but I was just a bit shocked to be told they're lower end. I've been looking at the arcteryx stuff too and had a hard time convincing my self that they're not worth it (since even if they're worth it I don't have the money)
I can imagine how dangerous the MEC stores are actually. I suppose its a good thing (!) that Ellis Brigham is so expensive (well, gear in England in general) that I can't even think about buying anything. If they have prices like MEC I'd be living in their stores.
In reply to blamuk: Well no-one has mentioned Cactus, made in NZ with free postage worldwide. Although visiting the factory recently they did state that they are not intending to get too big.
I've got some MEC stuff. It's good for the price, and my rucksack and huge kitbag are great. The one area it falls down on, I think, is the cut of the clothing
They had some really cheap schoeller softshell trousers, but i tried on different sizes and none of them fitted. Found this with some of their other stuff. I've got a fleece jacket, top of the range Polartec pro or something, and really cheap, and it is great, with good design features but it doesn't fit as well as a more expensive jacket. I don't mind this, but some might.
Re rucksacks - American ones you can't get here are generally best. Gregory do many of the best trekking packs and their climbing ones look money-no-object good:
http://www.gregorypacks.com
In reply to richard timms:
well, the free postage certainly attracted my attention, yet after looking at their website I don't see how they're cutting edge. They don't look as if they're worth their price either. What makes you think they are attractive? They don't seem specialised enough.
well, the free postage certainly attracted my attention, yet after looking at their website I don't see how they're cutting edge. They don't look as if they're worth their price either. What makes you think they are attractive? They don't seem specialised enough.
In reply to blamuk: Don't be fooled by flashy features unless that is what you want.
All i can say really is that a lot of pretty keen folk are made up with theirs over there. I bought an ice henry. Price wise is difficult as its not cheap there so it will seem expensive. Just look at how the prices of the macpacs have come down now that they have moved their production.
I wouldn't buy a bag mail order without trying it on though. I just thought i'd chuck the brand in as its good to see different gear.
rich
All i can say really is that a lot of pretty keen folk are made up with theirs over there. I bought an ice henry. Price wise is difficult as its not cheap there so it will seem expensive. Just look at how the prices of the macpacs have come down now that they have moved their production.
I wouldn't buy a bag mail order without trying it on though. I just thought i'd chuck the brand in as its good to see different gear.
rich
In reply to Lightweight:
Thanks for your input. The Gregorypacks seems to be on the heavy side, and their top spec sacs are specialised in huge ones for long trips only. They don't seem that expensive though (good). But all in all the McHales seem to be THE BEST so far, but simply crazily expensive....
So the American ones are better after all eh? The british ones look like child play compared to them(people, please express yourselves if disagree). Its such a shame you can't get anything good in UK unless you sell your car and starve for a few months, and then you still don't have the best....... the Americans have higher mountains afterall I suppose!!!
So your verdict on MEC is that their stuff is good generally except clothing? Thats a real shame considering I've been thinking about their softshells. I think I might start another post about best jackets somedays.....
Thanks for your input. The Gregorypacks seems to be on the heavy side, and their top spec sacs are specialised in huge ones for long trips only. They don't seem that expensive though (good). But all in all the McHales seem to be THE BEST so far, but simply crazily expensive....
So the American ones are better after all eh? The british ones look like child play compared to them(people, please express yourselves if disagree). Its such a shame you can't get anything good in UK unless you sell your car and starve for a few months, and then you still don't have the best....... the Americans have higher mountains afterall I suppose!!!
So your verdict on MEC is that their stuff is good generally except clothing? Thats a real shame considering I've been thinking about their softshells. I think I might start another post about best jackets somedays.....
In reply to richard timms:
point taken, and thank you for opening my eyes for yet another potential company. The more gear I see and know, the more happy I am, I'm pretty sad really
point taken, and thank you for opening my eyes for yet another potential company. The more gear I see and know, the more happy I am, I'm pretty sad really
In reply to blamuk: never owned one but i heard POD rucksacks are amazing, last forever style and arent too expensive for what they are.
go for a POD - if their anything like my bouldering mat then they'll be the best!
go for a POD - if their anything like my bouldering mat then they'll be the best!
In reply to Danilovic Sanjin:
Sanjin, anyone who joins MEC for CAD5 is a lifetime member. Didn't you know this?
Okay, fine. But what's actually wrong with it? Are you even capable of stringing together a sentence that involves analytical thought?
> I´m a lifetime MEC member ,
Sanjin, anyone who joins MEC for CAD5 is a lifetime member. Didn't you know this?
> I have Kelty Cloud , it´s a bad pack , sorry it´s not working at all !
Okay, fine. But what's actually wrong with it? Are you even capable of stringing together a sentence that involves analytical thought?
In reply to jam not logged in:
I'm really confused about Sanjin, he sent me E-mails telling me that if he memtions McHale he'll be removed from the forum. He is quite obsessed with the brand...a bit too much. At least he had the money to buy them though!
If he would stop using ! at the end of every sentence....
I suppose he means well and has a good intention.
Jam you just don't want to log in do you!
Has anyone tried the Arcteryx Bora? aren't isn't arcteryx suppose to be good at everything but overpriced?
I'm really confused about Sanjin, he sent me E-mails telling me that if he memtions McHale he'll be removed from the forum. He is quite obsessed with the brand...a bit too much. At least he had the money to buy them though!
If he would stop using ! at the end of every sentence....
I suppose he means well and has a good intention.
Jam you just don't want to log in do you!
Has anyone tried the Arcteryx Bora? aren't isn't arcteryx suppose to be good at everything but overpriced?
In reply to BONG:
I've got a Arcteryx Bora 60l which I have had for about 4 years now. I use it for backpacking trips and it carries loads better than any other pack I have used, the back system is amazing. Anytime I need to carry a heavy load out comes the bora. Yes they are pricey but very well designed the only thing I'm not too keen on are the velcro ice axe straps but I can live with them. I have used and abused this sack something rotten but it still looks brand new. The fabric is very durable and similar to my POD black ice.
I've got a Arcteryx Bora 60l which I have had for about 4 years now. I use it for backpacking trips and it carries loads better than any other pack I have used, the back system is amazing. Anytime I need to carry a heavy load out comes the bora. Yes they are pricey but very well designed the only thing I'm not too keen on are the velcro ice axe straps but I can live with them. I have used and abused this sack something rotten but it still looks brand new. The fabric is very durable and similar to my POD black ice.
In reply to jam notloggedin:
Have a look at these:
http://www.golite.com/GoLiteUK/prodlist.asp?category=1
I doubt anyone (including mchale) can get THAT light.
Has anyone tried them? Are they good in anyway?
Have a look at these:
http://www.golite.com/GoLiteUK/prodlist.asp?category=1
I doubt anyone (including mchale) can get THAT light.
Has anyone tried them? Are they good in anyway?
In reply to BONG:
Dan McHale is quite explicit about his pack philosophy. He does make some very light packs, but isn't willing to use fragile, short-lived materials and sacrifice carrying ability by skimping on frame components. For example, he'd use spectra (now unavailable) instead of whatever cutdown nylon the Golites use, number 10 zippers instead of 5's. The two manufacturers simply follow very different paths.
There are plenty of reviews on the Golite bags floating around on the internet, quite mixed. Note that they appear to have originated in the world of adventure racing, where equipment requirements are not going to be the same as in climbing.
The ultralite 'concept' probably is only going to work if you go the whole hog and go UL on the rest of your gear and packing method, and don't mind sacrificing longevity. Ray Jardine seems to have been the most prominent proponent of UL: (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0963235931/qid=1079648233/sr=...
I believe that Andy Kirkpatrik wrote two articles last year, one on lightweight climbing packs and another general commentary on UL gear in general. They are far more eloquent and in-depth than anything you're going to encounter in this thread.
http://www.planetfear.com/climbing/highmountainmag/equipmentnotes/index.htm...
Dan McHale is quite explicit about his pack philosophy. He does make some very light packs, but isn't willing to use fragile, short-lived materials and sacrifice carrying ability by skimping on frame components. For example, he'd use spectra (now unavailable) instead of whatever cutdown nylon the Golites use, number 10 zippers instead of 5's. The two manufacturers simply follow very different paths.
There are plenty of reviews on the Golite bags floating around on the internet, quite mixed. Note that they appear to have originated in the world of adventure racing, where equipment requirements are not going to be the same as in climbing.
The ultralite 'concept' probably is only going to work if you go the whole hog and go UL on the rest of your gear and packing method, and don't mind sacrificing longevity. Ray Jardine seems to have been the most prominent proponent of UL: (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0963235931/qid=1079648233/sr=...
I believe that Andy Kirkpatrik wrote two articles last year, one on lightweight climbing packs and another general commentary on UL gear in general. They are far more eloquent and in-depth than anything you're going to encounter in this thread.
http://www.planetfear.com/climbing/highmountainmag/equipmentnotes/index.htm...
In reply to jam:
Although I have always believed nowadays you can have lightweight yet as capable material/gear, You have just led me to read a few amazingly informative yet entertaining articles which at the same time solved many of my quries. Sounds like technology is not as advance as I have hoped. Thank you very much
Although I have always believed nowadays you can have lightweight yet as capable material/gear, You have just led me to read a few amazingly informative yet entertaining articles which at the same time solved many of my quries. Sounds like technology is not as advance as I have hoped. Thank you very much
In reply to blamuk:
My Berghaus Cyclops Roc is finally reaching the end of its useful life after 20 years of abuse.
These sacks were awesome. It has been patched and restiched, and the main compartment is STILL waterproof. The detachable pockets are tough as nails and make ideal bags for crampons and jaggy winter pro. The sack weighs very little, and can grow to hold a huge amount. The only downside is the lid is just a flap without elasticated sides, so the rucksack always appears huge, even when nearly empty.
I still have not found an equivalent pack in terms of durability, capacity, lightness, carry-ability and sheer competence.
My Berghaus Cyclops Roc is finally reaching the end of its useful life after 20 years of abuse.
These sacks were awesome. It has been patched and restiched, and the main compartment is STILL waterproof. The detachable pockets are tough as nails and make ideal bags for crampons and jaggy winter pro. The sack weighs very little, and can grow to hold a huge amount. The only downside is the lid is just a flap without elasticated sides, so the rucksack always appears huge, even when nearly empty.
I still have not found an equivalent pack in terms of durability, capacity, lightness, carry-ability and sheer competence.
In reply to blamuk: Macpac
.
.
In reply to blamuk: Ive got a crux a50. really light and comfortable but i ripped the back system when it had a heavy load in it. got it replaced but i reckon its a seroius design fault
In reply to blamuk: Ive got a crux a50. really light and comfortable but i ripped the back system when it had a heavy load in it. got it replaced but i reckon its a seroius design fault
In reply to BONG: dear mr bong, i posted something about the go-lite gust a couple of days ago. it rocks, although, light is bomber, is absolutely huge, and after adding compresion straps-the one thing lacking-it can be used with justa few things in. it can also carry big loads with minimal strapping because it is cut well.
In reply to richard timms:
Do you the country to which Karrimor exported its manufacture before the mid 90s?
Do you the country to which Karrimor exported its manufacture before the mid 90s?
In reply to blamuk:
I've had a Berghaus Rock Star (35L) that has been used for over 15 years of cragging and walking and 8 of those was almost everyday as a school bag, with A4 folders in it. The only damage to the bag is a small hole in the side from dropping it over a dry stone wall and the left shoulder strap is rather frayed from slinging it over a shoulder at school. Still in use, so 'nuf said! A few years ago, Berghaus had some quality control issues, but they were sorted pretty quickly. A mate of mine only has Berghaus bags!
I've also got 3 Lowe Apine bags that appear bombproof (although 2 of them are out of the size range of this thread). I bought an Alpine Attack last year as the Rock Star is a bit small for carting all the extra stuff for taking Scouts climbing. It's a good bag and comfy to carry, but it's too big for most stuff I use it for and quite heavy when it's empty (1.9Kg).
Hence, I've just bought an Arcteryx Khamsin 38. No feedback as yet, however - gets it's first use this weekend. Bought it because it was the lightest 40L bag (1.1Kg) I could find with a short-ish back system (and it was on sale).
For other bags, Macpac are pretty indestructible. I nearly bought a Pursuit, but I think they are quite narrow for some of the stuff I'd want to put in them and the Tuatara lost out to the Khamsin on price and fit.
Surely the best bag you can buy is the one that has the features you want at the time and that fits your back!
I've had a Berghaus Rock Star (35L) that has been used for over 15 years of cragging and walking and 8 of those was almost everyday as a school bag, with A4 folders in it. The only damage to the bag is a small hole in the side from dropping it over a dry stone wall and the left shoulder strap is rather frayed from slinging it over a shoulder at school. Still in use, so 'nuf said! A few years ago, Berghaus had some quality control issues, but they were sorted pretty quickly. A mate of mine only has Berghaus bags!
I've also got 3 Lowe Apine bags that appear bombproof (although 2 of them are out of the size range of this thread). I bought an Alpine Attack last year as the Rock Star is a bit small for carting all the extra stuff for taking Scouts climbing. It's a good bag and comfy to carry, but it's too big for most stuff I use it for and quite heavy when it's empty (1.9Kg).
Hence, I've just bought an Arcteryx Khamsin 38. No feedback as yet, however - gets it's first use this weekend. Bought it because it was the lightest 40L bag (1.1Kg) I could find with a short-ish back system (and it was on sale).
For other bags, Macpac are pretty indestructible. I nearly bought a Pursuit, but I think they are quite narrow for some of the stuff I'd want to put in them and the Tuatara lost out to the Khamsin on price and fit.
Surely the best bag you can buy is the one that has the features you want at the time and that fits your back!
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