Good but reasonably priced rucksack?

[THOaken]

Hello all. I'm currently doing my Spring shopping and buying new camping gear. Up until this point I've really only used a small bag I used from my school days about 5-6 years ago! I also carried with me my pop up tent, which required carrying another monstrosity of a bag in itself as it couldn't be folded. Try to imagine a large disc shaped bag. And I also carried my leather bag crafted by Hamish of this forum. Imagine waddling around with all that on.

The goal now is to try and find a proper rucksack that can fit everything in. It should be a good and durable rucksack with a lot of space, but still reasonably priced.

Would greatly appreciate any help.

Cheers.

 

[tom.moran]

what size are you after? i like my current one which is a highlander forces 66ltr but at 2.7kg people will say its heavy but i find it good.

 

[crosslandkelly]

I'm currently using one of these. I really like it, but getting hard to get hold of. http://militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=1395

 

[THOaken]

I can't really say preciscely what size I'd need. I'll give you a rough kit list, but I doubt it'll help. I just need something that is medium sized, I guess, something that will hold all the basics and a few extras really.

Mora knife
Gransfors Hatchet
Laplander Folding Saw
RM tinder box
Clothing (hat, shoes, etc)
sleeping bag
mat
tarp
Food supplies
Camera, books and other miscellaneous gear.

 

[THOaken]

I'm looking at this. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Sk...UTF8&qid=1395505698&sr=1-10&keywords=rucksack
Seems a good size, has favourable reviews and I like the colour.

 

[tom.moran]

looks ok, personally though, i like having a couple of external pockets for quick access to items without having to go into the main bag. the other thing ill say is karrimor are not as good quality as they used to be. you can get some good surplus kit for not a lot these days, it may be worth looking into that

 

[THOaken]

looks ok, personally though, i like having a couple of external pockets for quick access to items without having to go into the main bag. the other thing ill say is karrimor are not as good quality as they used to be. you can get some good surplus kit for not a lot these days, it may be worth looking into that

It says the Karrimor rucksack " has a front bungee system for attaching items externally"

You're probably right though...

 

[tom.moran]

yes but you dont want everything clanging around and if its raining you might not want your sharps etc getting too wet. ive got an old bag you can have if you like, ill look it out and check its condition and get some pictures for you and make sure its in good condition. its black and blue and about 55 litres *i think*

 

[crosslandkelly]

looks ok, personally though, i like having a couple of external pockets for quick access to items without having to go into the main bag. the other thing ill say is Karrimor are not as good quality as they used to be. you can get some good surplus kit for not a lot these days, it may be worth looking into that

+ 1 to that, Karrimor quality isn't what it was. The Swedish army LK70 seems to be getting popular. http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=2266

http://rucksackmania.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/the-swedish-lk70.html

 

[rik_uk3]

The KL70 has been popular here for a few years but as with any external framed pack you need to try it out before buying, in theory/on paper they just be not for you (same as the Alice pack).

An army Bergen is a good option.

 

[THOaken]

This looks ideal, actually.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-...ie=UTF8&qid=1395511474&sr=1-9&keywords=Bergen

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Noone mentioned the Vulcan yet? I don't know the current prices, but I know they can be found relatively cheap in some Dutch army surplus stores.

J

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

I would not commit to a rucksack until you have your gear list settled. Sleeping bags can pack very small or be very big. To give perspective i run at least 5 different packs depending what im doing from 130l down to 32l. You might buy a 45l pack and find you need 60 or buy a huge pack and only half fill it.

Ive got a karrimor bobcat 65l pack. If it turns out you need something in that size you can have it for postage costs. Its never been out the house

 

[Corso]

plenty of surplus options out there

Medium ALICE pack is pretty decent or if you want canvas - either the norwegian telemark or German mountain ones are pretty good - just check it s not a repro

 

[Macaroon]

This looks ideal, actually.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-...ie=UTF8&qid=1395511474&sr=1-9&keywords=Bergen

A pack of that size is not going to have a lot of room left after you put even a small sleeping bag in, and I reckon you can do far more with your money by going the military surplus route.

Packs that are PLCE compatable can be reduced in volume by doing up the zips where the pockets go, or extended by fitting the said pockets; the pockets can also be used with a yoke to make a good day pack. This would be a good way to go
whilst working out your needs without costing an arm and a leg and leaves you with a very usable bit of kit.

 

[Swallow]

This looks ideal, actually.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-...ie=UTF8&qid=1395511474&sr=1-9&keywords=Bergen

There's a thread where Spandit reviews one of those somewhere.

 

[tent peg]

Unless you kit list changed rapidly, you should need no more than 40 litres. I would buy a cheaper smaller pack for now. Then move up as future requirements dictate.

real choice is between retro Military style (cheap) or modern backpack style (more expensive)


i've always wondered what these are like.

http://www.transworldsurplus.co.uk/667-army-surplus-65-litre-rucksack-canvas-and-nylon.html

 

[rik_uk3]

An army Bergen is great value and remember, you don't have to fill to the brim.

 

[tom.moran]

not sure about that, i find with all my kit and food 66 litres leaves me with about 5-10 litres of spare space depending on the weather if im on a 2 nighter. but i do like to take a few pairs of spare socks, nothing better then fresh socks

 

[ozzy1977]

I would get a vulcan from endicotts if I was you.