Have anyone here actually done a side-by-side comparison of the two?
Yep, I've got both and have done a fairly thorough comparison between the two.
I've had the Vulcan for about 12 years and have used it literally all over the world in all kinds of climates.
The Sabre I've only had for a good year. I bought it after having read all the good stuff about it on "da net".
Pockets and attachment points
The Sabre is very nice, has a lot of pockets and attachment points.
The Vulcan has slightly less versatility regarding pockets and attachment points. But to be honest, I've never ever had the need for more pockets/straps/clips than what the Vulcan provides.
Carrying system
The Sabres carrying system feels nice and comfy when you try it on. It is, however on the soft side. You shouldn't forget that these are big sacks, and even if you hold back on the gear they tend to get heavy when you fill them up.
I find the Sabres carrying system to be too soft for longer peiods of carrying. For short bouts, ok I can live with that, but definitely not for a whole day carrying. The fact that it's a fixed system that only comes in one size (which happens to be too short for me) hasn't made things better...
The Vulcan carrying system is also fixed, but comes in several sizes so you can find "your size". It's also much stiffer than the Sabres system. This has the advantage that it keeps pointy/poky stuff away from your back (on an carelessly loaded sack), and it also generally stiffens the sack up making it easier to load/unload. It also makes it easier to find things inside the main compartment.
The main advantage, though, is that a stiffer/harder carrying system
is a must for a heavy load, as it will not sag and create pressure points and/or mess up the weight distribution.
For heavy loads, I find the carrying system of the Vulcan to be vastly superior to that of the Sabres.
General observations
Both rucksacks are made of cordura. Without really knowing, the Sabres fabric appears to be slightly less thick than the Vulcans. This, in the long run, probably means the Vulcan fabric will last longer. However, it also means the Sabre fabric is slightly lighter giving an overall lighter sack.
Both sacks seems to have good, sturdy seams that won't give up so easily.
The carrying system of the Sabre is covered with a mesh fabric. This is not nearly as tough as the Vulcan fabric. It also means that in winter the snow gets into the carrying system (through the mesh fabric) and wets your back when you put the sack back on. This is also true in rain. On the other hand, in the summer it doesn't get quite as hot as the Vulcan carrying system.
The Vulcan is bigger (not always good), but take those side pockets off, zip the cover down and the side compression straps in, and it actually doesn't seem to be so big after all.
Personal conclusion
I do use the Sabre every now and again, but it seems to be more of a bad conscience "must use it since I bought it" kind of basis.
The Vulcan - as they say in the commersials "It just works!!". This is the sack I reach for the most often whan I know it's time for a big sack. I don't even have to think about it, it's simply the best choice for me.
If I had to choose between these rucksacks, I'd take the Vulcan every time.
One sidenote: How good does the bottom and sidepouch attachment zippers hold up on the vulcan? it seems a little odd that there are no supporting straps to make sure the zippers don't go bust under stress.
The zippers on the Vulcan are very, very chunky, and hold up great.
The side pockets are attached with zippers, but can also be attached with the main sacks compression straps to release some of the stress on the zippers and make it more secure. I've actually never used that option, and still the zippers have always held the side pockets in place without fail. Even after 12 years of hard abuse they don't show any signs of getting tired or worn out.
I've packed this sack so full and heavy (maximum I've had to carry with it for longer stretches is about 45kg), I've thought it just
have to burst somewhere - But no, it's just kept going and going and going, taking everything I've thrown at it without even breaking a sweat.
Sorry about the rambling, guys, I didn't intend it to be one.
/Karl