Backpack problem

[Phaestos]

Hi all,

I am currently sporting a 50 litre backpack. It's simple, has few pockets, but so far has been ok for weekend trips. However, I've just gotten a hold of a hammock, and soon will probably be getting an underquilt of some variety, whether that be a dedicated one, or merely a sleeping bag that I lash around my hammock.

And so suddenly my pack is starting to look rather cramped. and that's without the UQ and food. So, suffice to say, I'm seriously considering an upgrade. 65 litres is looking like an OK amount for that upgrade, but please, prove me wrong.

Either way, can anyone recommend a good backpack, offer to pass one on, or give me some tips when I'm looking? A prerequisite for this is cheapness. I know that is often the case, but as a student, I have less than limited funds. I'd post this on the swap, or classifieds section, but then I wouldn't also get links. Or maybe I would...I dunno. Feel free to move this, mods, if I got it wrong

Thanks guys,

Phaestos

 

[BillyBlade]

First question really is what's your idea of cheapness?

One mans cheapness is another mans 'how flippin' much?!?!'

 

[Phaestos]

Ah, yes...good point. Well, I have a friend who might be able to get me a mountain warehouse Tor 65 for £30. Problem is it looks a bit naff to be honest. Around that price would be grand. I'm slightly overly optimistic when it comes to prices, so hopefully I'm not too naive to think i might be able to get one for that price and still expect something useful and durable. Hence why I'm kinda hoping for a gift...

 

[Shewie]

You need a pack big enough to carry what you want, there's no real way around that

What you carry and how big/heavy it is usually comes down to cost. I'd advise anyone to avoid getting suckered into the big bergan thing, a pack weighing 3-4kg empty is not a good start imho. Try looking at what you carry and whether you can sacrifice anything to make some room, spare clothing and duplicate items are usually the main culprits.

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

These look to be Lowe alpine Stings at a good price. Not seen them this cheap for a long time although it doesnt actually state that its a sting

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dutch-Ber...cksRucksacks_Bags_EH&var=&hash=item35be5d870d

 

[woof]

Check out ebay for older karrimor jaguars, they realy are bullet proof, & have the adjustable back system, its a shame you are a bit far off, i've a 75 not doing anything, i could let you have for £20, but postage would be expensive.

Rob

 

[woof]

These look to be Lowe alpine Stings at a good price. Not seen them this cheap for a long time although it doesnt actually state that its a sting

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dutch-Ber...cksRucksacks_Bags_EH&var=&hash=item35be5d870d[/QUOTE

That looks a good deal.]

Rob

 

[Phaestos]

Those Alpine Stings are around £40 for the 85 litre, which is pretty good, but just above what I want. As for the offer Woof...NOOOOOOOO! That'd be perfect! Couldn't you roll it up really small and trick them? I'd happily pay postage if it wasn't ridiculous...

 

[mountainm]

I just picked up a long back plce dpm Bergan off eBay with side pouches for £16 + postage. A bargain Bergan. Feels comfy too.

 

[Phaestos]

I've found these 3. What do people think?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....es_Militaria_LE&autorefresh=true#ht_500wt_949

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BRITI...Bags_EH&var=&hash=item4ab724e15b#ht_858wt_699

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/German-Ar...Militaria_LE&hash=item3f1cce2c7c#ht_500wt_949

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

out of those 3 id go for number 2 please Cilla.

number 1 looks like its had a hard life and number 3 side pockets look to be about 5l each which is not a very usable size. this would leave you with the same amount of space you currently have probably. none of this considers fit though and it dont matter how good it looks on paper till you can try it or know you can adjust it

 

[woof]

Those Alpine Stings are around £40 for the 85 litre, which is pretty good, but just above what I want. As for the offer Woof...NOOOOOOOO! That'd be perfect! Couldn't you roll it up really small and trick them? I'd happily pay postage if it wasn't ridiculous...

I could take it & get a price on friday(my day off) if you are interested.

Rob

 

[mountainm]

I could take it & get a price on friday(my day off) if you are interested.

Rob

Postage on things like back packs is usually about a tenner. Go for second class signed for to get the price down

 

[RE8ELD0G]

Stay away from anything labeled as "cadet" it basically means cheap carp with the price increased and wont stay in one piece for long.
The lowe alpine sting looks very good and cheap for what you get, the British army Bergans will last you for ever but the pack is about 3kg when empty so rather bulky and heavy.

Im looking for a Northern Ireland Patrol Pack, 30ltr then 2x 10ltr side pockets, smaller than a bergan and less weight but made the same so will last forever and you can attach more pouches on the front/sides if you get the molle versions.

 

[Phaestos]

Right, so I now have three choices, having whittled them down. There is:

Woof's 75 litre Karrimor Jaguar for around £30

The Dutch DPM Bergen on Ebay for around £50

And a DPM PLCE engineers bergen 60+ litres, which i could have for around £35

Any ideas?

 

[Phaestos]

Shameless bump :/

 

[lostplanet]

Woofs jaguar without a doubt......and go from there.

 

[lostplanet]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dutch-Ber...=&hash=item35be5d870d&clk_rvr_id=396612101534

What's the lowe alpine 120 L is it a salient or a saracen?

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Right, so I now have three choices, having whittled them down. There is:

Woof's 75 litre Karrimor Jaguar for around £30

The Dutch DPM Bergen on Ebay for around £50

And a DPM PLCE engineers bergen 60+ litres, which i could have for around £35

Any ideas?

Forget the engineers/all arms bergen. Uncomfortable & probably the least versatile pack that exists. .............. 60 liters is too small for you anyway. Woofs Karrimor Jaguar is a real bargain.