Canvas or Lightweight Rucksack?

[Extreme Pilgrim]

If durability is you main concern, buy yourself a Para Bergen as they are indestructible. Not matter what conditions you are in, they will bear up to a good beating. Load capacity is very good on a basic model but can be enhanced with external PLCE type utility pouches and the side pouches can be swapped for those of the of a PLCE model. This will require the tailoring of zips onto the body but that isnt too much of a hassle. Many guys in airborne and SF units are still using these types of models.

 

[Beardy Adam]

Harry, they look reliable yes but I would never use attachment pouches. Plus as I mentioned I never put anything on the outside except wet gear so all the straps and webbing would be wasted. My initial impression from looking at the pictures is that they seem quite study however, but not suitable for what I want it for I'm afraid. The main problem about buying a rucksack for your needs is finding the right balance I think. It needs to be study and reliable, yet light(not ultralight) It needs to be take enough gear for an expedition but also be able to cinch down when carrying less food, and food is the most heaviest and bulkiest item in my rucksack, especially when I'm out for a few days.

 

[big_swede]

If it's any help I love my vapour trail from granite gear. I have written a review for it in the review section, in that review there is also some thoughts on rucksacks in general. My pack has been with me for a few years and shows very few signs of it's age. It's good for a weekend up to 9 days, depending on season and terrain. It's not really UL, but more of some sort of in-between. Around the 1 kilo mark for 58 liters, padded back and a rigid waist belt, I think it is a good compromise. The pockets are good, real good. I have used mine weighing up to 16.8 kilos (weighed at the airport so the pack weight included).

 

[big_swede]

I would also like to add that I would love a canvas pack styled in alpine style. Mainly for looks. It's all pretend and play anyway.

 

[Mr Cake]

If durability is you main concern, buy yourself a Para Bergen as they are indestructible. Not matter what conditions you are in, they will bear up to a good beating. Load capacity is very good on a basic model but can be enhanced with external PLCE type utility pouches and the side pouches can be swapped for those of the of a PLCE model. This will require the tailoring of zips onto the body but that isnt too much of a hassle. Many guys in airborne and SF units are still using these types of models.

Whilst agreeing they're pretty bombproof I'd suggest that before buying one you try it out for a while with an appropriate amount of weight in it. Some people swear by them and other people swear at 'em. Personally I'd rather put my kit in a wheelbarrow and push it from place to place than have to carry anything in one of them ever again.

 

[Paul_B]

Aaaah! Now I see where you (and Paul_B) are coming from! Yep! - the eternal weight versus comfort conundrum. You two clearly like cantering up mountains in your spare time! In my experience you will never stop experimenting with this problem. At least you now know that 30Kg isn't fun on any day at any distance! (well done - by the way - that load around bonny Scotland is a bloody good effort!). For example I trade the weight of my kit for the comfort of wearing it (and the knowledge that I'm not going to be sprinting up the vertical side of some Munroe!) - also, I refuse to function without a real Italian espresso at least once a day. The kit for that weighs a bit - but I would carry it to the summit of Everest - discarding less important items like shelter, sleeping bag etc along the way!

Can I suggest that you look at the following site?

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/cat/coffee/P9/

It has espresso makers and the excellent UL java drip coffe filter. Also coffee grinder. I have posted it on page 2 look at all the pages for the coffee option, I am sure you will be interested Fin.

 

[Paul_B]

I've heard good things about Granite Gear too. They do a range of packs from UL ones that are really specialist to those going SUL to more general use ones. YOu do have to check them out Beardy Adams but I suspect not quite right for your needs. I still think the Crux is right. They do them from AK37 to a 70 litre one too. All have the same designh ethos and construction.

Well if you don't like golite I doubt you would like ULA (ultralight adventure equipment) or Gossamer Gear rucksacks. I've heard that IIRC TGO gear tester once recommended ULA and Gossamer gear with provisos.

 

[harryhaller]

Check out this site, beardy.
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/capacity_50-65_litres.html

 

[Fin]

Can I suggest that you look at the following site?

http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/cat/coffee/P9/

It has espresso makers and the excellent UL java drip coffe filter. Also coffee grinder. I have posted it on page 2 look at all the pages for the coffee option, I am sure you will be interested Fin.

Aaargh! - I promised myself not to spend any more money on kit this side of Christmas! Cheers Paul that's a top link that I hadn't seen before - although my wallet hates you!!

 

[Paul_B]

LOL - I know what you mean Fin. Others have done that to me before now. I liike GSI stuff but haven't bought anything yet. I like the halulite stuff particularly the one with the mug/pot, plastic lid with strainer and drinking spout, neoprene cosy, telescoping spork thingy and a neat silicone pot gripper. I did as one of the bosses of Ellis Brigham who stock their stuff about the silicone gripper. Apparently you can't buy it separately. My Vargo Ti-lite is lighter than their pot, I have a nice long handled Alpkit spoon which is v light and neat so I don't need anything but the pot gripper. I reckon I could take the handles off the pot make afoil lid and use the UL silicone gripper and I'd save a few grammes!!!

SeriouslyI think that kit would be better on some trips as it is more practical in use than my Ti-lite pot in backpacking IMHO.

Which of their coffee kit do youthink you will get? You will have toe let us know which one and how well it works.

 

[Fin]

LOL - I know what you mean Fin. Others have done that to me before now. I liike GSI stuff but haven't bought anything yet. I like the halulite stuff particularly the one with the mug/pot, plastic lid with strainer and drinking spout, neoprene cosy, telescoping spork thingy and a neat silicone pot gripper. I did as one of the bosses of Ellis Brigham who stock their stuff about the silicone gripper. Apparently you can't buy it separately. My Vargo Ti-lite is lighter than their pot, I have a nice long handled Alpkit spoon which is v light and neat so I don't need anything but the pot gripper. I reckon I could take the handles off the pot make afoil lid and use the UL silicone gripper and I'd save a few grammes!!!

SeriouslyI think that kit would be better on some trips as it is more practical in use than my Ti-lite pot in backpacking IMHO.

Which of their coffee kit do youthink you will get? You will have toe let us know which one and how well it works.

I love the look of the 8 cup Glacier perc (all stainless steel for me - it has to go over a fire) - I would need some info on dimensions though and as this is a "want" not "need" item, I'm going to save the link for later when I feel the need to treat myself - or maybe drop a hint for a Christmas/ Birthday pressie! Anyway - I think we've strayed into thread hijacking territory here - so back to the packs...thanks again though!

 

[Extreme Pilgrim]

Whilst agreeing they're pretty bombproof I'd suggest that before buying one you try it out for a while with an appropriate amount of weight in it. Some people swear by them and other people swear at 'em. Personally I'd rather put my kit in a wheelbarrow and push it from place to place than have to carry anything in one of them ever again.

True enough Mr Cake. They do take some getting used to for some people but the main reason I mentioned them was based on durability. Durability and comfort are very distant cousins when it comes to these bad boys but I used mine in every type of environment with an issue but it is a case of 'different strokes....'