Any ideas? After a tough rucksack in a bright colour

[Garnett]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a classic shape rucksack (main bag, lid pocket, two side pockets and preferably a zipped access to the bottom of the main sack).

I'm after something tough rather than light, with a good back system.

I like the Highlander 55l. It's a bit big, and the back system is a bit too rudimentary. Also it's olive green. I'd rather have something less like I'm trying to pretend I'm in the army.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Ronnie]

Deuter make some good bags. Not the lightest, but excellent back system. I've used a 28 for ten years now almost every day and still looks brand new - I'm not kidding. Some of them are quite lurid too

 

[Grayfox]

When I'm out and about I always wear shades of olive. This is because I like to be unobtrusive, both in terms of other people but more importantly for wildlife I am trying to photograph. I actually think olives are as good for being unobtrusiveas as DPM (which I loathe for the reasons you give).

I have no inclination whatsoever to appear to be a wannabe squaddie. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the military but I am am not a military type and do not wish to be mistaken for them, and DPM is always associated them. Olive is a good compromise. I have almost as much of an adverse reaction to bright colours as I do for DPM I'm afraid.

My only concessions are my Karrimor SF rucksacs which I rate very highly but which are also in olive not DPM. I am a bit of a bag freak and I have 3 of these, not to mention a whole load of other sacs I have collected over the years and which no longer get used.
I'll stop now before I dig myself even further into this hole I have started, and merge quietly into the background.

 

[johnboy]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a classic shape rucksack (main bag, lid pocket, two side pockets and preferably a zipped access to the bottom of the main sack).

I'm after something tough rather than light, with a good back system.

I like the Highlander 55l. It's a bit big, and the back system is a bit too rudimentary. Also it's olive green. I'd rather have something less like I'm trying to pretend I'm in the army.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Have alook on Ebay for an old Karrimor Jaguar or Panther or Condor...

Such as....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Karrimor-Jaguar-S63-KS-100e-Rucksack-Backpack-Bag-60-65-/180614430157?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksacks_Bags_EH&hash=item2a0d757dcd

or....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Karrimor-Condor-60-80-Rucksack-/320649055924?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksacks_Bags_EH&hash=item4aa82c4eb4

Cheap strong well made and by the time you have worn it out you'll be nursing your grandkids...

HTH

John

 

[Shewie]

When I'm out and about I always wear shades of olive. This is because I like to be unobtrusive, both in terms of other people but more importantly for wildlife I am trying to photograph. I actually think olives are as good for being unobtrusiveas as DPM (which I loathe for the reasons you give).

Technically you could wear bright orange or yellow and you'd still have the same affect on most creatures, it's the disruptive pattern/shape and lack of movement which is the key to not spooking them. I dress head to toe in olive so I know where you're coming from, and despite what I've just said if I'm out shooting bunnies or woodies then I always grab my camo smock

I just can't see me wearing something like this in Yorkshire ...

 

[maddave]

Anything by Lowe Alpine (except their military packs).. Great back system and doesn't look tacticool

 

[EdS]

Berghaus Ice Star if you can find one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Berghaus-Ice-Star-Rucksak-/250752106867#ht_500wt_1156

Was an excellent sack

 

[Garnett]

Thanks a lot guys, I just checking out the recoomendations now.

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the military

Like Grayfox, I have every respect for the military, and I feel (rightly or wrongly) a bit of a fraud, wearing anything in camo...

I like the old Karrimors. I still have a travel rucksack by them with a SA9000 back system which I think is the best I've worn - really adjustable, and a sort of airtex finish to cut down sweating. It's only problem is its form - a big uncovered zip across the top and no side pockets. The back's so comfortable I even considered cutting it up to make into a simple load carrying harness...

More suggestions welcome.

 

[sandbender]

The Crux range of packs are really very tough indeed, some are available in a nice dull red(ish) colour, no side pockets though and no separate access to the base (although I would argue that such a feature would reduce the 'toughness' of your pack).

Official site:
http://www.crux.uk.com/en/crux_rucksacks.php

More detailed pictures:
http://www.fliegfix.com/webshop/produkte.php?id=CRUAK47X

 

[Garnett]

Thanks a lot Sandbender. I had heard Crux mentioned before but it's hard to tell what sort of bag each manufacturer makes without some expert advice. They look just the sort of ethos I was after - might have to look for some bolt-on side pockets.

I know it's more "technical" not to have side pockets, but they're damn handy.

 

[Col_M]

Like Grayfox, I have every respect for the military, and I feel (rightly or wrongly) a bit of a fraud, wearing anything in camo...

Similar attitude, I tend to avoid DPM and OG as my bro would have a field day taking the pee and calling me ******* civvy and a walt

I'm with you on the love for old Karrimor packs too, my alpiniste s is my all time favourite

 

[sandbender]

Thanks a lot Sandbender. I had heard Crux mentioned before but it's hard to tell what sort of bag each manufacturer makes without some expert advice. They look just the sort of ethos I was after - might have to look for some bolt-on side pockets.

I know it's more "technical" not to have side pockets, but they're damn handy.

When I need extra carrying capacity I secure a set of Ortlieb bags to the sides, this earlier thread shows how.

 

[Nonsuch]

If you can live without side pockets, score an old purple Karrimor Alpiniste on Ebay. They live forever and are the last world in rucksack cool. I've got three of the old purplies !

NS

 

[Intertidal]

Fjallraven do the style you want, but cheap they are not.

Although they may not make the style of sack you desire, Aiguille Alpine in Stavely near Kendal make superb kit
http://www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/
Adrian, the boss is also a great guy to deal with.

Nick

 

[Garnett]

I've heard of Aiguille and like that they're made in the UK.

Slightly off topic - but why the hell do nearly every rucksack manufacturer never have pictures of their rucksack back systems? It's absolutely bizarre. Go on ebay and every kid, grandad and all in between selling a rucksack will have taken a picture of the back system - even if it is completely out of focus. But go to any professional rucksack seller and nada. Really odd.

 

[Ronnie]

Osprey packs are said to be very good, and come in lime green if you like that sort of thing! Never had one myself though.

Fjallraven do the style you want, but cheap they are not.

My mother bought me a Fjallraven pack when I was 15, which I used for about 10 years - it didn't wear well, and to be honest wasn't that comfortable either despite looking the part. I was very fond of it anyway.

 

[forestwalker]

What size? I've been looking a bit at the Haglöfs "Roc hard" (http://www.getout.se/sv/artiklar/nagra-varumarken/haglofs-ryggsackar/roc-hard-.html). Supposedly designed for climbing guides, about 30 L. I've handled it in the store, and it appears to be made to last. Black is a pretty good color; does not look waltish/military, but is still discreet.

 

[spiritwalker]

osprey make excellent packs and colours to boot

http://www.ospreypacks.com/

 

[WeThePeoplexfbm]

maby a ALICE pack or MOLLE?

 

[R.Lewis]

I second the Deuter 28. Very comfortable and tough.