Backpack recommendation need

[BootneckSteve]

Looking into a new backpack, and not so easy since our local millets closed down, which as well as depriving me of a handy outdoor store also put me out of a job (I was the assistant manager!) so I thought I'd put it out here for recommendations. What I need is as follows:-

* 35 - 45 litre capacity
* Side pockets big enough to hold a 3d Maglite and a 1 litre lexan bottle
* Not too big to go as hand luggage
* Ideally but not essentially flat colours (but not camo)
* Cost ideally less than about £45 (I'm poor )

I'm open to good condition second hand / military surplus packs that fit the criteria, and welcome recommendations, with links if possible

 

[mountainm]

At that price range consider fishing backpacks http://www.totalfishinggear.co.uk/buy.cfm/tfg-banshee-luggage/tf-gear-banshee-rucksack/39/no /62123

 

[Countryman]

The hand luggage size on Easyjet had me going through this last year. I ended up with a Maxpedition Kodiak.

Now the Kodiak even secondhand isn't going to come close to your budget but there are so many knock offs on eBay you are bound to find something.

It has a side pouch for a 1 litre bottle and the top front porch should hold your Maglight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nocommonsense]

Why don't you have a look at some of the options by "Pro- Force" (also known as "highlander pro-force"), they do some alright packs, with nice prices. I used to use a forces 44, a dpm woodland pack (they might make it in olive green, but I don't know), with no adjustable back.

However, their build quality is ok. Vango do a couple, but I've only seen them online, something like this one: http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/vango-alto-30-litre-rucksack-p334948

A lot of smaller packs these days, seem to be "tacticool", with molle everywhere, and a billion small pockets, all of which are too small on their own to put anything useful in.

Good luck.

 

[Jack Bounder]

How about this? Clicky. It doesn't have the side pockets.

Or this? Clicky

 

[garethw]

Hi there
check out one of these : http://www.endicotts.co.uk/componen...ck-dutch-l-a-sting-d-p-m-2464-detail?Itemid=0

I was able to get one new a few years back, but they are superb packs... as long as you don't mind DPM

cheers
Gareth

 

[Old Bones]

I agree - its the best value pack out there for the budget. You can have it cheap, durable or light - pick any two. And at a budget £45, thats not a lot of money for a decent 45 litre bag, especially with large side pockets. Your either going to end up with some grot which will fall apart in five minutes, or something which is really uncomfortable (surplus?). There is this LA bag that Cotswolds is doing for a decent price, but its only 35 litres, and no side pockets http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/lowe-alpine-half-dome-35-rucksack-62110617?id_colour=6958

If the budget was £60, then Podsac are selling off their stock, so the Crag Sac or Alpine 40 would really suit http://www.podsacs.com/c/q/backpacks (OK - no side pockets, but you could use Molle pouches on the side straps), but for the money, I'd buy the Sting or the Strike http://www.endicotts.co.uk/componen...ol-pack-l-a-strike-d-p-m-2138-detail?Itemid=0 . The Strikes 40 litres, but you can add pouches. No back system, but its LA, so its going to be well designed and very solidly bult, and it comes in under budget. Yes, its camo (which I dont really like either), but beggers cant be chosers. If you want to avoid camo, your going to have raise your budget, be more variable when it comes to side pockets (the 3D maglite is huge - ditch that and the side pocket issue become much more manageable) or accept a lower build quality.

 

[peaks]

These Arktis packs are pretty good


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Arkti...155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aaaa2b17b


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/arktis-ru...519?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4633517e6f

 

[BootneckSteve]

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at these and pick out a suitable one