Does anyone have the Highlander Forces 55L rucksack?

[bmartin1uk]

Hi All

Had a quick look for previous reviews/threads, but couldn't find anything. Please feel free to link me to any previous threads if you know of any.

Looking to get a Highlander Forces 55L rucksack and just wondered if anyone had any opinions, reviews etc. It will mainly be used for backpacking. The last time i went away i used a 70l Berghaus, and although the bag looks almost new after 3 years of constant abuse, it was a pretty bad purchase. 1 - It was too big, and of course i filled it to the brim ;o) 2 - No matter how carefully i packed everything, when i picked it, it all slumped into one end (despite being rammed full....go figure?!) 3 - It wasnt that comfortable when....you know....on my shoulders!

So i'm looking for something just as rugged, smaller, has an internal divider, and comfortable with 15ish KG in it. Oh and thats me travelling light. I know i know.

Love to hear if anyone has any thoughts.

Cheers

Ben

 

[woof]

Hi Ben, not got the 55, but have the 44, holds a good amount, and seems well made. Having said this, i only used a couple of times, then got a traditional canvas pack, but as my son is hoping to go in the army soon, it may come in useful for him.

Rob

 

[Riven]

I have the forces 55 and found it very good. Used it on a canoe and hiking trip in Sweden and it stored all my kit and is pretty rugged.
However it is really a bit large for me I'm 5feet 3 and so if you are interested pm me. My wife has the smaller version and I find this very comfortable although holds far less kit, which means I end up carrying more which is probably her reasoning behind it.
Riven.

 

[Dozza]

I have the 55 and if you look on Ebay there is a seller called pr3pr3 (I think - search here for my thread "The only place to get Highlander gear"), cheapest I found though maybe Riven can cut you a deal.
I haven't walked far with it but it seems okay. I find the pockets difficult to access though and the zips a bit difficult to open with the flaps over them but maybe that is no different with any other rucksack.

 

[Melonfish]

I have the 66 and the 44 and Calibanzwei has the 55, we're both 6'2" tall and these packs fit perfectly, the adjustable back is good on the 55 and 66 and over distance they're very comfy to carry with no shoulder fatigue issues.
the rain cover is essential however as the packs do not shed water in heavy rain, they are coated and lined but in driving rain they can and will take on some water.

 

[R3XXY]

I've got a highlander forces 33 and love it, it's the comfiest pack I've ever used.

 

[bmartin1uk]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think i'm gonna give it a go - its not a particularly expensive piece of kit, so no big disaster if it turns out i dont get on with it. Gonna get it soon so i can test it before the travels. The last one, was bought, loaded and on the plane within a day. You have to make these mistakes once i suppose!

Riven - I'm gonna pm you if i can work out how to...

Thanks

Ben

 

[David.s]

I have one, had so for about 4 years, and it still looks fairly new, my only complaint would be, if its fully packed i sometimes find it a bit unbalanced, but im only 5'8" so that may be why lol

 

[Hetzen]

Just bought the 55 myself. I had an NI patrol pack which was 38 litres and sat too high on my back, and didn't carry all I wanted to stuff in it.

So far, I'm very pleased with it. What I've cut down to essential fits, with a little room to spare. For 45 squid it wasn't too much of a risk. Modding some water bottle pouches is the next thing. But all in all, well worth it imo. I very much like the draw string compartment seperation, it gives me stuff pack compression on my bag and underquilt in a bin liner.

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Damn good packs

 

[mace242]

Excellent packs (I have the 66 and 33) if a little on the heavy side. Can't say I think you'll beat them on value.

 

[Hetzen]

There's some 'wild stitching' going on on mine, nothithg a lighter can't fix. Has anybody any stitching horror stories with their's? Any suggestions of what may need reinforcing?

As for comfort, it fits my back well (6'). I've not noticed much wobble. I'll be giving it a few miles one night this week.

 

[Northsky]

Bought a Highlander 44 earlier this year to replace a 22 year old berghaus, its really good both in filling and using. I'm 6 foot with a dodgy back and find comfortable, a worthy replacement for the old Berghaus.