I can't decide what to get as my next backpack...

[MertzMan]

So, I'm moving away from DPM and the other assorted camo prints after years of near exclusive use. I do however, like the ruggedness of Cordura but have seen Clouston98's simply beautiful vintage setup...

Ideally like to keep to subdued earthen colours, browns, greens, etc...
No Molle.
Looking for around 60L capacity, +/- 10L or so depending on external straps, possibility of add on pouches etc...
No budget in mind, I'm not rich but I'm quite happy to squirrel away the pennys over a long period of time for the right bag.
Ideally a hip belt.

So far I've seen:
http://www.military1st.co.uk/reindeerhunt55brown-wisport-reindeer-hunt-55l-rucksack-brown.html
http://www.woodland-ways.co.uk/buy-online-frost-river-isle-royale-bushcraft-pack-696.html
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co...s-c19/all-rucksacks-c134/nimbus-trace-62-p772

 

[Gaudette]

All three packs you have there are good for different tasks. They are all good packs but are they right for the task they'll need to fulfil. This subject is a minefield. My recommendation would be to sit down and really think about how you will use it, trekking, bushcraft, occasional overnighters etc. This will really narrow the field down and make your choice easier. There will be loads of good advice coming your way but I have learnt you need to establish what it is you want the pack for exactly. I settled on one of the Swedish vintage packs in the end. Hope this helps in some way.

 

[MertzMan]

Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate my original three choices are quite varied...
I'm doing winter camping for 3-4 nights, lugging groceries home and a general tough camping bag with some comfort.

I've also been suggested the Berghaus Vulcan and had a look at the Ray Mears Leaf Cutter, altho the latter seems a touch large for my needs and unsuitable for a long back...

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Those are three very different packs.

Is the Exped Lightning 60 worth looking at? It's colour choices aren't ideal. I've given up on finding a backpack in the right colour and just put a black or OG rain cover over the top...

The Osprey Exos 58 appears to come highly recommended. Again, colour, tho nothing a rain cover wouldn't solve.

For a while I had the older version of the Vaude Aysmmetric 50 as top of my pack shopping list, before the exped lightning caught my eye.

Dunno if any of these suggestions are useful, but maybe food for thought.

Julia

 

[Clouston98]

I'd personally go frost river again- it really does it for me, glad you like the set up . Of I had to to chose between the other two I'd go granite gear- looks to be the best out of the two in my opinion. I've done 8+ mile days with full overnight loads in the frost river and had nothing but plain sailing so unless your doing huge mileage you'll be fine. I do a lot in the canoe where weigh is no issue but the frost river is the best all round pack I've used for sure, and very comfortable too. Good luck in your search .

 

[bushcraftkid2001]

I'd suggest one of the karrimor sabre range, from what I hear they are very good though I haven't used one myself. They can be a little pricey but a tough and favourably endorsed by mr mears himself

 

[kristophish]

I have one of these. It's ace. You can fit loads in it. Check out this item I found on eBay: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=321431322650&alt=web

They can be found on etsy sometimes for cheaper

 

[ozzy1977]

Have a look at the karrimor predator 45, it is plce compatible so the rocket pockets will increase capacity by 20l and it has mollee webbing to attach any number of pouches .

 

[dwardo]

I have recently converted to a Sabre SF45 and I am more than happy with it. Both sides attached adds about another 30Lts which is ample for most trips.
Build quality is stunning and its tough as old boots. Very comfy back carry and does not sit too high for clambering through scrub and woodland.

Yes expensive but well worth the money, especially if you can get one near new or second hand.

 

[GGTBod]

I was looking for something of similar size but then found on evilbay an ex issue Berghaus Crusader 90+20 for £60 and couldn't resist, when i don't need the full thing i'll either use just the main bag or the side pockets zipped together as a 20ltr pack

 

[ozzy1977]

I think the Vulcan is 70L or so with out the side pockets

 

[GGTBod]

Good looking packs especially the slightly older models as according the military personal reviews the newest version is a bit iffy on strap quality, i've drooled on them for a while but refused the £169 brand new cost as excessive.

Read loads of good stuff on the Vulcan but the Atlas is shredded and slated in user reviews with many saying literally it's not fit for purpose