Large, decent, low-cost backpack/rucksack?
- Thread starter Levi
- Start date
I am a great fan of the highlander forces range. So much cheaper and just really good. There's a few of us on here that rate them. I've got three in diferent sizes - up to 88 - and they are all great.
Are these highly rated in their own right or just as a cheaper alternative ?
Might order one myself.
Cheers
I got a cracker off ebay for £40 quid mint condition.
Gregory Z pack
it has been a classic for years, light as a feather and well constructed top spec waterproof material and zips throughout.
Gregory Z pack
it has been a classic for years, light as a feather and well constructed top spec waterproof material and zips throughout.
Yep another big up for the Highlander Forces packs.
Some info here . .
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr3369.html
No affiliations etc. just really like these packs.
Kev
Some info here . .
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr3369.html
No affiliations etc. just really like these packs.
Kev
Hi Levi,
My large pack is the PLCE standard 120L monster which was cheap but DPM fabric which I am less keen on. I recently wanted a ~40L bag and looked at the Highlander TT Patrol Pack. It has a short back which could make it tiring for heavy loads but I am finding it great for day / weekend trips. I also like the longer side pouches which will swallow a 1L thermos quite easily.
If the build quality is similar on the other bags in their range I would happily recommend trying them. For general purpose use I think it is very sturdy and I managed to pick one up for £35. Happy camper.
Not associated with the company etc. etc.
Cheers,
Steve
My large pack is the PLCE standard 120L monster which was cheap but DPM fabric which I am less keen on. I recently wanted a ~40L bag and looked at the Highlander TT Patrol Pack. It has a short back which could make it tiring for heavy loads but I am finding it great for day / weekend trips. I also like the longer side pouches which will swallow a 1L thermos quite easily.
If the build quality is similar on the other bags in their range I would happily recommend trying them. For general purpose use I think it is very sturdy and I managed to pick one up for £35. Happy camper.
Not associated with the company etc. etc.
Cheers,
Steve
Thanks, I'll certainly take a closer look at the Highlander range next time I'm at the local surplus store 
Hi,
The best way to pick a bag is to try it on, especially if you're going to be carrying it for a long time. Everybody's body is different and different packs will different to every body.
Other things to consider are:
Is weight important? extra zips, pockets, buckles, etc all add weight
Do you want side pockets/2 compartments/other variations? I don't really like side pockets as I find they get in the way. But they're great for putting handy stuff in or for keeping fuel/dirty stuff away from clothes/sleeping bag, etc.
What do want to use it for? Will you be trekking? Backpacking? Climbing/scrambling? Cycling? Carrying from the car to the tent/tarp/tipi/yurt?
Hope I'm being useful and not a nuisance!
Claudiasboris
The best way to pick a bag is to try it on, especially if you're going to be carrying it for a long time. Everybody's body is different and different packs will different to every body.
Other things to consider are:
Is weight important? extra zips, pockets, buckles, etc all add weight
Do you want side pockets/2 compartments/other variations? I don't really like side pockets as I find they get in the way. But they're great for putting handy stuff in or for keeping fuel/dirty stuff away from clothes/sleeping bag, etc.
What do want to use it for? Will you be trekking? Backpacking? Climbing/scrambling? Cycling? Carrying from the car to the tent/tarp/tipi/yurt?
Hope I'm being useful and not a nuisance!
Claudiasboris
Of course, but it's difficult to find a local shop with a decent range (the 'local' surplus shop is a 50 mile round-trip. There are a few camping stores closer, but they only carry 1 or 2 bags in the 65lt+ sizes), so it's a case of figuring out what's decent and then finding a place that stocks it to try it on.
Weight isn't as important as toughness/cost, and I quite like the added versatility that comes with extra straps/pockets etc.
It'll probably never go on more than a 2 mile hike (between a car and destination, and just storage at home).
Not a nuisance at all
Of course, but it's difficult to find a local shop with a decent range (the 'local' surplus shop is a 50 mile round-trip. There are a few camping stores closer, but they only carry 1 or 2 bags in the 65lt+ sizes), so it's a case of figuring out what's decent and then finding a place that stocks it to try it on.
Weight isn't as important as toughness/cost, and I quite like the added versatility that comes with extra straps/pockets etc.
It'll probably never go on more than a 2 mile hike (between a car and destination, and just storage at home).
Not a nuisance at all
Does what bag matter that much on a two mile hike? It won't kill you really so just get a £20 Bergen, think what you can buy with the £70 you have saved
You might want to look at a PLCE longback Bergen in OD They come up in the classifieds here sometimes The whole rig can be got for under £50 and if you are very lucky probably a lot less
The main difference (I think) is that the standard Bergen has a higher waistbelt as it is meant to have military belt kit worn below it
I also think OD while not exactly unmilitary(is that a word?) is far less likely to draw attention than DPM
You get top quality durability and versatility if you add the side pouches and Yoke which can be made into a smaller daysack for gear needed when you are bimbling away from your basecamp.
Of course you can just use the main bag without the side pouches as well
I have this set up and fully loaded a couple of miles and more is fine
I wouldn't use it if I was walking long distances all day though
Its a big old beast
Hope you find a suitable solution
I think the general advice to look at lots of different options and marry that up to your needs is very sound indeed
The main difference (I think) is that the standard Bergen has a higher waistbelt as it is meant to have military belt kit worn below it
I also think OD while not exactly unmilitary(is that a word?) is far less likely to draw attention than DPM
You get top quality durability and versatility if you add the side pouches and Yoke which can be made into a smaller daysack for gear needed when you are bimbling away from your basecamp.
Of course you can just use the main bag without the side pouches as well
I have this set up and fully loaded a couple of miles and more is fine
I wouldn't use it if I was walking long distances all day though
Its a big old beast
Hope you find a suitable solution
I think the general advice to look at lots of different options and marry that up to your needs is very sound indeed
