Medium rucksack

[BorisTheBlade]

Hi guys, I currently own a 65 litre rucksack and am on the lookout for a smaller day/weekend bag. I am looking to spend £20 or so and would like something robust with a good size main compartment so I can stuff it well (rather than a tall and skinny one).

Any recommendations or tips on current good deals? I liked the look of Dave Cantebury's Swedish Military bag but cannot seem to find any anywhere. The German equivalent looks lame!

 

[Ronnie]

Highlander 44 is pretty good for that money, but the belt rides high - at least it did on my rotund frame

I had a look at the Tesco rucksacks the other day - seem pretty solid and they're in that kind of price bracket.

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-3132.aspx

Someone on here mentioned this recently - heavy weight but very nice with it. Hopefully they'll chime in:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350432444401

 

[PaulSanderson]

I managed to grab a 35ltr from Mountain Warehouse a few years ago, and its still going great. Enough room even for a night out somewhere. Plenty of compression straps, hip belt, yada yada yada, and in my fave colour, OD!! Would recommend their Mountain Life rucksack a lot! In addition, the form back pad can be removed from its internal pocket (think bergen frame) and a camelbakc fits in perfectly....

just my 2 pence worth...

 

[Realbark]

A little bit more than you mentioned spending but maybe worth a look?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Dutch...164689049?pt=Women_s_Bags&hash=item5d2bac9499

 

[Shewie]

If you want the military look then another vote for the Highlander packs, the Airjets are worth a look too.

 

[Barn Owl]

Can't go wrong with Highlander bags.

Having had a 33and 55 i've settled in between on a 44 as a large daysac.

I also got a 25l olive daysac from Mountain warehouse as a normal day job.

Mind you i've also got a couple of Swedish and Norge old canvas fellas that were only a few pounds.

 

[BorisTheBlade]

Thanks for the links guys, much appreciated. I'm not looking for the "Military look", in fact I don't like it but I do need a sturdy bag that can stand up to a knock or two. Ronnie you found the exact one I was looking for! However, I have had my fingers burnt with paypal and I hate them. Long story short, they screwed me and failed to deliver on protecting the buyer so do not have an account with them so need to find a seller other than ebay. Any ideas?

 

[Man of Tanith]

A little bit more than you mentioned spending but maybe worth a look?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Dutch...164689049?pt=Women_s_Bags&hash=item5d2bac9499

i've got one of these
lovely pack and the webbing straps across main compartment really allows you to vary your carry from trip to trip

 

[BorisTheBlade]

OK now I am not sure between the Dutch or Swiss army backpacks. Which is bigger? They seem similar in build quality so the only deciding factor will now be, which can fit more in?

 

[WeThePeoplexfbm]

i've got a 35 ltr dutch pack, there alright for over night or day pack

 

[durulz]

Our local Mountain Warehouse currently have a sale on and are doing these for £19.99:

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/hiking/backpacks/meduim-30l-45l/high-30l-rucksack-p2127.aspx

They come in bushraft-standard olive drab! They look pretty good to me.

 

[Man of Tanith]

my dutch pack has internal dividers not sure if this is a good thing or not as it can restrict the way i pack it.
when its just a big empty main compartment you can get away with shoving stuff in it and doing it up but the way the dividers sit can make it a bit awkward at times

 

[BorisTheBlade]

Hey guys, cheers for the tips. I went with the Swiss Army leather bag in the end, £27.50 including postage and packing for a bomb-proof bag. It was precisely what I was looking for so chuffed. I'm gona be away a week so had to phone the guy to make sure I get one but asked if he could post it later which he was fine.

 

[Ronnie]

Nice one - follow up with a review once you're received and tried it out please!

 

[BorisTheBlade]

Sure thing will do, it is not coming through till early Feb as I am away and then could be another week or two at least but I will review it when I am back.

 

[BorisTheBlade]

Review

Well I received my bag today and am very happy with it overall.

Pros:

- It is by far the most durable bag I have ever seen and will last me many years I am doubtless
- It has a raised section of leather that rests on your lower back to lower contact with the back to reduce sweat
- The bag is wide and has a large main compartment that could fit a lot with a good sized front puch
- By the looks of things it is fully water-proof and very rip proof
- Very adjustable in regards to all straps

Cons:
- It is very heavy - like 2kg I would imagine due to the reinforced bottom and leather that is used all over
- The shoulder straps could do with a bit more length

The leather was quite hard and dry so I needed to wax it all and it is now looking far better and should be protected against the elements.
I will be using the bag to carry sometimes sharp or unusual objects (sticks and screwdrivers and other metal items) and due to its durability it shouldn't be a problem.

Hope that helps, if anyone is interested I can post pics. Let me know.

 

[Robbi]

pics would be good please

 

[BorisTheBlade]

Here ya go - let me know what you think. £27.50 well spent

 

[BorisTheBlade]

http://img251.imageshack.us/i/22012405.jpg/
http://img190.imageshack.us/i/34320838.jpg/http://img827.imageshack.us/i/27510553.jpg/http://img204.imageshack.us/i/33488178.jpg/http://img97.imageshack.us/i/95253481.jpg/http://img691.imageshack.us/i/53970702.jpg/http://img707.imageshack.us/i/52533520.jpg/

 

[johnboy]

Here you go.... You have to use the IMG tags to get the images to show up.... Image shack has the ability to give you the linked code to paste directly into your posts on here....