NBD: Crux AK-47

[Dan00001]

I've been looking at the Crux AK-47 for years and always wanted to try one, so a couple of months ago I bought a used one (1st generation with floating hood) to try from eBay for not a lot of money. I've used it a fair bit training with mountain rescue and I've used it walking and camping including a 25km walk in the Black Mountain, and, barring the floating hood, I really, really like it. So I bought myself a new one which arrived yesterday. I opted for the non floating hood version, I just don't need that extra space. As it is, it's just the right size to fit a full winter kit, climbing harness & helmet in, and I find floating hoods to be annoying, mainly because they always seem to droop. This 3rd generation version has welded seams and a roll top enclosure, so it's basically waterproof! Well until you open it to get something in the rain, at least. It's also got a hip belt buckle similar to the old Karrimor's, which I really like.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some photos.






1st Generation next to a 3rd Generation..

 

[shaggystu]

Absolutely outstanding pieces of kit, I bought mine second hand from a member on here maybe 15 years ago. It already had over a thousand miles on it when I got it, and I've added a few more myself. It was my rucksack of choice for a three week long wander along the North Wales coast a few years back (with added side pockets), and it was just as good as I expected it to be. I've done long hill days with it, scrambled with it, used it as a beach bag with my kids, carried camera equipment in it, done weekends away in the city with it.... pretty much everything you could use a rucksack for really, and it's been brilliant.

Here it is after a couple of decades of use and abuse, almost as good as new.

 

[nigelp]

Absolutely outstanding pieces of kit, I bought mine second hand from a member on here maybe 15 years ago. It already had over a thousand miles on it when I got it, and I've added a few more myself. It was my rucksack of choice for a three week long wander along the North Wales coast a few years back (with added side pockets), and it was just as good as I expected it to be. I've done long hill days with it, scrambled with it, used it as a beach bag with my kids, carried camera equipment in it, done weekends away in the city with it.... pretty much everything you could use a rucksack for really, and it's been brilliant.

Here it is after a couple of decades of use and abuse, almost as good as new.

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I’ve got one like that in the loft. Possibly a 37 that will survive with roaches at the end of days.

 

[Dan00001]

Absolutely outstanding pieces of kit, I bought mine second hand from a member on here maybe 15 years ago. It already had over a thousand miles on it when I got it, and I've added a few more myself. It was my rucksack of choice for a three week long wander along the North Wales coast a few years back (with added side pockets), and it was just as good as I expected it to be. I've done long hill days with it, scrambled with it, used it as a beach bag with my kids, carried camera equipment in it, done weekends away in the city with it.... pretty much everything you could use a rucksack for really, and it's been brilliant.

Here it is after a couple of decades of use and abuse, almost as good as new.

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I'm guessing mine is of similar age and whilst it shows signs of use, there's still plenty of life left in it. I'm hoping this newer model will be just as durable and long lasting. I don't know how sealed seams last compared to stitched, I'd assume stitched would last longer though.

 

[Dan00001]

~sealed seams~ (I mean welded seams)

 

[Tony]

Nice bit of kit

 

[stonepark]

Looks tidy, especially in khaki/green, still missing dump straps through....

 

[shaggystu]

Looks tidy, especially in khaki/green, still missing dump straps through....

What are dump straps?

 

[stonepark]

What are dump straps?

Shoulder straps with buckles on the bottom end somewhere allowing rucksack to be dumped or taken off quickly.

If my rucksack doesn't come with them, I add them.

 

[Dan00001]

Personally wouldn't want them, it's a potential failure point in a particularly critical area, or could be accidentally opened when you don't want it to.

 

[shaggystu]

Shoulder straps with buckles on the bottom end somewhere allowing rucksack to be dumped or taken off quickly.

If my rucksack doesn't come with them, I add them.

I can see why it might make sense on a military daysack like that, but it would be an awful idea on a climbing rucksack, which is what the CRUX bags fundamentally are.

I'm in complete agreement with @Dan00001 they're just potential failure points and I really wouldn't want them.

 

[nigelp]

Found my AK37 in the loft earlier. Still looks mint after 15/20 plus years. Agree. I’d never want dump clips on a rucksack. Takes seconds to loosen the ladder lock and remove bag. Although I’ve never felt he need to do so that quickly.

 

[Dan00001]

Found my AK37 in the loft earlier. Still looks mint after 15/20 plus years. Agree. I’d never want dump clips on a rucksack. Takes seconds to loosen the ladder lock and remove bag. Although I’ve never felt he need to do so that quickly.

I wouldn't mind one of theor smaller packs too. Maybe next year. Fell free to post pics.

 

[nigelp]

Away (in your neck of the woods). I’ll get it down from the loft next week and post some up.