Snugpack rocket pack / bergen

[copper_head]

Hi All,
Anyone have any idea what the difference between the snugpack rocket pack and bergen is? They seem pretty similar, also anyone use either of these? Im looking for a new bag and want something PLCE compatible. They seem to be a good price and other snugpak gear I have is great so Im quite tempted!
I've had bad experiences in the past with PLCE gear (web-tex ultramax grrrrr, pile of c**p) and the the issue bergen dosent sit so good on me.
Cheers all!

Link to Rucksacks
http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Snugpak_Rucksaks.html

 

[Nat]

The only difference is size. The rocket pack is 70 and the bergen is 100 litres and that's it. Both are made from the same stuff and both, in my opinion, are poor.
If you've had bad experiences with PLCE kit in the past, why do you want PLCE compatible? Surely something more comfortable would benefit you better? If it's the side pouches you're after there's plenty of places online that sell just them along with a yoke
Issue bergens also come in two different sizes - Long and Short back. For the short arses there is the Short back which is a comfy fit, and lanky people the Long back.
A better PLCE compatible back would be either the new Karrimor Predator 45 or 50 or the old SF 45 or even one of the bigger ones, all of which are PLCE friendly. Also the Lowe Alpine Sting which i've personally worn with PLCE webbing on various exercises.

 

[R.Lewis]

got the rocketpak. Find it VERY uncomfortable. Well made and nice design though. Just don't even consider using it for hiking in! As Nat says above a Lowe alpine sting is highly recommended, loads of guys here have got them and the only bad thing I've heard is the weight but thats what ya get for toughness!

 

[Nat]

Aye the weight is a big issue with the Sting, but when you're tabbing with 50kgs of kit it's hardly noticeable

Mine has been launched from the tops of cvrt's, landys, mountains and nearly run over by a scimitar :yikes: but it's survived all that without any threading or punctures

Best investment i ever made in a rucksack and it takes PLCE side pouches which are bigger than the LA ones.

 

[copper_head]

well sounds like i should give this a miss then. As for why i want plce despite having problems in the past, i like the various options provided by the plce pouches and is pretty bomb proof, the option of using the yoke to make a daysack is also usefull to me espcially when backpacking to campsites then doing day hikes and the like. I have tried both the sb and lb bergans, not good for my body shape also at 100ltr plus pouches they are too large for me (in my experience i cant help but fill my bag up!). I will check out the LA sting. Thanks for the advice peeps

 

[Nat]

Ah ha, fairy snuff fella. The Sting is about 50 plus side pouches. I'd use PLCE pouche's though for the usefulness of the day sack yoke. The straps on teh Sting pouche's are a bit naff.