Web tex products , What are they like ?

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pumbaa

Settler
Jan 28, 2005
687
2
51
dorset
I am thinking of replacing my old berghaus cyclops roc (just a thought at the moment) .
I didi a few searches on the net and these webtex plce look-alikes keep coming up . Has anybody had any experience with them ? and are they any good ?
Looking for a full size bergan and like the idea of the zip off day sacks , any other suggestions as to whats worth a gander ?
Cheers
Pumbaa
 
As far as I can see its pretty hit and miss with web-tex kit. Some products are apparently quite good (I remember the Moray rucksack getting a good review on this board?) but the majority of people I've met who have used the kit have said that the build quality leaves much to be desired and now avoid it were possible.
 
Would have to agree with BeerMonster - the quality is pretty variable and generally not as good as the issue kit.

However, if you can actually get your hands on several bergans to inspect them you might be able to pick out one that is made properly and you should be ok. From the pieces I've handled, mostly belt order tho, they didn't seem fundamentally wrong, just poorly made.

I reckon you'd be better off getting a grade one surplus plce bergan if you don't want to go with a karrimor or berghaus pack...
 
I dont have any problems with Karrimor or berghaus , just cant justify the cost . My cyclops roc is still going , but its camo and i want to move away from the camo look if possible .
What full size packs would you recomend ?
Pumbaa
 
Webtex... ergh! Being with the cadets means I get exposed to lots and lots of different kit, and Webtex seem to have cornered the cadet market! The price is good, but the build quality leaves a hell of a lot to be desired!!! But, inexperienced cadets - or more likely their parents - don't see the problems with it that we get exposed too!

Unlike regular PLCE kit, the previous batches of Webtex were only single stitched - rather than double/triple stitched - and the thread used is much, much weaker. The fabric is slightly weaker than the PLCE alternative. The webbing buckles are not fully compatible with PLCE versions. This meant that if you gave Webtex products any serious use/abuse then it'd start to fail.

A friend of mine had the Webtex 120ltr bergen and attempted to walk the Ridgeway over 4 days. By day 2 the shoulder straps had started to peal away - his friend, carrying the issue PLCE version, had no such problems. I can recount similar tails of other pieces of their equipment from webbing pouches, to wash kit pouches and assault vests. With the exception of the bergen, nothing has been fatal - but it has been an annoyance!!!

However, Webtex (through Thatchreed, who manage the brand), have responded to these concerns and have, to date, been through several different suppliers and factories across SE Asia to try and improve the quality of the product whilst retaining value for money - but, even with the new stuff, you end up compromising robustness, resilience and durability in favour of cost.

I try and avoid Webtex if at all possible - and I advice the cadets,and anybody else who asks, the same - steer clear of it and go with the issue stuff - New if you've got the cash, or a nice quality Grade 1 piece from ebay!! Or, if you're really going mad on kit, then get a Berghaus Vulcan, a Lowe Alpine Sabre/Saracen/Sting, or a piece of Karrimore kit!!!

Hope that helps!
 
Thanks guys , sounds like web-tex just isnt worth bothering with !!!
I don't really want to pay berhaus or karrimoor prices , so what are Snug pack like ? Apparently there is a shop up the road that does them . I quite like the look of the bergan in black (big brother to the rocket pack) . Are they strong enough to deal with an ex-squaddy putting it through its paces ?
Pumbaa
 
My Snugpak Rocket Pack is ace, though a little more padding on the shoulder straps and a bit at the lumbar region wouldn't go amiss for us skinny types. Bear in mind the Rocket Pack is designed to be worn high above the webbing belt. The bergen I think is designed to be worn normally. The fabric is softer than the PLCE kit, but I think it is strong enough for what it is. Quality seems good on all the Snug kit i have. I think with all these things it's a case of buying stuff for what you will use it for-if you are going to treat it like you did when you accepted the Queens shilling, then who knows, but now you are free and paying with your own groats, you will probably look after it more, and definetly not be putting it through a battlefield....


So it should be fine!

The only snag with the Rocket Pack is that I can't find where to put the fuel in. Doesn't seem to work without it...
 

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