What bergen/pack/rucksack?

[Shovel]

I would ask the question as to why you would go the military pack route? Sure they can hold a lot, but so can a Gregory or an Osprey, for half the weight. Also, when looking at a pack, remember to base your pack around the gear, not your gear around the pack.

 

[Paul K]

Sandbender, I also use a Crux AK57 as well as a Berghaus Vulcan, depending on what I'm doing, where I'm going and time of year (e.g. Vulcan, sans side pockets tends to be my ski-touring pack).

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Catfish1972]

I'll add another vote for Crux rucksacks. I loved the AK57 so much that I bought the AK70K and AK47X as well, just to cover all the bases! I took my 57K on my recent expedition to Sumatra and it was perfect for the job. It's very light for the volume, extremely tough (containing about 30% kevlar - it was originally designed to be dragged up sharp rock faces but it is equally good at surviving all the thorns and sharp things a jungle can throw at you) and sits very comfortably on my back. Best pack I've ever owned.

 

[sandbender]

"...I loved the AK57 so much that I bought the AK70K and AK47X as well, just to cover all the bases!.."

You are well covered.

The difference between the AK47 and the AK47X is that the top pocket is removable on the latter, or it can be attached with a bit of slack on the straps to allow the wearer to cart maybe another 5 litres of gear underneath it. Which is handy when you need to set off with lots of food or water for a longer walk. Additionally for folks traveling to far away places you can use the top pocket on its own (with one of the pack side straps) as a 'carry on bag and as a shoulder bag for when you are out and about and away from your pack.

The AK47-X is only available in red, but it isn't a shiny red and it quickly develops a matt, worn in look.

There are lots of nice little details in these packs that the Crux website doesn't really go into, interested parties should find a shop that sells them and check them out.

 

[allfatherodin]

I have the Berghaus atlas, a slightly different version of the vulcan. i have been hitchhiking and hiking around Europe for a bit more than a year with around 40-55 pounds and its been great from Scotland to Greece. No problems thus far, and it still looks relatively new somehow (ive even tried making it dirty!)

 

[spoony]

5.11 rush 72

 

[ozzy1977]

Nothing wrong with the Vulcan, you don't have to fill it up to use it and the side pocket come off leaving a bag not much bigger than the sabre with side pockets

 

[Headshed]

How about the Lightwave Wild trek series, I used the 60l one for wildcamping in Snowdonia. Carried my kit and my sons, lightweight and nearly as bombproof as my old army Berghaus Cyclops ROC.

 

[Laurentius]

The reason I have recently gone down the ex military route is versatility more than anything else, there is plenty of room for odd shaped junk, and the ability to strap stuff on. The Lowe Alpine Sting (Dutch Army version) I got recently is no heavier than my somewhat vintage Vango 65ltr pack, and the back is more adjustable. It's the adjustable back I think that really recommends it.

Mind you for the average short bimble I still make do with a folding 20 something litre sack I can stuff in my pocket.