What rucsack to buy?

[Scuba Pete]

Hello,

I have been reading the posts to get an idea of the kit available etc. I thought it would be a good idea to get a rucsack soon, as I am going to have to fit everything else I need into it.

I am planning to do some weekend/day trips with the odd week when I can find the time.

Can one pack do all this, I dont really want to be spending money on a range of sizes. Having read a bit, alot of you really do like to travel as light as possible. If there is alot of walking I can see the benifit. I am not too bothered about having a bigger pack (I say that now but I might regret it later), so I dont mind going on the larger side.

I have heard good things about the sabre 45, seem to be a good size, what do you think? I like new technology, I dont mind using the best this day an age has to offer, but I dont want to spend a fortune. I just want a good solid pack, that will fit all my gear in and be comfortable.

When used to camp years ago when I was a scout etc, we just had van etc, so we had loads of kit. I have never gone out carrying everything I need on my back, so I cant visualise what size pack I need.

I would be glad of some help.

Thanks

Pete

 

[Doc]

If you're under 6 foot, Sabre 45 is a good bet - back is not adjustable so if you're much over I'd try it on first. Add a pair of PLCE 15l side pouches and a yoke (a few quid on ebay) and you have the options of a 15l pack, a 30l pack, a 45l pack and a 75l pack.


The Swedish surplus rucksacks (in 2 sizes) are popular - see previous threads.

 

[Scuba Pete]

I am 5'11, ish. Sounds good, I like the idea of being able to add to it. I have seen the term PLCE used, what is that? I can guess what a yoke is, I think, lol.

Where is a good place to buy a sabre 45?


Pete

 

[DISCO]

The Highlander sacks are good for the money you get them in various sizes and you could get a small capacity and large one maybe for the cost of one from another brand.

 

[DISCO]

Personal Load Carrying Equipment.

 

[DISCO]

Sorry should have expanded on that. It's the rucksack and webbing system used by the British Army.l

 

[jamesdevine]

Hi,

There is a ton of info here about this back pack that that one. It comes down to three things in my opinion.

What's it for? (other then to carry thinks ) Day, Weekend, Expeditions (more then a weekend). You have answered this one partly but you also need to look at what time of year is it going to be used most. In Summer you might get away with a 35ltr for a weekend and a 50Ltr or more for winter.

What can you afford? For a day - Weekend pack you can don't really have to spend alot. For longer trips point three dictates the cost a bit more.

Does it Fit? This is the most important one really it has to be comfortable and if you are buying anything more the 45 online I would recommand buying one with an adjustable back like the Sabre 60-100.

The 45lt seems a good buy as it offers a alot of options but if you can try it on first or at the least check out the returns policy before you buy. Also look in the highstreet stores as well it dose not have to be an expensive pack for the first time purchase.

My 4cents there. Hope I made sense

James

 

[Scuba Pete]

Thanks for the info.

It would be nice if I could use it all year around, and expand its size etc. Like Doc surgested, a modular design would be good.

I would like to use it for weekend trips, to week long etc. I would like to keep the size down, but the most important thing is that it holds all my gear.

I could allways get a small day pack if needed.

I know I want my cake and eat it, but its worth a try.

I am going to go and try some packs on in millets etc, to get an idea of how each size feels.

Pete

 

[Batfink]

A nice alternative to the Sabre 45, and for around the same price, is the Lowe Alpine Strike 40, or the slightly bigger Sting - both of which are really nice, with an adjustable back system - and both take the PLCE Side pouches, along you flexibility.

The only downside with the Lowe Alpine range is that 6' is about the maximum height of the user, otherwise you'll end up carrying all the weight on your shoulders, not on your shoulders and hips - which can increase fatigue. However, if your only using a 45litre daysack, you shouldn't run into too much trouble.

 

[Doc]

Much of Millets stuff will be in gaudy colours.

Adventure One stock the Highlander sacs. See previous threads on Highlander. Opinions vary, but I think they're good. The shop also has snugpac sacs and maybe others too.

 

[leon-1]

I use the sabre45 all the time for weekends and week long trips, I don't pack lite, but having said that I carry pretty much the same amount of kit all the time, the only thing that may change is the amount of food I carry for longer trips, but even this makes little difference to my pack weight.

If you can get one a Lowe Apline Salient (they used to be Vector Salient) are good packs with an adjustable back system and reasonable capacity.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Ok, I will keep a look out.

Anyone got a link to a cheap sabre 45 ?

I have a red gortex jacket, so I dont mind the colours, lol

Pete

 

[leon-1]

Hi Mate, I don't know if he still has any left, but it may be worth giving Endicotts a ring as he has sold things to members here for a pretty good price, have a look at this thread

 

[twelveboar]

I have to recommend Berghaus on the basis that I bought a 65 litre cimbing sack from them about 20 years ago, it's been all over the world, lent to friends and collegues and is still going strong! The only thing that ever happened was someone lost half of the chest strap. It's a bit big for some things these days, but for sheer indestructability the brand deserves some recognition.

 

[bilko]

I think the Sabre 45's are briliant, I have one from Endicotts. Bear in mind though that this is an old style one and very basic. I can't fit my nanok -10 under the lid and it won't go in sideways so if you are using a big sleeping pack it will take up 3/4 of the space inside.
Also there is no padding on the waist strap and no chest strap. Also the back padding on the new one is imo superior. However at half the price of the new style i mustn't grumble and it does what it's meant to admirably.
There is certainly enough room in the 45 if you have a small sleeping bag to fit in everything for a week. Also when fully laden you may be suprised at how heavy it is. Now imagine if you had to lug a bigger pack!. Something else iv'e learned on here is that no matter what size pack you have you will normally fill it. So if you get a bigger one you may find yourself hauling stuff needlessly.
I phoned pri as they are the cheapest for the new packs but they only deal with serving members of the armed forces or police. Other than that just do an image google on the 45 or pack of your choice and see which is the cheapest.
A little tip i picked up is to get a roll of rubble sacks ( about £3 ) and use them as dry bags for clothes etc.

 

[Scuba Pete]

I went to blacks today and checked some karrimor berghaus. I looked for the sabre 45 but noone seems to have it. I was really impressed with them. I dont mind new technology, but sometimes i get the feeling if I dont wear old gear then I cant do bushcraft.

The Berghaus C7 1 Series has a nice moving back section, nice to walk in.

The karrimor panther 65 was good, look strong, felt good to wear.

They did not feel that large, I dunno, lol.

Help.

Pete

 

[jamesoconnor]

hi there scube pete,
i have a sabre 45. as i live in glasgow i can meet up with you if you want to have a look at the bag. in all truths, i love it, its a great bag. pm me if your interested in having a look at the bag close up.

regards
james