cheers for that! :You_Rock_
i went to a local shop today and to my surprise there were 3 different versions aparently identical apart from the colour, each had the Arktis stitched logo and badge
a
British DPM version which seemed to be really good qualityand made of material simular to PLCE fabric,
(and is the same as dicribed before as torc said, apretty good quality sack).
the next was
French woodland camo version, not as good quality
with no internal frame, the fabric was not as good, sort of rough to the touch, no where near as stiff as PLCE gear.
the last (and there may have been more)
was an
Olive green version, which instantly i was drawn to, the features were identical except the frame/padding is not removeable, which is a shame(i would use it as a sleep mat).
comfort wise it's pretty good, but i think it may not be so good if fully loaded up as the waist belt is not padded.
the main compartment is big, easily as big as my snugpack rocket(med), 2 sleeping bags would fit in easily.
so all in all pretty good....
now the bad stuff, aparently the shop could not find any side pouches to fit any of the versions.
PLCE will not fit, Snugpack will not fit.
so
it is not compatible with PLCE
, , also try as i might i could not figure out the problem
where is the third side pouch is ment to supposedly fit?.(as suggested in several adverts).
(one fixed each side leaves no attatchment points, apart from the roll mat straps on the lid top!
in my opinion (since seeing one close up) i feel it's a large day sack trying to be a rucksack but not quite up to it.
i think it's a great sack, used as a day sack, prehaps a weekend use but you simply won't be able to carry more than a day or twos kit comfortably.
i would be even more concerned about the french camo version simply because it didn't feel as strong!