View Full Version : Looking for a backpack -
MartiniDave
11-02-2008, 13:06
Folks,
I'm currently looking for a new backpack for hill walking welcome advice/opinions.
What I'm after is something in the 25-30 litre size range, lighter than my bomb-proof Karrimor Sabre 30 that I use for bushcraft, and preferably not mega-expensive (say, up to £50 tops) as it will most likely only see 10-20 days use per year.
Any suggestions?
Dave
Not wishing to be repetitive but hows about a highlander forces 25 or 33? They certainly fit into the non-mega-expensive range. Not sure how they fare in weight against the sabre 30 but mine is fine.
Get yourself one of the old leather and canvas swedish army packs. Mine cost 12 quid delivered to my door and has become a firm favourite. I can't remember the last time I used my LK 35.
Get yourself one of the old leather and canvas swedish army packs. Mine cost 12 quid delivered to my door and has become a firm favourite. I can't remember the last time I used my LK 35.
I'm flogging this if your interested...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Duluth-pack-style-vintage-leather-and-canvas-pack_W0QQitemZ220201191483QQih Z012QQcategoryZ72896QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Mods don't know if this allowed so remove if I'm breaking the rules.:dunno:
That's similar to the one I have, I've got the M1939 version which has a metal frame and leather straps all over. That is the salt and pepper canvas version; yes I've become a geek on them since trawling the internet looking for the M1935! Still can't find it! :rolleyes:
bikething
15-02-2008, 20:05
Get yourself one of the old leather and canvas swedish army packs. Mine cost 12 quid delivered to my door and has become a firm favourite. I can't remember the last time I used my LK 35.
I thought he was looking to go lighter? :theyareon
:p
I thought he was looking to go lighter? :theyareon
:p
I can weigh mine if you like, but it isn't heavy, has the old time look and is a classic in its' own right. Plus, they are so cheap that if you wreck it (dunno how, but there you go!) you can replace it for next to nowt.
1.5 kg, or 3 pounds-ish!
bikething
15-02-2008, 20:57
My sabre 30 weighs just under a kilogram :)
My sabre 30 weighs just under a kilogram :)
Yeah, but this is 1930's technology! And only costs 12 quid delivered to your door!
Beer Monster
15-02-2008, 21:09
Folks,
I'm currently looking for a new backpack for hill walking welcome advice/opinions.
What I'm after is something in the 25-30 litre size range, lighter than my bomb-proof Karrimor Sabre 30 that I use for bushcraft, and preferably not mega-expensive (say, up to £50 tops) as it will most likely only see 10-20 days use per year.
Any suggestions?
Dave
I you aren't going to be carrying anything heavy then how about an Alpkit Gourdon (http://www.alpkit.com/gourdon/).
Very simple no frills lightweight pack. Comes in both 25L (£17.50 inc VAT) and 35L (£20 inc VAT). Its basically a roll top dry bag with a very simple back system attached to it (also has a transparent window so you can see what is in the pack and a hydration bladder pouch).
I've been hankering after one of these for a while. However the jungle drums indicate that they are going to produce them in olive green/sand in the near future as they've had so many requests from the forces.
Although at only £20 I could be tempted earlier!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/HPIM3180.jpg
Are you telling me you don't want something as stylish and retro as this? It could make an erupting volcano look sub zero cool!
bikething
15-02-2008, 21:17
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/HPIM3180.jpg
Are you telling me you don't want something as stylish and retro as this? It could make an erupting volcano look sub zero cool!
All together now......
:aargh4: "I love to go a wanderin' with my knapsack on my back! " :aargh4:
:yelrotflm :
With those old packs you can remove the heavy frame and make a Roycroft frame for it instead. Works really good =)
crazyclimber
15-02-2008, 21:27
If it's light weight you want try http://www.golite.co.uk/Product/ProductByCategory.aspx?mc=5&s=1
I've seen a couple of their sacks being used in the alps, look like they'll wear through in no time but suprisingly not and they're oh-so-light!
firebreather
15-02-2008, 21:38
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/HPIM3180.jpg
Are you telling me you don't want something as stylish and retro as this? It could make an erupting volcano look sub zero cool!
Thats exactly the reason why i have just "traded " for one of these.
Thanks again Matt :p
I saw them on the web and remembered seeing them in my "youth" on the hills and thought I just have to have one of them. i must be getting old as in my "youth" i would not have been seen dead with one and have had a couple of alpkits gourdons.
Greg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/HPIM3180.jpg
Are you telling me you don't want something as stylish and retro as this? It could make an erupting volcano look sub zero cool!
There is actually some outfit somewhere making replicas of these.
http://www.acquiremag.com/style/bags-accessories/psycho-bunny-wwii-swedish-army.php
And look at the price :eek: All for a psycho bunny badge.
But unfortunately not doing the M35 version.
Closest I've found is a modern kakadu traders rucksack in canvas, brass and rawhide.
All together now......
:aargh4: "I love to go a wanderin' with my knapsack on my back! " :aargh4:
:yelrotflm :
You can laugh, you'll be PM ing me for the web address to buy 'em later!
:p
There is actually some outfit somewhere making replicas of these.
http://www.acquiremag.com/style/bags-accessories/psycho-bunny-wwii-swedish-army.php
And look at the price :eek: All for a psycho bunny badge.
But unfortunately not doing the M35 version.
Closest I've found is a modern kakadu traders rucksack in canvas, brass and rawhide.
I don't even think they've made them, it looks to me like they've just bunged a badge on a surplus bag and hoiked the price up! I see the originals going for stupid money on eBay. Folk need to learn to shop about a bit!
bikething
15-02-2008, 21:49
You can laugh, you'll be PM ing me for the web address to buy 'em later!
:p
I think 8 rucksacks is enough to be getting on with ... :rolleyes:
Never! you can never have to many carrying things!
bikething
15-02-2008, 21:52
Never! you can never have to many carrying things!
sounds like the sort of excuse a girly uses for having so many handbags :p
any way it's not the number of rucksacks that's the problem.... it's the lack of space to store them :yelrotflm
Pop em all inside each other, like them Russian dolls.
MartiniDave
16-02-2008, 15:12
Thanks for all that advice folks! I don't think SHMBO will let me go for the "Where Eagles Dare" look, although I do like those older styles myself! :lmao:
I'm thinking I'll have a good look round at the outdoors show. After a couple of vitriollic e-mail to the organisers last year about how bad it was, they've sent me complimentary VIP tickets :)
Dave
bikething
16-02-2008, 15:15
Pop em all inside each other, like them Russian dolls.
good tip that :You_Rock_ Although i store my rucksacks flat (apart from the freeflow35) so I don't think I'll gain much space :(
http://www.findmeapack.com/
Good little site for quickly looking at a load of bags... Macpac Torlesse 25 looks good.
Folks,
I'm currently looking for a new backpack for hill walking welcome advice/opinions.
What I'm after is something in the 25-30 litre size range, lighter than my bomb-proof Karrimor Sabre 30 that I use for bushcraft, and preferably not mega-expensive (say, up to £50 tops) as it will most likely only see 10-20 days use per year.
Any suggestions?
Dave
I have done a fair bit of hill walking in the past and although they look nice, I would not go for a canvas and leather bag, they would soon get damp, and would weigh a lot, and you would need a waterproof liner.
I have nearly always gone for lowe alpine bags. They tend to fit me well and are comfortable on long hill walking days. You want a bag that is narrow to give you freedom of arm movement. My advice is to go into your local Blacks or whoever sells a good range of bags in your area and try some on to see (feel) what suits you. The staff in outdoorsy shops usually know there stuff and can be helpful..
The canvas sheds water and I proofed the leather with Nikwax. No probs with rain! Saying that, I do still use a dry bag, but that is an old habit from my time in the Forces.