French F1 Rucksack

[Davey569]

Has anyone used one of these? I might get one for a trip next year I know they are cheap but are they any good?

Davey

[Twodogs]

I know Decorum uses one .
Twodogs

[decorum]

Has anyone used one of these?

As Cliff said - guilty!



... I might get one for a trip next year I know they are cheap but are they any good?


What do you want to know?

[Davey569]

What do you want to know?


How big are they? Does the flap to make it into a duffel bag get in the way? Are they comfortable? How many pockets/internal pouches etc? :D

[decorum]

The pack is 60L* expanding verticall to 100L*.
The pack expands vertically and the lid 'floats' on the closure straps which is attached to the pack with press studs - because of this it can be easily removed if you use it as a duffle.
There is one internal pouch and one external pocket - the internal pouch is, I think, designed to hold extra padding (kip mat folded flat etc) against your back. This internal pouch has no top closure and is, in the 60L mode, hidden by the vetical expansion tube. The external pocket is the lid, it's reasonably spacey - I keep losing stuff in it :confused: .
The main compartment is cinched up with a cord at both capacities. Because of the way in which it closes up there is a definate need for the use of dry bags.
Even with no frame and unpaddded straps, I find the pack to be quite comfortable to carry.
The padding on the back is contained in a rubberised material and activity will cause sweaty back syndrome by the bucket load.
As with a lot of packs of this type there is no shoulder strap adjustment when it's worn. Donning the pack is eased by a snap and ring affair on the left strap, the pack is slung over the right shoulder first and then the left strap is reassembled.
Oh, and the waist belt ... :lmao: .

I quite like it :D but I'm considering changing up to something that can accomodate Roomdolf.

* approximately

[Davey569]

Thanks for that Dec, might give one a go if i see them cheap enough. Have any pictures?

[decorum]

There are a few pics in the Meet threads - no close ups that I can remember. I can take a few tomorrow if it'd help.

[Davey569]

If you dont mind thanks. Ive had a quick look through the meet pics and you cant really see ti too well.

[decorum]

Back padding - you can see why there could be a need for putting padding in the inner pouch (I've never needed to).

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/01-4.jpg

Inner pouch – runs top to bottom of 60L and is full width.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/07-1.jpg

Shoulder straps. The left strap is turned to show the rubberised 'padding'. The right strap shows what I occasionally use as thumb loops - it wouldn't be too difficult to attach a foraging bag :cool: .

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/02-4.jpg

Lower strap attachment and strap adjustment.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/03-4.jpg

Main compartment closure buckles.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/04-4.jpg

Main compartment closed.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/05-1.jpg

Showing the expansion tube.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/06-1.jpg

Floating lid - also shows the lid attachment points.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/08-1.jpg

Lid attachment points on rear or main compartment - there is another set on the expansion tube.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/09-1.jpg

Lid pocket.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/decorum_pics/10.jpg



Hope this helps.

[Davey569]

Those are great thanks for the help. Im deffinately going to be on the look out for one of these packs. ;)