View Full Version : Sabre, Vulcan or Atlas ??
NuclearPower
09-02-2005, 18:30
Hi!
I intend to buy a goooood rucksack. And here comes the question which I have been struggling with for a while :roll:
Which one of theese is the most comfortable for loads 30 - 50 kgs ?
1) Berghaus Atlas
2) Berghaus Vulcan. Is vulcan's frame stronger than the one in Atlas ?
3) Sabre 60/100 or 80/30 ?
4) Lowe Saracen/Sailent
Price doesn't matter (my wife is going to buy it) :wave:
tenbears10
10-02-2005, 09:25
1) Berghaus Atlas
2) Berghaus Vulcan. Is vulcan's frame stronger than the one in Atlas ?
3) Sabre 60/100 or 80/30 ?
4) Lowe Saracen/Sailent
Price doesn't matter (my wife is going to buy it) :wave:
Lucky man!
the atlas are the civilian model of the vulcan are they not? I think the vulcans were always said to be the tougher of the 2 in material as well as the frames etc. I really like the double haul loops on the vulcan I have no idea why more rucksacks do not have them as it is such a simple but useful addition.
Several people have sabres so they will tell more and I haven't seen a lowe saracen so can't comment but I don't think Lowe are as well respected in this field as berghaus or sabre.
Paganwolf
10-02-2005, 10:32
I have the sabre 60/100 its lovely and comfortable lots of room inside,and its easy to expand from 60 to 100.it has lots of strapping points on the outside, 2 compartments in the lid and access to the bottom via a zipped front cover,and a removable valuables pouch inside,and is water proof, I like it although it could do with side pockets :wink: its a sack which when fully loaded you could walk with all day id say try them on before you buy if possible, oh a shop near me is selling US Alice sacks for 60 quid brand new, if anyones interested :?:
I would recommend the sabre
NuclearPower
10-02-2005, 12:48
Sabre ...right....
What are the differences between Karrimor Independence and Sabre 60/100, besides that the independence is made by Mjao-tee-tongue (china)?
Sabre is 0.7 kgs heavier than Berghaus (i.e a 1/2 bottle of good single malt)
Sabre is 0.7 kgs heavier than Berghaus (i.e a 1/2 bottle of good single malt)
:rolmao:
Nice priorities you have there. :biggthump
Paganwolf
10-02-2005, 13:00
not sure :?: i can only vouch for what i have, it depends on what features you are looking for. But as i said try to try before you buy as some are comfey on some but not on others and it may have all the bits you are looking for in a sack but be uncomfortable on your back, the karrimore is very well padded and fully adjustable on the yoke the waist strap is also very well padded.This was the only sack i bought with out pre trying and i am more than happy with it.
NuclearPower
10-02-2005, 13:31
What I like about the Sabre is the compression option, from 100 to 60 ltrs.
Atlas has a lack of that. However, on the Atlas you can remove the side pockets and form a day pac (incl the single malt :-P ).
The cyclops II system is sturdy and reliable, but warm. Your back get sweaty like a mule in the gobi desert..On the other hand, nothing can alter (except for my 6 year old kid... :shock: ) or break the carrying system of the Berghaus....
I have tried the Berghaus unloaded, and I must say it felt very comfortable.
Now, I have to find a karrimor independence.... somewhere..
you can add side pockets to the saber IIRC.. i think the difference between saber and Independence is that the saber is made by PRI and is probably better made with better workman ship and QC.
tenbears10
10-02-2005, 14:00
Can you still buy the Karrimor independence after they went bust?
Doesn't Sabre 60-100 take plce side pockets? If not why not? All the other sabres do. I think a sabre 75 with plce pockets would be a very good choice and would be 95 litres all told. All these rucksacks can be made smaller with the side compression straps. The 60-100 zip compression is just something else to go wrong isn't it?
yeh i think PLCE/SABER/{insert forgoten name here at later date} made their bags and side pockets interchangeable.. good idea IMHO
NickBristol
10-02-2005, 14:10
I borrowed an Independence for a weeks walking last summer. Good build quality, good features, no real problems getting it to fit comfortably with about 20kg in it. I was impressed by it...but not enough to choose one over either my Vulcan or Berghaus FGA 1080.
I'd choose the Sabre if I had to make the choice of a new pack now - cant fault PRI stuff, especially their technical / specialist user clothing.
Good idea about getting the wife to buy it too :lol:
NuclearPower
10-02-2005, 14:35
Out of curiosity, I have mailed Berghaus about the alu. frame they are using in Atlas/Vulcan.
Looking at the spec. for the Vulcan, they say that the frame is made of HE 30 alu frame, which we all know what it means, right ( :?: ).....okay-dokay....but for the Atlas they say nothing about the frame. They probably use the same alu alloy in the Atlas frame... :roll:
I still haven't got any answer.....
NickBristol -> The back system of the Karrimor is suposed to be super-cold. Did you feel any difference, in that aspect, compared with Vulcan...??
NickBristol
10-02-2005, 15:05
NickBristol -> The back system of the Karrimor is suposed to be super-cold. Did you feel any difference, in that aspect, compared with Vulcan...??
Not at the time, tho thinking about it a bit more I don't remember being particularly sweaty or hot. Didn't do anything particularly strenuous with it on, and it pished it down all week anyhow which helped with the cooling. Never had much of a problem with the Vulcan tho, even in really hot weather. I'd expect the Sabre to be pretty much the same, or better.
Hope this helps
Nick
NuclearPower
10-02-2005, 15:16
Many helpful answers :biggthump
But..there is one thing I'm not sure about...
Does the Sabre 60/100 have side pockets, or is that optional ??
I would like to see a picture of an expanded and loaded Sabre......
http://www.assj21.dsl.pipex.com/images/rucsacs/sabre60100profileogm.jpg
they are optional i think!
www.pri.uk.com
Beer Monster
10-02-2005, 15:46
I think the 60- 100 Sabre has built in "expanding" side pockets (http://www.shop.edirectory.co.uk/penrith_survival/pages/moreinfoa.asp?pe=FCJCBQ_+Karri mor+Sabre+60+100+Rucksack&cid=55) (looks like it in the photos too) like the Karrimor Jaguar range. £50 off here (http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/Merchant2/4.13/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Product_Code=SAB60&Category_Code=R2)!
NuclearPower
10-02-2005, 16:06
And here is a third description...:
http://www.awe-outdoors.co.uk/ProductDetails2.aspx?productID =4
Does anybody know..??
Does the MAIN compartment expand from 60 - 80 ltrs
and does this bergan have side pockets 10/20 ltr :?:
Paganwolf
10-02-2005, 16:16
yep they are expandable zipped pockets with retainer straps, you cant attatch side pockets.
bushwakka
10-02-2005, 16:46
I have used the Berghaus Vulcan and found it to be excellent for carrying hevy loads - Do you need to do this? The hip belt is very good as you can carry most of the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders. The side pouches were about 10 litres each and could be zipped together to form a day sack. Keep your bushcraft essentials in these so that you can 'bug-out' or explore away from your base camp. the main disadvantage with these types of sacks is the size. You can be tempted to fill the vacuous space with kit. They are ideal for arctic/winter activities where you may need bulkier kit such as sleeping bag, warm clothing, etc... I sold mine on ebay! Over the years as I have become more skilled in bushcraft I tend to carry less and try to improvise from the environment. If I were to buy a large rucksack again I would go for the Karrimor sabre.
Hope this is useful
NuclearPower
11-02-2005, 08:08
Splendid :-)
Yes, I will carry heavy loads and winter trekking is fun :chill:
How good is sabre for heavy loads ?? Actually, this is my main concern.
So... the question is now...for heavy loads (round 50 kgs) Berghaus or Sabre ?? What do you say ?
:banghead:
Paganwolf
11-02-2005, 08:50
I would say sabre,but ive got one so i would :lol: you cant go wrong really, the only other thing its to try them :wink:
NuclearPower
13-02-2005, 11:55
I have loaned a Karrimor Condor 60/100. I think it was manufactured in 1991.
Is the SA backsystem of the Condor the same as in the SABRE ??
If not, what are the differences?
NuclearPower
15-02-2005, 13:58
Dear all....thanx for all the advice and opinions. :You_Rock_
Today, I walked into a shop for trying (note: NOT buying) some new backpacks.
I tried the Berghaus, Vulcan and Atlas....it was OK!
I tried some Arcteryx.....it was OK!
I tried the Ospreys.....OK!
I tried the Norröna...It was OK!
I tried Lundhags and Haglöfs....well....
And then.. my Ladies and Gentlemen....I tried the Bergans Viking.
It fitted perfectly :shock: . Exactly as i wanted it, except from weight and sevenhoundred and one zippers , pockets and straps.....but who cares (Now I can even bring a full bottle of Single malt due to the x-tra comfort :biggthump ). I loaded it with all gear I could find and I could dance (Kossac-dance :super: ) with it on my back
So i bougt it for....eh....410 Euro...I just love my wife :o):
I plan to give you my fair opinion of it after the summer...Cheers..
May be a bit late but I used the Vulcan for my latest :Crazy_071 Norway jaunt and it was great - carried all my winter gear in comfort and thanks to the harness was very stable when on snow shoes. :biggthump
NuclearPower
15-02-2005, 15:21
Gary -> Snow shoes.....what are they for ?? :wink:
Gary -> Snow shoes.....what are they for ?? :wink:
Walking on snow mate! :chill: :rolmao:
NuclearPower
15-02-2005, 19:13
Skis are more impressive......downhill... :Crazy_071
True but its hard to carve a spoon when doing a red run!! :rolmao: That said the pack would still be nice a stable whether skiing or climbing ect ect
bushwakka
16-02-2005, 13:55
I've not yet tried the Sabre but what appeals to me is that its capacity can be expanded from 60 to 100 litres. The Berghaus vulcan can not so when carrying reduced loads the pack cannot be adjusted and your kit will be loose and not be carried most efficiently.
One other thing to bear in mind with the Vulcan is that it comes in something like 4 sizes according to your back length (height). Make sure you choose the right size for you.
I've not yet tried the Sabre but what appeals to me is that its capacity can be expanded from 60 to 100 litres. The Berghaus vulcan can not so when carrying reduced loads the pack cannot be adjusted and your kit will be loose and not be carried most efficiently.
One other thing to bear in mind with the Vulcan is that it comes in something like 4 sizes according to your back length (height). Make sure you choose the right size for you.
Good point about the sizing to back length - but the Vulcan does have compression straps on the side too however I personally have never needed them as a small load goes in the day sack (say for weekends and such) so i only use the rucksack for longer trips.
SquirrelBoy
16-02-2005, 16:04
A point on the Vulcan sizeing - Im 5`10 in height and have the Size 3 fits me just right :biggthump