Choosing a rucksack

[GiraffePencils]

Hmm, went to a number of shops yesterday. Tried on some bags.
Seemed to fit an osprey kestrel 48 nicely, but not sure if they were just trying to sell me an osprey Haha.
Would have wanted to try on a berghaus centurio 45, I like the idea of customising the side panels etc, also the average length of time people have reported owning them seems to be ~10years

I can find the centurio for 67
The osprey kestrel for 91

....... I'm still undecided Haha

 

[Amp34]

Oh don't worry, there's no way you'll need to spend that much, these guys just had more money than sense!

Had a space blanket in my first aid pack Rroff

To be fair a decent/light tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag can easily set you back £700 as a start.

Depends how much weight and bulk you want to shed.

 

[Amp34]

If you haven't bought yet, I'm going to throw in a budget vote for Alpkit. I've got their Gourdon 30 litre roll top drybag which I bought for occasional hauling on my bike, but I actually use it quite a lot because it's such a useful size. Their other kit gets good reviews on the hiking/touring section on a cycling forum I use. Can't tell if they do a bigger bag because their site is a bit difficult to navigate...

https://www.alpkit.com/

Got my sleeping bag from alpkit. It's not the best of the best certainly, but for the price it's great.

 

[Amp34]

Not as comfy no but lighter, and tbh I couldn't justify £50 on a mat. I keep mine strapped to the outside, doesn't affect the balance as it's so light.

Not going to lie though, I am tempted by the thermarests as my tent buddy on the last trip had one and it sounded good!

Not sure about weight, doubt there is much in it, but thermarests are definitely smaller as they told in half as well as roll, much easier to put inside your lack, where everything should be ideally (closer to your back, so less leverage on the straps).

Personally I think they are worth it, but haven't used one of the other pads that copy them. I'd recommend going for one slightly shorter than you would expect when weight is important. I.e. 3/4 length or slightly longer. I'm over 6' but got a regular for example. Once you put a pillow (clothing) at one end all I end up with is my feet over the other, which doesn't bother me, but means I have a smaller and lighter mat. They only really need to cover shoulder to knees, rather than entire body.

Which leads me to another point for the OP, learn to pack your bag the best way for carrying. Usually that means heaviest stuff at the bottom and closest to your body.

 

[Street]

Sounds like a comment you'd get from Trusted Reviews - given the intention of the pack why in the name of god would the hip belt be removable??

It's marketed as a mountaineering pack.. When mountaineering/climbing I'd generally have a harness on and need to get to gear on the harness, the hip belt covers that! Most other packs of that style will have a detachable hip belt and a smaller webbing style one you can replace it with that doesn't interfere with a harness.

 

[The Mad Rapper]

Hmm, went to a number of shops yesterday. Tried on some bags.
Seemed to fit an osprey kestrel 48 nicely, but not sure if they were just trying to sell me an osprey Haha.
Would have wanted to try on a berghaus centurio 45, I like the idea of customising the side panels etc, also the average length of time people have reported owning them seems to be ~10years

I can find the centurio for 67
The osprey kestrel for 91

....... I'm still undecided Haha

Don't be. Buy the Osprey.

The Centurio is really a military style rucksack; I have an earlier version (the Munro) and while durable and expansive, the Osprey is miles more comfortable.

 

[GiraffePencils]

Hey all,

Bit of a turn up for the books.

Went to my Mums with the wee man, was discussing how I've been looking for a rucksack and my brother leaves and comes back in the room with a bona fide Royal marine commando issued rucksack.
So I've got myself a proper rucksack haha.

Plan is to use this, and get a feel how the 'military style' pack feels, and if it doesn't agree with me on this 3 day trip, I'll go for the Osprey

 

[The Mad Rapper]

Nice.