I hate spec me threads but......

Jimbeam3678 · 17 May 2008 at 08:55

Could somebody advise me on backpackers rucksacks??

Planning on travelling Oz for 12months ,any particular brand I shold avoid go for ??

Whats ort of size should I be looking at ??

Also are any decent cheap websites to use?? I plan on going into town to have a look at a few but I assume online will be cheaper

Thanks in advance

[DOD]Asprilla · 17 May 2008 at 09:00

I'd look on the bay if I were you. I picked up a brand new 70+20L Lowe Alpine technical mountain pack (very comfy and very big) for half price on there.

I'd recommend Lowe, simply because I've got 4 or 5 of varying sizes and I've never had a problem with them.

Edit - if you are going to be wearing it for any length of time then go and try them on and make sure it's comfortable for you or can be adjusted so that it is - you wouldn't buy walking boots without trying them on, so why do the same with a pack.

RoboCod · 17 May 2008 at 09:01

Bugout bags are pretty good. US marine issue but you can buy civvy versions. They're very durable and deceivingly bigger than they look.

GhostlyPea · 17 May 2008 at 09:05

If your hiking and not staying anywhere for long then the Berghaus C7 range (top loader)is excellent. If your staying somewhere for a few days then you more than likely want a travel-pack (opens like a suit case) and Karrimor for the cheaper side do some very good ones, if your spending more then go for something like Osprey.

In London go to Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden.

Avoid:
- Bundles (bag plus useless crap you don't need like bumbags and other useless accessories)
- Own brands from Millets, Blacks and Field and Trek (Eurohike, Blacks, Stormshield etc.)

Tips:

- You want between 85 - 120 litres depending on what your carrying (camping equipment or not?) and how often you will be able to wash clothing.
- Buy a pacmate (google it), pricey but invaluable.
- If you havn't tried it on and had it fitted by a pro, don't buy it. poor fitted bags can cripple your back.
- When you buy one, take it home and pack everything into it you will need to take. if it all fits take the contents out, jumble it up (i.e. screw clothing up etc.) and put it all back in. if it doesn't fit now then you're either taking too much stuff or the bag is too small.
- Get advice from people with experience and shop around to get different opinions.

If you want any more info then add me to MSN, I used to work in this sector so I can give some advice

- Pea0n

Jimbeam3678 · 17 May 2008 at 09:07

[DOD]Asprilla;11702157 said:
I'd look on the bay if I were you. I picked up a brand new 70+20L Lowe Alpine technical mountain pack (very comfy and very big) for half price on there.

I'd recommend Lowe, simply because I've got 4 or 5 of varying sizes and I've never had a problem with them.

Edit - if you are going to be wearing it for any length of time then go and try them on and make sure it's comfortable for you or can be adjusted so that it is - you wouldn't buy walking boots without trying them on, so why do the same with a pack.

Very true don't want one thats uncomfortable. What sort of size should I be looking at ?? I'm 6ft if that makes difference.

just wanted to make sure I was looking at the correct brands. Also i'm not likely to get a fake off the bay am I?

Jimbeam3678 · 17 May 2008 at 09:09

Pea0n said:
If your hiking and not staying anywhere for long then the Berghaus C7 range (top loader)is excellent. If your staying somewhere for a few days then you more than likely want a travel-pack (opens like a suit case) and Karrimor for the cheaper side do some very good ones, if your spending more then go for something like Osprey.

In London go to Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden.

Avoid:
- Bundles (bag plus useless crap you don't need like bumbags and other useless accessories)
- Own brands from Millets, Blacks and Field and Trek (Eurohike, Blacks, Stormshield etc.)

Tips:

- You want between 85 - 120 litres depending on what your carrying (camping equipment or not?) and how often you will be able to wash clothing.
- Buy a pacmate (google it), pricey but invaluable.
- If you havn't tried it on and had it fitted by a pro, don't buy it. poor fitted bags can cripple your back.
- When you buy one, take it home and pack everything into it you will need to take. if it all fits take the contents out, jumble it up (i.e. screw clothing up etc.) and put it all back in. if it doesn't fit now then you're either taking too much stuff or the bag is too small.
- Get advice from people with experience and shop around to get different opinions.

If you want any more info then add me to MSN, I used to work in this sector so I can give some advice

- Pea0n

Added you. Would be great to get some advice off you. No camping gear required

Mr. Brightside · 17 May 2008 at 09:15

I got a Lowe Alpine Appalachian (70 + 15 iirc) from a German shop I found through eBay for a four week expedition to Malawi last summer. Great bag and I can't fault it really so there's one idea.

semi-pro waster · 17 May 2008 at 09:44

Lowe as has been suggested are pretty good, Berghaus are also worth a look. I've personally got a Haglofs rucksack, not amazingly cheap or full of features but the quality is excellent, it is very comfortable and it will withstand pretty much anything.

[DOD]Asprilla · 17 May 2008 at 09:49

Mr. Brightside said:
I got a Lowe Alpine Appalachian (70 + 15 iirc) from a German shop I found through eBay for a four week expedition to Malawi last summer. Great bag and I can't fault it really so there's one idea.

I actually think that's what I've got, but it's in the loft and I CBA to go up there and check.

Jimbeam3678 · 17 May 2008 at 12:48

Mr. Brightside said:
I got a Lowe Alpine Appalachian (70 + 15 iirc) from a German shop I found through eBay for a four week expedition to Malawi last summer. Great bag and I can't fault it really so there's one idea.

Think i'm looking alowe alpine. After taking adivce from some people i'm opting for a travel pack option.

What sort of size do people think for a 12 month trip round Oz mainly stopping in hostels. So no camping gear etc.

I was thinking 75l with no day pack included.

Any thoughts.....

RoboCod · 18 May 2008 at 08:26

divaboy said:
Think i'm looking alowe alpine. After taking adivce from some people i'm opting for a travel pack option.

What sort of size do people think for a 12 month trip round Oz mainly stopping in hostels. So no camping gear etc.

I was thinking 75l with no day pack included.

Any thoughts.....

I have a Lowe Alpine, if I remember rightly it's 65l. I would personally aim for around 80l but as already suggested, try it out with your kit first, you can always return it and get bigger/smaller. As I mentioned though, check the bugout series, they're very comfy and well designed.

Jimbeam3678 · 18 May 2008 at 08:54

Captain Planet said:
I have a Lowe Alpine, if I remember rightly it's 65l. I would personally aim for around 80l but as already suggested, try it out with your kit first, you can always return it and get bigger/smaller. As I mentioned though, check the bugout series, they're very comfy and well designed.

Thanks for the advice i'll have a look at that brand also.

Don'tsuppose you knw of any cheap outlets on the web do you ??

RoboCod · 18 May 2008 at 08:58

divaboy said:
Thanks for the advice i'll have a look at that brand also.

Don'tsuppose you knw of any cheap outlets on the web do you ??

For my Lowe Alpine I went to CCC outdoor equipment store (google it) they do good discounts and 10% off if you join free membership. As for the Bugout bags, at the mo I can get them for around half the price they are back in the UK!

Volcs · 18 May 2008 at 10:17

My Macpac is amazing, survived all sorts of misuse. Make sure you get a bag that opens all the way round as well - the last thing you need when travelling is taking everything out at every place you stop to get to things at the bottom of your bag.

Jimbeam3678 · 18 May 2008 at 10:40

Volcs said:
My Macpac is amazing, survived all sorts of misuse. Make sure you get a bag that opens all the way round as well - the last thing you need when travelling is taking everything out at every place you stop to get to things at the bottom of your bag.

There called travel pacs aren't they ?

Volcs · 18 May 2008 at 12:00

divaboy said:
There called travel pacs aren't they ?

Yup - here's what I've used for all my travels: http://www.fieldandtrek.com/product-Macpac-Orient-Express-14219.htm

All the straps pack away for when you're flying so they don't end getting ripped off by baggage handlers (happens more often than you'd think) and the detachable day pack is a god send.

Don't scrimp on your bag - you're going to be using it everyday for a year.

Jimbeam3678 · 18 May 2008 at 16:11

Been to specialise shop and tried on and liked the feel of this http://footprintsglasgow.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=257

Would anyone have any arguments on that one ??

semi-pro waster · 18 May 2008 at 16:16

If it fits you well, feels comfortable (did you try it with any sort of load in it?) and is well built then I'd see no reason not to get it. Since you are buying a good make then it all comes down to what feels best to you.

bennyB · 18 May 2008 at 16:43

My Karrimor rucksacks have always served me well, I have a small 25L and a larger 70L-ish, they're very well made, good stitching, comfortable with all loads and are well thought through e.g. enough compartments but not so many you get confused where you put something!

I haven't got my 70L one with me at the moment to check what model it is but i see on their website some newer ones that look similar. I would just avoid the models where they have a small bag that zips onto the back of the larger one. These look handy but I don't see the point tbh and I'm sure however well made they are that zip attachment will cause problems after a lot of use.

Jimbeam3678 · 18 May 2008 at 16:46

Cool thanks for all your comments. Tried it with weight felt fine.Gonna go back up at some point ans double check again.

I was abit ahem hungover this morning