Walking Forum
Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: drewesq on 15:50:01, 06/07/17
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Hi all!
I did a multi day hike last October from Plymouth to Falmouth along the coast path with my dog, met Ian and Zen along the way...
Anyway, I have a cheapo Karrimor (~£35 I think it was) which had to carry tent, sleeping bag, clothes, food for Bongo and stove/kettle. While the first day was a bit of s log, I toughened up after that and really enjoyed it, we wild camped each night on the cliffs...
I have since upgraded from a single skin tent (which was no good when it rained) and got a new inflatable mattress after I realised mine had a hole in on the first night.
So I am already better off but I also want to upgrade the rucksack as I didn't find it that comfortable and the strap is starting to remove itself from the body.
I think I need 50-60 litres and I'd also like it to be strong and comfortable, possibly with adjustable back? If it could cost less than £100 then that would also be a big bonus!!
Look forward to your replies
Thanks
Andrew :)
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Me and april use the osprey exos 58 rucksack
Cost more than £100 but worth it in my opinion
Very light, very comfortable
I own 2 other osprey rucksacks but they are nowhere near as good as this
Fits in all
My wild camping gear the stretchy pockets on the sides and back are great and there's a removable top pocket, april saves a bit of weight by removing this, I need the extra room for my gadgets
Highly recommend them O0
Beefy
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Thanks beefy, not too much over the £100, looks like a contender!
:)
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O0 O0 O0 O0
Osprey Exos.
Does exactly what is needed. Lightweight, comfortable, good straps. Plenty of room.
Make sure you get the size that fits your back. I am 6'3" and mine fits like a glove as I got the largest one. Many other makes did not actually fit no matter how adjustable etce. tried too many on to remember makes. Their boast is that they make " backpacks that fit every shape, size and gender"
Love mine.
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The important aspect of buying a quality ruck sac, is to buy the very best you can afford, and if there is one particular model that is out of reach budget wise, SAVE FOR IT.
I have noticed that materials used today, are not as good as those back in the 1970 and 80s.
A very old Berghaus Dart 45, i bought donkey's years ago, is still in amazing condition, no tears to the fabric, zips still in fine working order, and even though its very faded, it will last another thirty odd years.
Choosing a larger capacity sac, in the 50-60L range, needs to be done carefully.
Quality will cost good money, but visit the websites of the leading manufacturers, and see what sacs are at the top of their range.
Do not be put off by the inflated prices, because you do not buy a sac every day, and chosen carefully it should last many years.
An expensive purchase at the time, will not seem so bad, in twenty or so years, when its still in fine condition, and giving good service.
Its ever so easy to buy a budget sac, thinking its more than i want to spend anyway, but if your prepared to save a few quid every month, that quality expensive sac, will pay for itself over the years.
Its ever so difficult to recommend a particular sac.
You know the capacity your after, and anyway, you have to try on the various sacs on your want list, to make sure their a good fit.
A sac is not like a pair of boots, that in a few years, will need replacing, its a bit of equipment that can last the owner a considerable number of years, get it right the first time.
If you do see a particular sac, but are put off by the price, save for it, it will be money well spent longterm.
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A very old Berghaus Dart 45, i bought donkey's years ago, is still in amazing condition, no tears to the fabric, zips still in fine working order, and even though its very faded, it will last another thirty odd years.
Is that because like most of your kit it seems it never sees the light of day ;)
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Is that because like most of your kit it seems it never sees the light of day ;)
I dare say that it did......"many years ago"
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I quite agree, ive bought quite a bit of kit over the years, and lots of it has never been used.
Two ruck sacks, at least two waterproofs, and a high end Mountain Equipment Down jacket, that is designed for sub zero high altitude use ( not much call for that here in the UK)
The Mountain Equipment Annapurna duvet, was the perfect addition to the 1991 Kongur jacket, so i bought it, and it zips right into the jacket.
Annoyingly Mountain Equipment had used a particular YKK zip, that was not a direct match with any of their fleece jackets.
About the only item of clothing that would fit this zip, was the Annapurna duvet, and its been used once or twice, on those rare occasions when its way below freezing.
I still have the Kongur jacket, that leaks like anything, but was beautifully made, and still looks a thing of beauty.
There are few of us on this forum, who hands on their heart, cannot say they have not bought items of kit that never sees the light of day.
We all see occasional bargains, that look too good to leave in the shop, and buy them.
When i was more serious about my walking, monthly challenge walks, regular trips away, i bought kit that looked nice.
Some of it got used, and worn till it fell apart, whilst a few of the more exotic purchases, were money down the drain.
My other passion, is cars, but thats another topic for discussion.
We all make mistakes, its part of being human.
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My present rucksack is an Osprey Exos 48L and for me its the best carry I have used to date. I also have a Lightwave 50L which is fine but after a week of hiking I always got red raw shoulders.
My rucksack personal maximum is 50L, I have honed my equipment down and even when fully loaded I still have loads of space. Even if I carried cooking equipment, which I don't I'm sure would still have some space left.
I'm sure there are lots of good bags out there, I made my choice and I'm happy with it.
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I love my Exped Lightning 60 backpack. Comfiest pack I've ever used. Brilliant load transfer. Plenty of space. There's a review on my blog (link in sig).
J
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Another vote for Osprey Exos. Light, comfortable and more durable than I ever expected. I have another Osprey with their adjustable back system, but I never managed to find its sweet spot for distributing weight comfortably.
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Osprey Exos, best rucksack I've ever had. Measure your back to make sure you get the right size, I got a small Exos 58 which is actually 55l. Worth every penny O0
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Osprey Exos 48 for sale on Gumtree @ £35 (Manchester area)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/backpacks/bargain-osprey-exos-48-/1251234432 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/backpacks/bargain-osprey-exos-48-/1251234432)
The back length is not stated but at that price it's got be worth a phone call.
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That looks good value, I paid a lot more for mine!
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I'm very impressed with my Lightwave Ultra hike 60, I find it very comfortable to carry and have never suffered chaffing on the shoulders. I guess we're all a slightly different shape. It supports loads up to 20kg well but I prefer to keep them to under 17kg.
Earlier this year I tried a frameless ULA pack with an 11.25kg load for eight days, not a very successful experiment. mainly because I was between sizes so ended up with the hip-belt just below my hips instead of no top of them. But, also because it didn't support the weight well without some sort of stiffener down the back of the pack. A pity because otherwise it was quite a good pack, so it may be worth looking at some of their framed packs.
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Another vote for the Lightwave Ultrahike 60. Been using mine for 3 yrs now. IMO a lot lighter than the equivalent Osprey. Only drawback is no mesh pockets.
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The great thing about the exos is it's so light, but doesn't compromise on features 8)
1.09kg for the 58l
The ultrahike is 1.225kg on ultralightweigt outdoors
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Some rucksack manufacturers are obsessed with making their sacks lighter and lighter, almost to the point where they're little more than bin-liners with webbing straps.
Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing the support of a good harness which will ultimately be more comfortable, in favour of saving a few grams.
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The great thing about the exos is it's so light, but doesn't compromise on features 8)
1.09kg for the 58l
The ultrahike is 1.225kg on ultralightweigt outdoors
1225g - 1090g = 135g
One pair of socks size 11 = 150g.
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Some rucksack manufacturers are obsessed with making their sacks lighter and lighter, almost to the point where they're little more than bin-liners with webbing straps.
Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing the support of a good harness which will ultimately be more comfortable, in favour of saving a few grams.
Good advice ... as usual O0
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If anyone is thinking of buying a new rucksack, who please are the firms who 'are obsessed with making their sacks lighter and lighter................'? It would be useful to us all to have such information when making our decisions.
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I actually went to the trouble of posting a link then thought, "why bother"?
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Another vote for the Lightwave Ultrahike 60. Been using mine for 3 yrs now. IMO a lot lighter than the equivalent Osprey. Only drawback is no mesh pockets.
The great thing about the exos is it's so light, but doesn't compromise on features 8)
1.09kg for the 58l
The ultrahike is 1.225kg on ultralightweigt outdoors
1225g - 1090g = 135g
One pair of socks size 11 = 150g.
I think your missing the point unless you misread the posts ::)
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I'd suggest not taking the advice a bunch of Forum warriors but to instead go to a store with a big range and see whats available, try on a few, inspect them all in detail and then make an informed decision on what you see. ..oh.
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I'd suggest not taking the advice a bunch of Forum warriors but to instead go to a store with a big range and see whats available, try on a few, inspect them all in detail and then make an informed decision on what you see. ..oh.
Forum warriors? ???
you have a problem with people asking for help and advise then go and offer yours
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;D O0
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Forum warriors? ???
you have a problem with people asking for help and advise then go and offer yours
Yes, hence the 'oh' at the end ::)
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My Berghaus Ridgeway has been great. 3 pairs of socks heavier than the Exos but 65 +10 and pretty robust. And it was only £85 as I recall. I like carrying socks anyway ;)
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One of the reasons I like this Forum is because I can read about real people's experiences with all types of gear. I could go in and just choose from a shop stock but I have alsoo learned that it also can be the frequency of use that will identify perhaps the one thing that can turn your most favourite item into your most hated!
I remember my Keen boots that leaked like a sieve, the Saloman ones that did too, the slight design fault on the hood of my Marmot Precip where the velcro that secures the collar also scratches off the waterproofing material and the carbon fibre hiking stick that just shattered in an instant. I passed my experiences to the Forum, maybe someone thought I'll look into that before I buy? I know I have read much good advice that has helped me more than once.
For me rucksack purchase has been difficult but I have achieved what I want now thanks to the buying and wearing experience of other Forum members.
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After going round many shops and reading many forum posts (thus noting all the above advice) I have just bought an Osprey Exos 48 despite all that lurid green on it (It's behind me anyway, I won't see it most of the time). I'll report back after the next LDP for the use of the next would be rucksack purchaser. As Gunwharfman says, other people's experience is useful, especially as they aren't wanting to sell me anything.
And for the record, I once bought a pair of Keen boots (not sure what model, they are in the bin) which also leaked like a sieve. And gave me blisters.
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Some rucksack manufacturers are obsessed with making their sacks lighter and lighter, almost to the point where they're little more than bin-liners with webbing straps.
Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing the support of a good harness which will ultimately be more comfortable, in favour of saving a few grams.
I seem to recall you had a waterproof day sack? If I push memory maybe OMM? How is that working out?
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The great thing about the exos is it's so light, but doesn't compromise on features 8)
1.09kg for the 58l
The ultrahike is 1.225kg on ultralightweigt outdoors
Having re read my post I must apologise. I actually use the Wildtrek 60ltr which is 3.2lbs. At the turn of the year I had tried an Osprey Aether 60ltr and not the Exos. The Aether according to advertising is 4 lbs 7oz and this years model over 5lbs and actually feels a lot heavier than the Wildtrek. Again apologies.
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Having re read my post I must apologise. I actually use the Wildtrek 60ltr which is 3.2lbs. At the turn of the year I had tried an Osprey Aether 60ltr and not the Exos. The Aether according to advertising is 4 lbs 7oz and this years model over 5lbs and actually feels a lot heavier than the Wildtrek. Again apologies.
No apology necessary 8)
I am however, becoming increasingly reluctant to post on this forum, with some of the smart [censored] posting derogatory and deliberately flaming comments it's like being back in the playground at school
Why can't everyone just accept their different opinions and get along with each other :-\
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I seem to recall you had a waterproof day sack? If I push memory maybe OMM? How is that working out?
Peter, I have an Exped Mountain Pro 40L which is waterproof. It's a bit on the big side for day walks, but coincidentally, I am using right now on a three-day circular walk in the Lakes!
I'm not sure this sack is available in the UK, it should be, it's brilliant.
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The Aether according to advertising is 4 lbs 7oz and this years model over 5lbs and actually feels a lot heavier than the Wildtrek
But what is the weight difference in pairs of socks? ;)
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Or even half pairs :D
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But what is the weight difference in pairs of socks? ;)
Winter or summer socks? could be crucial! ;)
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Winter or summer socks? could be crucial! ;)
;D
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No apology necessary 8)
I am however, becoming increasingly reluctant to post on this forum, with some of the smart [censored] posting derogatory and deliberately flaming comments it's like being back in the playground at school
Why can't everyone just accept their different opinions and get along with each other :-\
O0 O0
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I'd suggest not taking the advice a bunch of Forum warriors but to instead go to a store with a big range and see whats available, try on a few, inspect them all in detail and then make an informed decision on what you see. ..oh.
The OP asked for advice and members like Beefy are giving their advice based on real usage for what the rucksacks are intended. By all means go to somewhere like GoOutdoors and try the range but they aren't going to let you load the sack to capacity and do a 10 mile trip. Members experiences help you make that informed decision.
Regards Keith
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I've always used Lowe Alpine sacks, as I find them very comfortable and good at transferring the weight. They are maybe not light by "ultra light" measures, but are by no means heavy and the comfort and stability makes them feel less than that real weight (if you get my meaning)!
Pricewise, they'd just about fit your criteria - maybe a bit over, but you might find one discounted or on e-bay or whatever. Have a look at this one for starters:
https://lowealpine.com/uk/eclipse-45-55-5
Check their site for options and sizes/weights first, and see what you find. I'd definitely be looking at them for options around 45-55L if I were upgrading to a bigger bag - which I may be doing soon! O0
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Some rucksack manufacturers are obsessed with making their sacks lighter and lighter, almost to the point where they're little more than bin-liners with webbing straps.
Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing the support of a good harness which will ultimately be more comfortable, in favour of saving a few grams.
There are some where this is the case, and for the use case they are intended for that's fine. If your a SUL thru hiker with down quilt, a poncho tarp, and next to nothing else, if you're base weight is <2.5kg, why not use a very light weight simple backpack?
My Exped Lightning 60l Pack weighs in at about 1.1kg with it's extra pocket on the front. It's basically a dry bag, with two mesh side pockets, and a really good suspension system. I don't need anything more, and half the time I struggle to fill it. I've used it for a few trips and It really is the most comfortable pack I've ever used. I kinda wish they did a 30L version.
My current day pack I'm testing is 360g for a 15l pack. I think I can actually get everything I need for an over night in it. Will be testing that this week...
J