Karrimor rucksacks

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I`ve been taking the lad fell walking with me (15 years old) & I`ve been slowly kitting him out, but I haven`t bought him a daysack yet. I know that Karrimor went bust a few years back so I am wondering if anybody has any idea if they are of a reasonable quality. Obviously I`m not willing to spend a fortune on one if I can help it (teenage boys have the attention span of a mosquito) because there is no guaruntee that he will want to continue doing it.
If anyone has recent experience of karrimors packs their knowledge would be appreciated.

[Wildrover]

The standard Karrimor of today is no patch on the original stuff ( I think the brand name is now owned by the sports shop chain called Sportsworld).
I don't own any of the new stuff, but have handled some of it. IMHO, if you don't expect old skool bombproof it's OK. I wouldn't spend big on the stuff, although I've often seen it well discounted, so probably worth the money.

On the other hand there is the Karrimor SF range made by PRI.
This stuff is the real deal, but much more expensive.
I have a Sabre 45 and I rate it highly.
Must be said tho' I've used the Hot series sacks (that the sabre is based on ) since the 80's and the size etc suit me.

On balance, given your situation (i.e. teenager), I'd probably go with the cheaper stuff.

Hope my rambling reply helps.

Chris

[MrMac]

I've got a Karrimor daysack that I use as 'school bag' for taking stuff back and forward to work and for the tenner I paid for from sportsworld I certainly cant complain. It seems to be lasting ok considering how much I paid for it. Wouldnt touch the footwear again tho, got a pair of soft boots a while back and after just a couple of walks the tread was almost completely gone and the stitching was coming apart, waste of money!

But yeah, get a rucksack. Whats the worst that can happen? Get one n even if it does last 6months to a year, it's not a great odeal of cash n if he still likes the walking you can get hm a better one. Or if he finds out it's not really for him, you've not lost a lot of moneys!

Mac

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I`ve been willing to spend about £40 on one. I have a cheap £10 karrimor pack for work as well, obviously it will not be up to hill walking durability so I`m hoping that somebody has handled one of the more expensive recent models & could enlighten me about its materials & build quality if possible.
Cheers.

[JungleBert]

I've got a Karrimor rucksack I've had for about 15 years, it's my overflow bag when I need to take a lot of stuff away, it's seen the world and is still in better shape than any bag I've had since!

[dogman]

Have a look at the highlander range(i have one you can look at)they're not bad value.

Rob

[JonathanD]

It's already been said, but the SF range is tops. The 35L is a bushcrafting classic, but the 30L makes a great day sack too. Saying all that though, the 25L Highlander gets more use than those two for a days bimble now...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/20May20104.jpg

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The highlander range has given me food for thought.
Thanks fellas much appreciated.

[Garnett]

Hi there. Owned two karrimors from before the sale of the company. Still have on - a fantastic pack which seems indestructable, with one of the best back systems I've worn.

Just threw away a bag I bought from them since the sale. Nowhere close in terms of quality (but then a lot cheaper too). Materials, design and construction have worsened. In particular a zip failed on mine pack and meant it wasn't very useable.

I also own a Highlander 55l I got new for £30. It's a simple bag and I don't think the zips are any better but the design means they don't take strain. If you're in the market for a decent budget pack I'd definitely third the recommendation for the Highlander stuff.

[Andy]

What else will it get used for?

I've went through a few cheap bags at that age and now have a lowe alpine mountain attack 30 at 17. It's seen five years of carrying books for school and uni not to mention a lot of shopping and cycling. It's had a lot of use and is still in great condition. I got through two or three packs in a couple of years before this.

[gregs656]

I would get another Lowe Alpine as well, I've got the Sting and it's too big for a day sack but I used it extensively over the summer and it hasn't got a single mark on it. Very good kit.

[john wings]

karrimor alpiniste, both 45 and 70 litres models are a heck of a sac;i bought mine on ebay second hand;i believe i have the older model though,its red and blue.

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Decided to get him a Berghaus 25 + 5 for £40 from field & trek after reading the replies on here, he has`nt used it yet but is looking forward to breaking it in in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for your input fellas, it helped prevent me wasting my cash, cheers.