Recommend me a backpack

[RamblerUK]

I've had my eye on the 5.11 rush 72 for a while now, but keep getting put off by the reviews that say it's uncomfortable on the back. I love the organisation the rush 72 has, but comfort is more important to me. The pack is going to be for camping/hiking so it needs to be able to carry a tent, sleeping bag and a mat interally/externally.

Cheers,

Jack.

[mick spain]

After a few years of military rucksacks & Lowe Alpine Rucksacks which I must admit I thought I could never find better for long distance & heavy loads I tried an Osprey Aether 70 & had to buy it, it is the most comfortable rucksack I have ever used

[templogin]

Look at the Osprey Exos. I have one and it is wonderfully comfortable. You know what they say though, after an Osprey you won't go back!

[RamblerUK]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've always preferred the look of the 'tactical' packs, but these Osprey bags don't look like your average 'bin liner and cordage' backpack. It's leaning towards the Osprey's at the moment. Thanks again for your recommendations.

Jack.

[mattzz]

I looked at loads and went for a Crux AK 47-X. Its not got lots of features but is absolutely bomb proof and very comfortable. The material is probably the most overspeced for any rucksack on the market, some kind of kevlar nylon. Extremely light and comes in any colour you like as long as it's red.

I use it mainly for climbing and in the mountains so the lack of things hanging off it to snag and get caught up in stuff is a must. There is a good size top pocket thats weather proof for things you need close at hand and then the main compartment.

Anything that won't fit inside I strap to the sides like tent and roll mat.

Also the after sales customer service is very good as CRUX is a small company.

Good luck with the choice!

[templogin]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've always preferred the look of the 'tactical' packs, but these Osprey bags don't look like your average 'bin liner and cordage' backpack. It's leaning towards the Osprey's at the moment. Thanks again for your recommendations.

Jack.

Don't expect them to be as bombproof as the military style stuff. They are robust and made of good materials. One of mine has a titanium frame for instance. They are very well sewn too. Realistically they are not going to last as long as the military stuff. Allow some more money for a waterproof cover. Osprey packs that I have owned are not waterproof. What you will gain, or rather lose, is a lot of weight.

[arian]

Aren't rucksacks a bit like shoes? Once you've got the size and style, you can wear them, but you really need to try them on to see what's comfortable?

[mick spain]

Aren't rucksacks a bit like shoes? Once you've got the size and style, you can wear them, but you really need to try them on to see what's comfortable?

Yep your are right I meant to say that in my previous post, The Osprey fits me but maybe might not be so good on someone else, I am a big person & heavy boned
Its best to try all you can

[Frase]

I looked at loads and went for a Crux AK 47-X. Its not got lots of features but is absolutely bomb proof and very comfortable. The material is probably the most overspeced for any rucksack on the market, some kind of kevlar nylon. Extremely light and comes in any colour you like as long as it's red.

I use it mainly for climbing and in the mountains so the lack of things hanging off it to snag and get caught up in stuff is a must. There is a good size top pocket thats weather proof for things you need close at hand and then the main compartment.

Anything that won't fit inside I strap to the sides like tent and roll mat.

Also the after sales customer service is very good as CRUX is a small company.

Good luck with the choice!

I've got the Crux ak37 and they are great sacks very simple but great materials and will last a lifetime.

[lovatscout]

depends on what your carrying and for what
if your climbing or day hiking then a berghaus munro about 35 litres is great , the karrimor sabre is pretty good
for expedition something like the berghaus vulcan or the snugpak rocket pak i use a duluth pathfinder pack and its awesome had it a while and it goes on every hunting trip i go on and has been dropped,thown, sat on leant on run over shat on dunked in the drink and still comes up smilling after a hosing off
hope that helps
cheers
scout

[padbadger]

I also have a Crux Ak-47 (although not the extendable 'X' version) and can further vouch for its quality. It's an awesome bag, a very simple and hardwearing framed bag but extremely comfortable (assuming you get the fit right - there are three back lengths to choose from). It's very light for it's strength and comfort too - about 1.2kg. It's designed for climbing, so has few external bags and straps, and the hip straps are not heavily padded but I use mine for lightweight multi-day hikes and bivying and it works great for that. It's highly water resistant too - the fabric is waterproof but the seams are not welded. It depends on how much you want to carry though, I wouldn't carry much more than 10-12kg in it for long hikes. They do a larger version (Ak-57) but the back and straps remained the same just a larger capacity sack and it didn't seem to hold the weight as comfortably as the 47 when I tested it out. Crux have a sister company called lightwave who do some really nice hiking-oriented sacks too, with more external pouches and straps and fancier hip belts:

http://www.lightwave.uk.com/en/rucksacks_overview.php

I had a look at the Ultrahike 60, which is completely waterproof with welded seams, and it looked like a great bag, I just preferred the simplicity of the AK-47.

[ANDYLASER]

Lowe Alpine are supremely comfortable. If you prefer military styling, look at the Tasmanian Tiger packs,

[happy camper]

Lowe Alpine also make comfortable military packs, so they might be worth a look. I use a Lowe Alpine Sting and it is a good piece of kit. It has a widely adjustable back-length to accommodate different users. I am tall and still find it comfortable. It seems to be pretty indestructible, but the downside is heavy-duty also means it is fairly heavy. Another plus is they can be picked up as military surplus fairly cheaply.

[RamblerUK]

Thanks, i was looking for something more tactical. Still not got a pack yet, but I will check the Lowe alpine ones

[RamblerUK]

The Tasmanian Tiger packs look nice, bit pricey though