I'm thinking of replacing my currrent day sack, which is a Bergaus 64 Zero that has got a few too many rips to be trustworthy any more. It's been a good sack, but has some weaknesses -- no secure valuables pockets or proper place to stash poles, a bit fragile, and maybe a bit small for light overnighters. So, I'm looking for something of around 35 litres, pretty light -- around 1,000g, or less -- has a couple of secure pockets, a hydration sleeve and pockets for trekking/tent poles, and is tough. The Crux AK37 seems to fit the bill, but I've not tried it on for size and it's very expensive for a day sack -- so any other suggestions? Cheers
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 I use an Osprey Stratus 32 and find it perfect for day walks and overnighters.
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Guy,interested in your remarks on the 64zero sac,I have been using one for about 12 months now and so far no problems but,I am only doing light day walks nowadays so it should last a while.I find my single pole fits into the longer of the mesh pockets and is then secured with a short cord and lock slipped through the lid fastening.
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 Guy I have used the Crux AK37 extensively for backpacking over the last year or so; an excellent sack IMO. That said fit is everything in a sack so I would urge you to try one on (loaded) - although as they are not that easy to find that may be an issue? It is a 'big' 37 L... Personally I never use the hydration sleeve - I thread my source down the main body of the sack, easier to get at when backpacking. The hipbelt is minimal, but comfortable (but then I hardly use one anyway). Pictures of it in action.... Apologies for blatancy of posing  Ask any specific Qs?
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| Edited: 09/03/08 20:27 |
 The OMM Jirishanca 35RL MSC seems to tick all your boxes although you didn't mention a budget  It's a great bag & I love mine tae bits.
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Pete -- I'm not saying the 64 Zero is at all a bad sack. I've had mine 4-5 years and given it a lot of hammer, including scraping it against rocks and carrying light camping gear, which it's not really intended for. I know you can carry poles in it, but it's just not as easy doing so as having wand pockets or the like. Cheers ed -- nice to read a positive view on the Crux. How tall are you, just out of interest? I ask because I believe the AK37 is only available in one back length. Chhers again
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Guy I am about 5' 8/9" (I think) - the Crux is as you say a fixed back length - (2 I think on the Crux scale); will be significant as the backs are well-shaped to fit (for me anyway)... if you are anywhere around Newcastle come and try one (or two) on. Oh, and my 6' girlfriend used it on the GR5 last summer no problems; so again - all about fit I guess....
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| Edited: 09/03/08 21:43 |
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My girlfriend has the Osprey Stratos 32 and it's a lovely bag and as long as you've got an optimised 'fast and light' overnight system it'll fit in! I did a trial pack yesterday and it's not big enough for my kit including my camera gear...
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Another vote for the berghaus arete 45 The wand pockets are not mesh, so your tripod will fit nicely on the side.
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Also worth considering are the Osprey Talon series, and perhaps even the Exposure 36. They all come in different back lengths. Lightwave's new Fastpack looks worth waiting for, though it isn't in the shops yet. They are also sized, and have the same (brilliant) back system as the Crux packs.
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 Another vote for the OMM Jirishanca. Hava swatch at the new Haglofs LIM 35 as well.
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It's a real pity that the OMM stuff doesn't come in different back lengths. They would clean up if they did.
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Interesting link to the Lightwaves ALS - same back as Crux it seems (which I agree works very well - for me anyway); hip-belts look a bit more 'designed' than on the Crux sacks (although as said above I don't use them anyway).
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 My Lowe Alpine Mountain Contour 45 is pretty bomb-proof & a very comfortable & stable carry. Not the lightest of sacks though.
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The Lightwave pack looks interesting -- very like the Crux AK37, which is not surprising, I suppose. Have to see how much it is and if there are any stockists in Cumbria.
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Crux and Lightwave are designed by the same guy - Carol McDermott - and use the same incredibly strong and light internal frame. Crux packs are tweaked towards climbers, so are a bit beefier, with a more vestigial waistbelt that is cut high to keep out of the way of a harness. Lightwave packs are perhaps more walker friendly in that they are lighter and have wider, more supportive waist belts and more useful external pockets. Either pack can be sat on when it's empty, proving that (if you want) you can transfer all the weight to the hipbelt and completely remove the load from your shoulders.
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I've also got a 'which pack' thread going, although it's focussed more on the 50 litre options, but a bag that looks very interesting is the Gregory Z55 but they do also do 35, 30 and 22 litre bags in the same series....
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 I've got a 45 litre Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack Hyperlite, bought a couple of years back in a Tiso sale. It's a very decent pack, with an acceptable weight (around 1 kg) and carries typical loads nicely. There's no point having a light sack with a flimsy hipbelt if it rips into your shoulders and breaks your spine with a 10 kg load. A heavier sack can 'feel' lighter if it fits you properly, which is why many people prefer relatively heavy macpacs. It is well arranged for stashing poles/axe (outside) and has a couple of top pockets for valuables. Also the fabric is very water repellent and tough. Having said that, I'm sure there are several other packs from other brands with a similar spec.
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.jpg) Golite Jam2 may fit the bill look on Outdoor warehouse £63 old jam £30 Dyneema very hard wearing and these are very light
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