(please ignore aztec title! all these sack names going to my head, im on about the quartz :S )

After a number of years of car camping, i've decided to make a jump to backpacking, and so, ive been hunting around for my first real rucksack.

Looking for a very reliable sack, that'll last me a good few years (student budget, can't afford new gear once a year). But one that'll be comfortable on multi day treks with a full load of stuff (talking 15kg max here?).

Not after an expedition quality sack or anything, but definately one that'll be able to handle most of the longer european treks in good conditions.

So, the berghaus cyclops 3 quartz has caught my eye, im driven away from the C7 series because of rumours of the bioflex system breaking down too easily. The cyclops 3 has enough storage space certainly, just wondering if it's durable, reliable and comfortable enough for longer treks (considering the price tag - sub £100).

Any other good alternatives? Or is the cyclops 3 quartz a sure bet?

Thanks for your time
Nathan

*cough* Osprey Aether *cough*

The new 70l model is £140 odd, but the recently replaced Aether 65 can be had for £90 or so while stocks can be found - try Ellis Brigham for instance. An excellent bag and light for its carrying capacity.

Have fun,

Steve

Lowe Alpine Frontier 65 + 15 is a good solid bag. A bit heavy perhaps but it'll take anything you throw at (or in) it.

That osprey looks like a nice piece of kit, the Frontier's a nice pack too, and looks more likely to hold all my stuff, 65ltr/80ltrs.

I could always strap some stuff to the outside but that kinda defeats the object of a big sack, hehe. Would I be alright with 65?

Yeah, the aether seems like the nicer pack but riskier than the frontier. Is it tough enough?

Thanks again
Nath

You won't need to strap anything to the outside of a Frontier. I backpacked the C2C and carried everything (and more) for a 12 day trip.

office manager - oops, sorry, that wasnt very clear, i meant the aether might not be big enough, being just 65ltrs, heh. But yeah, 12 days worth of gear for c2c is impressive :)



Ook, Ian Wettstein has a used Lowe Alpine Frontier 65 + 15 in the classifieds for £45.
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/classifieds/advert.asp?c=1569&sp=&v=1

Worth looking into?

>Ook, Ian Wettstein<

Is the librarian in here???;)

Hehehehe, very funny Mr Vimes :P

I know ;P

My two penneth:

osprey aether.

I use Lowe, but not a back-packing sack (alpine attack 60).

Nice long lasting things?
I dunno, the frontier looks tougher and I could do with the extra room, even with the added weight.

Thanks for the replys btw.

I'd say the Aether *looks* hard wearing enough to me, but I've not given mine enough hammer to tell yet. It seems like a big 65 litres, but only you know how much gear you have! Size is a tricky one to judge. It's big enough for solo winter backpacking with my kit (including a 2 man tent). With your kit?

Steve

I have big kit :)
Gigantic cheapo sleeping bag and mat, and my tent isnt that small (13ltrs, 2.8kg).

I would probably be ok with the 65, but it'd be a tight fit.

I suppose its a good incentive to get a decent sleeping bag aswell *gawps at cost*.

Hehe, oh well, thanks for the help.