 evening all! Im looking for a new rucksack big enough to carry my sleeping bag, bivy and tarp as well as sleeping mats, clothes and food enough for a three day wild camp jaunt, also needs to be cheap (less than 60 quid ) and big enough for a six and a half foot tall man! help!
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Just check out anywhere really, I got my 65 litre bag, which has plenty of room for all that, and lightweight enough, from Argos for £30. That was years and years ago, still in brilliant condition, and Ive used it in two competitions with heavy content. It has been fantastic, and the only thing that has broken, is one zip on a side pocket, which can still be used for large items such as water bottles anyway.
So basically it doesn't matter too much, just look around, try Argos, even Tesco, you might find a bag that suits your needs. Failing that there is always Millets, Blacks, Field and Trek and all the other chain stores, but you will have to pay £60 or more, easily.
Hope I have helped?
Check out my blog at liking.com, it doesnt have much information on it currently, but I am updating every day, more or less, so keep checking it out.
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likehiking.com is my blog sorry.
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 The old model Berghaus Arete 45 is only £45 at the minute http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN56835
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I use a 45ltr OMM Villian for what you describe and manage happily enough. Thats a bit more money BUT if I was buying now, the new arete would be on my list of possibles. £60 http://store.berghaus.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product8_11201_10252_4-34282_-1___
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| Edited: 02/02/11 23:33 |
yeh good point about the bag size, 45ltr would be enough and would prevent you from over packing the 65ltr bag, I suppose. If money is tight, might be better to get a bigger back to suit more occasions however?
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I'm not sure a 65l would be useful for more occasions tho - when would you really need all that space when bivvying? My 45l has been used this last year for a 10 day trip abroad inc 4 days wildcamp at altitude. Day trips with climbing gear, ropes, gear etc. I used it for a two nighter wildcamp at the weekend in the Lakes with temps of -9c on Saturday morning and it was plenty big enough even with winter gear. It's far too big for a daysac mind but then I have a 20ltr one for that that still has way too much unused space in it. For the OPs specific needs I'd say either of the Berghaus bags would be perfect... especially the new one in Yellow (they call it green sheen) and Blue. Tried it on the other day and it's a very nice sack, with maybe just the gear loops on the harness being a bit superfluous for most folks.
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 There are a number of Karrimor packs at Sports Direct or Field and Trek which would probably do and are cheap enough - they seem to be permanently on sale in my nearest one (Southampton), so probably online too. Can't vouch for their quality - have only used their smaller packs which were fine for me.
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 Check out the Gelert rucksacks which for some reason never get mentioned - are they not fashionable or something? I have a Wilderness 65l I'm surprised by the quality of it for the price. Well I like it anyway I guess I'm the only person that has a Gelert rucksack.
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Simon, Whatever you get be sure it fits well. Do that by walking around the store (and feeling conspicuous) for 1/2 hour with at least 30 lbs./15 kilos in it. Then ask yourself, "Will this be comfortable enough to carry for 6 hours?" Is its harness (padded waistbelt & shoulder straps) adjustable for torso length? (5th cervical vertibrae to hip bone crest) Does it have an internal FRAME? (no frame = pain on the trail) Does it have lift straps on top of the shoulder straps? Soes it have the essential bells & whistles I want? Look at and try on friends backpacks before hitting the store. "Caveat emptor."
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You might want to check out Testfreaks for the same. You will find good collection.
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