Gear

HI

My gf is currenly looking for a new 30-40litre pack but she has decided she wants one with the curved backsystem like in the berghaus freeflow

So far she has found:

Berghaus Freeflow (mens/womens)
Deuter Futura AC

Are there any others wtih a similar back system that are worth a look?

From what we have seen and tried in the shops i think she is leaning towards the deuter as its a bit more adjustable and has a few more pockets!

Any altertatives/opinions would be appreciated

cheers
Andy

I used to have a Berghaus Freeflow, but sold it and got an Osprey Atmos 25 (there is a 35 litre as well). The advantages for me were:

Hip belt pockets for compact camera, snacks.
Can put hydration bladder in airspace if need extra room (there is a pocket inside as well).
Hip belt tightens by pulling in, rather than pulling out, which is easier, and generates twice the force (you need to see it).

It's expensive, but I haven't regretted getting it.

The Berghaus freeflow is fine if you don't love your girlfriend, but I would suggest the Osprey Atmos 35. Comes in different sizes so you can get a good fit. Very comfy, hip belt pockets, side pockets, back pocket for your getatables. Hydration pocket. Can also stuff things into the back vent thing if needed. Its not a top loader, so it makes it much easier to get at things at the bottom. With the curvature of the mesh thing that can be awkward otherwise.

Pricey but superb. She will love you forever.

Thanks for the tips ill get her to try one of those on when we go looking again,

By the way, the Women's version of the Osprey Atmos 35 is now out! I think it's called the "Aura". Tis £90, but a very very nice pack.

If your budget doesn't stretch that far, try one of the cheaper Osprey "Stratos" packs. I believe they do a 32 litre version.

if she can get away with a unisex fit ill be happy as then ill have a shiny daypack to use when she isnt coming ;o)

Ive shown her the osprey on their site and she said she likes the sound of it so is going to try it on when we go shopping!

It's down to fit. I have the freeflow 35+8 which I love, a really good fit for me when most are too short in the back. I used it for 8 days hostelling in the lakes recently and it was very comfy, even in the heatwave.

yeah, she has already tried the freeflow and the futera on so was hoping to try the womens versions then any others wtih a siilar backsystem.

I did suggest she tried my old karrimor sack or my new berghaus c7 pro but she isnt having any of it ;o)

There's women'-specific version of the Atmos due out imminently. If it's as good as the men's version, it should be excellent.

Doh... on the women's specific Osprey front.

The pack is indeed called the Aura, it's available in 35 and 50-litre versions, details on the Osprey web site

After spending most of last weekend looking for a rucsac and her trying on various alternatives she ended up getting the freeflow III 30+8(WMS).

She did like the osprey but just found the berghaus more comfortable and it seemed to sit better on her.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.