Starting out?

"raidlight_endurance_pouch" something worn by plumbers in porn films?

Ha Ha.

I was starting to think about the Osprey Porter 46, but I saw a picture of it's featureless back and the madness cleared. I have learned instead that a 'sleeping bag compartment' is not necessarily a separate compartment to the main compartment (I don't want a separate compartment), so I have a few more options from the traditional top-loader shape.

I went to Cotwold Outdoor today and I saw the new FreeFlo Pro 40. I was surprised and impressed. I was looking at it, and the Osprey and they seemed very similar in materials and buckles and when I put it on, the Berghaus felt great and looked pretty nice too.

My short list now is:

Berghaus FreeFlow Pro 40
TNF Terra 45
Osprey Talon 44
Lowe Alpine Airzone 35+10 (but I hate the silly lid)
Deuter Guide 40 (wild card entry).

I visited the Berghaus shop in Covent Garden and I think the FreeFlow 40 looks too slender. I really do want bottom access and my list now is:

BH FreeFlow 50
BH Verden 45+8 (maybe too big)
TNF Terra 45
OS Talon 44

I might take you up on that when I'm ready. in the meantime, Berghaus have...eventually updated their website:

http://www.berghaus.com/ProductList.aspx?ProductRangeID=0&ProductTypeID=7&Gear=2