Help me choose a "Goldilocks" pack

Ian Mackenzie

26/04/2007 at 22:27

It will earn its keep as a daysack the year round and for short summer backpacking trips. I think 35l is about the right size - does that sound right to you? I've still got the old Frontier if I need to carry a bigger load.

Must be light and without unnecessary bells and whistles: frameless or minimal frame to maximise internal space, single compartment, no side pockets, dark or drab colours. I like to carry weight as low as pos, so a reasonable hip belt is important, as is good back length (I'm a bit over 6').

Top of my list at the moment is the Crux AK35. Ok - I know its an Alpine sac and not really designed for what I'm going to use it for, but "too tough" looks like a good fault to me. Does anyone have any experience with this or any of the other Crux sacs? - there are no reviews on the site.

Any other suggestions for ones to look at? Thanks guys!

Big Kev

26/04/2007 at 22:40

OMM Jirishanca (2007). All the sac you could ever wish for :o)

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours.

~Chief Tecumseh~

Ian Mackenzie

26/04/2007 at 22:53

>>> OMM Jirishanca (2007). All the sac you could ever wish for :o)

Now that's a GREAT looking sac - thanks Kev, I hadn't found that one.

Matt C

26/04/2007 at 23:34

If you're still looking at the Crux AK35...

I have an original AK47. It's good, well made, very light and strong, and a typical 'alpine' pack, which I happen to like, but no backpacking bells and whistles (no bladder facilities, very small wand pockets). Mines 45 litres and I've used it for hut-to-hut trips, overnight backpacking, and as a winter daysack. I found that with loads up to around 10kg it's good, it manages 12kg, and much beyond that the harness really struggles to support the load and it gets a bit uncomfortable for prolonged use.

(They may have added a bit more padding on the harness on later models though...)

Edited: 26/04/2007 at 23:36

Phil S

27/04/2007 at 09:25

Aiguille Alpine Equipment sacks are well worth a try.

Very simple, fairly light and beyond bomb proof and out the other side if you choose 1000g cordura all over.

One of these might fit the bill:

http://www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=21

Mikel von Dundeeski

27/04/2007 at 16:17

I've just bought a Conduit from ULA Equipment in the US. The website stats say 50 litres but thats for the whole pack including pockets. The main pocket is 35 litres. The fabric is bombproof dyneema and only weighs 600grms. I've only used it twice. One day walk and one weekender. It swallows loads of kit yet still looks great when 1/2 empty. It's the most comfortable sack i have ever had.Well worth a look.

Judy A

27/04/2007 at 17:19

I have a Crux AK50, and agree with all Matts comments. Its tough as a boot. My only gripe is that the top opening is a little narrow - but hey, its a climbing sack, so what should I expect.

At around 480g, look also at a Gossamer Gear Mariposa. The body is in Silnylon, so it wont take grinding on rocks, or thrashing through a bramble patch, but its 45L, and will carry a 30lb load fine.

Mine has about 1000 miles on it and is lasting fine.

Judy
www.alpinechallenge.info

Edited: 27/04/2007 at 17:20

Ian Mackenzie

27/04/2007 at 17:21

Thanks all, some great suggestions here - very much appreciated. I'd never heard of ULA, and hadn't spotted the new model Jirishanca - both strong contenders. Keep 'em coming...

Mikel von Dundeeski

27/04/2007 at 17:26

Hi Judy,
I believe GG are bringing out a pack around 35l called the MINNIposa! Seriously!
I've thought about getting a GG pack but i think i'm too rough with my kit.