Winter Rucksacks

Advice needed on choice of rucksack

20 messages
31/10/2002 at 17:29
Can anyone give me any suggestions as to a suitable rucksack for winter walking in the UK? The ME Diamond 50 looks good, but ccconline (http://www.cccoutdoors.co.uk/) have got the Lowe Alpine Contour Crossbow 45 for just £50! Has anyone here used this and knows how it compares to other similar rucksacks?
31/10/2002 at 17:40
The ME Diamond is always spoken of highly on here and a mate had the LA Croassbow and he raved about it. I personally have not used either.

I have a Berghaus Extreme Guide...50L with top and bottom access snowskirt on the inside and loads of pockets about it. It even has an integral snow shovel pocket inside. It has nice clean lines for any winter climbs and scrambles you might want to undertake, it's bombproof and I love it. Not cheap mind £100 a throw. But if you are gonna use it a lot in winter it'd be a good investment.
31/10/2002 at 17:55
I've got the Lowe Alpine Crossbow 45 +10 (and love it), It's a bit heavy but very comfy, compresses really well and is very stable. At £50 it would be a real bargain. BUT you really have to try it on with a load to make sure it suits you.
31/10/2002 at 18:06
The Contour Crossbow 45 wouldn't be my own first choice. The shape narrows awkwardly at the top, it has a zip opening, and it's hard to carry axes and crampons securely on. I have an earlier version, which is great for skiing, as it holds the weight high, stable and close to the back. These are not essential qualities for the walker however, in fact they may make for a less comfortable carry.

For comfort and practicality, I would go for a classic top loading sack. Think about what you need to carry and make sure whatever sack you choose can carry it on the inside or outside. This is especially important if you carry crampons, as it's surprising how many smaller sacks don't have adequate storage for these. I use a Pod Black Ice, which is faultless but something of an investment at around £130. The ME Diamond 50 or LA Alpine Attack are good sacks at a lower price.

I would question though whether you really need a 45/50 litre sack. I only use one this large if I'm carrying both camping and climbing gear. You might be able to get away with a 25/30 litre for day walks, which would keep the price down and give you more choice.
31/10/2002 at 18:10
I would point out that the Crossbow 45 +10 Mike mentions is (confusingly) a different sack to the Contour Crossbow 45, and probably a better one for the walker.
31/10/2002 at 19:23
I use a Lowe Alpine attack 50 for winter, does everything I want it to except make tea!, bout £90 as I recall, but if it wasn't for carrying climbing gear I'd use something smaller
31/10/2002 at 19:24
I have to say that I get pushed trying to fit all the junk I carry for a day walk into 50Ltr I find as does my wife and buddies that a bigger sack only part filled is still more of a joy to carry than a small pack bursting at the seams.
31/10/2002 at 19:43
Yeah, but the maxim that the bigger back you have the more you put in it is VERY TRUE!

Still you do need a bigger back for winter than you do for summer...
Si
01/11/2002 at 10:50
All depends on what YOU want to carry. If you decide that you need a 50L sack, then so be it.

Michael, I've got a pod cragsack and I love it. Bombproof, comfy (for me) etc etc etc.

At the end of the day, if you can find somewhere that has the packs you're interested in and will let you try them on with some weight in them, thats the only way you're gonna know for sure.

Sorry!

Si(C)

PS Joan, nice pic.
01/11/2002 at 11:38
I've got the ME Diamond 50+ and reckon it's a top day sack winter or summer.

I only use a bigger sack if I'm backpacking for more than a couple of days

Cheers

Mark
05/01/2004 at 20:49
Try a Macpac Pursuit.
After 4 years of regular use there's very little sign of wear on it.
The back system is superb. You'll not find anything comfier.
Definitely worth paying that bit more for something that will easily outlive other makes.
05/01/2004 at 20:57
It's a shame Andy's away he's an EXPERT on sac's can't walk in a shop without buying one !! <hides in coner awaiting his return>
09/01/2004 at 13:57
I'd second the Macpac Pursuit. Also consider the Macpac Tuatara which slightly smaller but also an excellent sack
09/01/2004 at 14:57
Macpac Ascent
09/01/2004 at 15:12
Macpac sacks are nice. Ditto POD - bombproof in my experience - and ME, though I've not used the latest ME packs yet. Should mean there are some good deals on end of line older ME models, which are pretty sturdy things.

I often use a Lowe Alpine Attack 40, particularly when climbing - it doesn't have a fully-formed hip-belt, just a waist strap, so works well with a harness.

If you want something minimalist, have a look at the Crux packs. Also just testing the latest Berghaus Cragsac, which feels nicely put together, carries well and can be disassembled if, for some reason, you feel the urge to cut the weight down a bit.

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

09/01/2004 at 15:40
I use a karrimor Alpiniste S 45+10.

Plenty of capacity, compresses well for lighter trips and holds all the widgets you think you need for winter.

Doesn't make coffee in the morning though.

Only had it for 18 months or so but it has done the job so far.

Try CMM for a deal as full price is a bit steep but thats the same for most sacs.
Jez
09/01/2004 at 16:01
Seconded on the Karrimor Alpinste. I've got the light weight version which technically is the Alpine Lite but is the same design but lighter and with less back support.

Absolutely bombproof though and actually fairly comfortable (if packed right).

Doesn't have any snow lock though which can be a problem on the rare snowy day.
09/01/2004 at 16:23
Michael, I think you need to go to your local outdoor shop and try out a few sacs, rather than just buy on a recommendation.

Also look at your budget and buy the best sac that you can, nowadays most good makes and models will last a lot longer than your knees;-)

Look at what you will be using it for and how often. There is no point buying a stripped down climbing sac, if you are just using it for general walking.

Check outCheap daysacs

If in doubt buy them both! You can never have too many sacs;-)
09/01/2004 at 16:59
If Michael's *still* looking for a sack, then Britain's outodoor shops are even worse than I thought ;-p
09/01/2004 at 17:00
See i told you !!
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