Returned yesterday from an overnighter in the 'Gorms. Camped on the bealach between Devil's Point and the first top of Cairn Toul. No snow at that level, but patches higher up. Still snowfields on the very top of Braeriach and lots in the gullies but the only difficulty we had was when trying to descend the eastern side of Braeriach towards the Lairig Ghru where a snowfield lay across the patch we wanted to go down. (Where all the aircraft wreckage is). The wells of Dee are still covered with snow but there is no problem otherwise.
I concur with Wurz. I've just done the TGO challenge with an Exos 58 and very good it was too. I previously used a Haglofs LIM55 but although it is a nice pack two things spoiled it for me : the roll top closure is very limiting when the pack is close to full, and more importantly the shoulder strap tore half way along Glen Strathfarrar. Not good. I managed to bodge it using the load lifter strap and some cable ties, but clearly it's a weak point.
I've tried on a filled and weighted Montane Grand Tour 55 but didn't like the fit on me - I'm 6ft tall and usually take a L back length in Osprey sacks.
The 55 montane sack seemed quite small - I'd have said it was equivalent in size to my Exos 46 , the 58l Exos seems MUCH bigger.
I know this sounds like an Osprey advert, but I've several sacks in regular use and I've yet to find anything better than my Osprey ones.
Rod MacDonald.JPG)
