I need a recommendation…

[Tim Nice But Dim]

…and rather than trust the insight of a spotty teenage shop assistant who is only thinking of their next coffee break, I thought that I would try to tap into the knowledge of the old and the bold (dwindling in numbers as they maybe), and maybe even the air-softers, lurking in the dark recesses of this forum.

I need a rucksack for short hikes, that being one day or possibly even overnight.

Around 30ltr to 40ltr in capacity.

Preferably (although it is not essential) with side or lid pockets.

Preferably (although it is not essential) with a frame.

Waterproof, or if not, available with a dry sack.

It is for civilian use so any colours acceptable (within reason :D ) .

Price range is anywhere up to £150 Sterling.

Finally, it needs to be from a UK based outlet.

So far I have found, and quite like the look of, this…

Berghaus Munro 35ltr

http://www.rv-1.co.uk/ImagesMed/AMUNROD.jpg

Does anyone have any experience with it, or other any recommendations?

Cheers

Tim

[David]

you might have trouble finding what your looking for if your limiting yourself to uk based vendors. if you have a buddy thats in the british military, you might have him go on base to their "clothing and sales" or whatever they call it and pick you up a bag, a couple of people i know bought some when we stayed at a british base and they were cheap and seemed to be of good quality. i wouldn't think you'd need much more than an assault pack for an overnight though..which wouldn't come with a frame.

[James]

The pack in the picture you posted looks big enough to carry stuff for several days or more. What kind of things do you think you need to carry? When you say overnite does that mean you want something that you can carry a sleeping bag and tent with? Or will you rough it with a poncho and poncho liner? Just curious.

I know Kifaru is popular. I have something similar to their "Tailgunner" for hunting. It's great. You might also consider one of the larger Camelbak systems or something similar - you can carry water and a fair amount of stuff in one place.

No ideas about UK distibutors - sorry.

[Hawkeye]

I have Deuter wich is 55ltr and it suits me for a week.
The quality is amazing, you should check out their website.

[Freibier]

Can't help you with your specific size but I have a Berghaus Atlas and it is very well made.
Seems that Berghaus makes great rucksacks! woot

[DANJANOU]

Some good kit here and I believe that they do international orders online. You have to be a member to buy stuff, but a lifetime membership is $5.00 Cdn.

http://www.mec.ca/index.html

[Tim Nice But Dim]

Thank you for your responses.

I have ordered the Berghaus Munro, pictured in my first post.


The pack in the picture you posted looks big enough to carry stuff for several days or more. What kind of things do you think you need to carry? When you say overnite does that mean you want something that you can carry a sleeping bag and tent with? Or will you rough it with a poncho and poncho liner? Just curious.

James, by overnight I meant a sleeping bag and a small tent. It is not really so I can camp out overnight, but more in case of emergency. A few years ago when on a short hike in the French Alps with some friends the weather went from perfect to zero visibility as clouds engulfed the mountain top in a few minutes. We were under prepared and had a very wet and uncomfortable few hours while we waited for the storm to lift. I am just paranoid now.


Some good kit here and I believe that they do international orders online

DANJANOU, thank you for the link. There is some very interesting stuff on there.

[James]

Thank you for your responses.

I have ordered the Berghaus Munro, pictured in my first post.

James, by overnight I meant a sleeping bag and a small tent. It is not really so I can camp out overnight, but more in case of emergency. A few years ago when on a short hike in the French Alps with some friends the weather went from perfect to zero visibility as clouds engulfed the mountain top in a few minutes. We were under prepared and had a very wet and uncomfortable few hours while we waited for the storm to lift. I am just paranoid now.

NOT paranoid, buddy, that's called smart. Good luck.

[Sabre]

The munro is a good choice mate.

I've been looking for something similar. It's more difficult than you think to find a decent, simple 40l daysack. They all seem to have fancy features that are either unnecessary or look like they won't last two days on the hills. I would go with a Munro myself, but I'm trying to get away from the 'green kit' for civvy use.

Had I caught your post earlier (and seeing how you've got a budget of £150) I would have recommended that you get a Macpac bag.

Pusuit 40
http://www.macpac.co.nz/images/product_images/PU45.jpg


Tekapo 35+ http://www.macpac.co.nz/images/product_images/T3P5.jpg

But a munro is a less expensive option. Good bit of kit.

[Beer Monster]

Karrimor do good kit. Have a look at their Sabre range (http://www.2ndelement.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21). I'd recommend the Sabre 30 or Sabre 45. Good simple kit that lasts for ever ...... available in black, olive green as well as DPM ;) .

[Blarney]

if you have money, Eagle is really good, not waterproof, but very very good

[Ipkiss]

I've got a Jack Wolfskin type Foggy Ridge which I use for things you describe. It's 40 liters, framed with standoff from your back (against sweating), special side-pouch for camelbak etc etc.
http://www.wolfskin.de -> equipment/daypack/page 2