URGENT request: rucsac

[Ipkiss]

Ok here's the deal: I have the Lowe Alpine Sting rucsac (55 ltr), issued by the Dutch army but it has one big disadvantage: it's too small for my back!
The hip belt sits too high so there no support from it. All the weight is carried by the shoulders and I'm now facing possible trombosis in my shoulder. So yes there's a need for change.

There are a few options that I've got:
1. Make the sting bigger: will require a specialist and lots of time
2. Go for the bigger saracen: capable of 100ltr +, but do I need this size?
3. Get another brand

And that's were you guys come in.
Here are the demands:
-Adjustable in back length
-minimum of 55 ltr, max preferred at 70 ltr
-datachable daypacks
-olive drab or DPM
-tough!!!
-webbing preferred
-preferrably not too wide, height is no problem

I'm now looking at the Karrimor sabre SF, does anyone have any practical experience with this? All comments welcome

This is the Lowe Alpine
http://www.lowe-alpine.com/Images/ProductPhotos/sting.jpg

Karrimor Sabre
http://www.assj21.dsl.pipex.com/images/rucsacs/sabre60100backfxogm.jpg
http://www.assj21.dsl.pipex.com/images/rucsacs/sabre60100profileogm.jpg

[Beppo]

Ok here's the deal: I have the Lowe Alpine Sting rucsac (55 ltr), issued by the Dutch army but it has one big disadvantage: it's too small for my back!
The hip belt sits too high so there no support from it.

Are you not able to simply loosen the shoulder straps, making them longer, thus lowering the entire rucksack so that the hip belt is at waist height? Or are you unusually tall?

[TallGuy]

I know the British PLCE rucksack comes in short and long sizes and the Berghaus Vulcan comes in a few sizes as well....

[Ipkiss]

@ Beppo: yes this can be done but then the entire rucsac leans backwards. I'm not very tall but it seems to be a design flaw. Shorter people also seem to have difficulties, especially with speed marches. (which should always be avoided, being a tanker ;-))

[Batfink]

I thought the Sting had the adjustable back system that Lowe Alpine preach about - or have I got it confused with something else?

[Ipkiss]

Yes the sting features the Torso Fit system which is ok. But the sting is adjustable to size 19, and my back is at least 22. That's the problem.

I'm currently testing the Lowe-alpine Salient and the Karrimor Sabre 60-100. First impressions seem to be in favourite of the Karrimor, but I still need to march with them and someone who's all about ergonomics had to take a look at them. Glad the military takes it seriously :-)

[Batfink]

Yes the sting features the Torso Fit system which is ok. But the sting is adjustable to size 19, and my back is at least 22. That's the problem.
I've never come across back sizing before. I know my bodies quite disproportionate - I the legs of a pygmy, but am really long in the body! How the hell would I find out what size rucksack I need? Bare in mind I'm not in the military (I'm a Space Cadet Instructor!), so simply don't have access to any "professional" machinary!

If it does look like I'm a long backed person, I suspect I'll be in the same boat as you... which is a shame, I've been looking to get an OG Sting so I can do Fieldcraft as well as Adventurous Training with it. (AT for us is a strictly non-DPM area, as such, most staff lean towards buying OG kit to have a dual use piece of kit, and pleading ignorance!).

[Batfink]

Anybody object if I bump this? I'm still struggling to find anything about this backsizing business. And Yes, I've googled!

[Royal]

The PLCE bergan comes in regular and long. For a tanker it would be perfectly adequate and comes in at about 70/80l without the side pouches. The Vulcan is the dogs, comes in 3 lengths (IIRC), but doesn't come in DPM.

Not used the Karrimor, but I have used Karrimor civilian sacs over the years, they're comfortable, but not as hard wearing as Berghaus.

[SamHamam]

Anybody object if I bump this? I'm still struggling to find anything about this backsizing business. And Yes, I've googled!

In my opinion get the Vulcan, Field & Trek and Cotswold Outdoor probably still have it listed on the net if you can't get it locally. If the lack of DPM concerns you use your DPM side pouches (if they fit a PLCE Bergen they will fit the Vulcan) once its worn a bit the green really doesn't stand out.

The only issue with the Vulcan is that it will interfear with rear pouches on a belt kit if you are not tall - sounds like this isn't a problem for you though.

[Batfink]

Thanks. I've used the Vulcan previously, and it was damn comfy, and yes, my version was PLCE compatible... however a friends, who's was 6 months older than mine, was not!!!

I'm really keen on getting the Lowe Alpine now though - if only to trial it for comparison!!!