Large Volume Rucksacks

[cbfb]

Hi

I've decided it's finally time to buy a new rucksack. I'm looking at the 80L+ end of the scale for extended trips with camping/climbing gear in tow. I already have a servicable 55L for short trips.

I've got a shortlist here and wondered if anyone has tried any of these models, or could suggest some alternatives?

The main things I'm looking for in a bag are (in order of importance): Volume (80L+), comfort for hiking, durability and finally, not being so expensive I can't afford to go anywhere.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated !

Chris

Berghaus Cyclops Atlas 80+20L
http://www.outdooraction.co.uk/acatalog/index.html?http%3A//www.outdooraction.co.uk/acatalog/MILITARY_RUCKSACKS.html&CatalogBody
£139.95

Berghaus Vulcan 80+20L
http://www.outdooraction.co.uk/acatalog/index.html?http%3A//www.outdooraction.co.uk/acatalog/MILITARY_RUCKSACKS.html&CatalogBody
£139.95

Karrrimor Sabre 60+40L
http://www.awe-outdoors.co.uk/ProductDetails2.aspx?productID=4
£165

Karrrimor Sabre 80+50L PLCE Military rucksack
http://www.awe-outdoors.co.uk/ProductDetails2.aspx?productID=20
£185

Lowe Alpine Frontier 75+15
http://www.fieldandtrek.com/product.asp?pf_id=13699
£129.99

[chooooocolat_moose]

I have several Lowe Alpine bags at home : the Alpine Attack for climbing and the Cerro Torre for moving gear around. The last one is one fantastic piece of bag pack. Sturdy, comfortable and a trusty travelpartner now for years.

So if for brands : Lowe Alpine is the best in price to quality.
_________________
Around 2500 pictures from Nepal /Nepal /
Mountainbiken in Nepal

[cbfb]

Checked out the Lowe Alpine website, the Appalachian (70+15L, 2.65kg) and Contour (80+15L, 3.20kg) look good as well.

The Cerro Torre looks pretty cool, at 75+20L/3.10kg it should be big enough as well. Seeing as though you seem pretty chuffed with yours that's favourite at the moment.

Now I'm trying to find somewhere in the UK that sells them......

Thanks a lot
Chris

[cbfb]

Actually, before I go buy one, can I just ask you another question??

I'm going to NZ later in the year and will be taking tent (TNF Tadpole), stove (Trangia), climbing gear (just harness boots and a bit of hardware), clothes (minimal) - do you reckon this will all fit in the Cerro Torre? My 55L is a bit too small. Don't want to get too big pack otherwise I'll get lazy and start chucking all sorts in.

Thanks again
Chris

[chooooocolat_moose]

The Cerro Torre is way big enough : the only question is : do you want to carry all that weight ?

I got to the Peak 41 in Nepal : ropes, climbing gear, climbing boots, clothes, sleeping bag, tent : around 29kg. (I only weight 66kg). This was no problem for the Cerro, but my legs had to adapt

Have fun in kiwi land,

Peter

The Cerro Torre is really sturdy : it fell of the Amphu Lapsa pass for 10 metres before anyone could grasp the rope. Had bumped into several rocks under almost full gear : there were scratches but it was not broken !
The harnass feels good and sits tight. Good support.

(The Appalachian one is also good)
_________________
Around 2500 pictures from Nepal /Nepal /
Mountainbiken in Nepal

[cbfb]

Thanks a lot for the advice - you've convince me to go for a Cerro Torre! From your descriptions it seems to provide everything I'm looking for.

Well I'll try and travel light but even just taking the bear essentials I'm looking about 20kg (which is about what I take on long-weekend outings in the UK), but add extra food, water and a few luxuries and it's approaching 25kg. So yep, I'm gonna ache for a while too I guess. I'll have to have a few practice trips to the Peak with a loaded bag, see how I get on.

Thanks again