Im looking to by a rucksack for days out. (Approx 4hrs-5hrs) Been looking at the Deuter range. What are your thoughts on this range or any other makes.
Just bought a wingnut hyper 3, with a camelbak bladder.
Pluses: i almost forgot it was on. Very light, and i like how you can get to the side pockets really easily. The new camelbak bladder has a qr hose which is really handy, and i think the cb bite valve is the best one.
Minuses: not cheap. Need to buy separate bladder. Could do with some separation inside for tools, tubes etc.
The Osprey Raptor is very good, great hydration system (maybe the best?) but I do get a sweaty back with it and you have to pay extra for a waterproof cover. The deuter AC pack I was using had a handy waterproof cover in the bottom and cooled my back very nicely but it doesn’t come with an hydration pack and isn’t officially a mtb bag but was good none the less. Both very good bags so I’d try to have a look at the two of them in the flesh if possible.
Wingnut 2.5 here and I won’t be going back to a “normal” pack. I think they are much nicer to wear but whatever you get get pockets you can reach while wearing it.
It is a really nice rucksack and the hydration system is very well designed. Lot’s of pockets and zips (good and bad thing) with loads of storage and great straps and fixings.
[RANT]
Osprey & Deuter – Yes, they are good.
But you really, really don’t need to spend that much on a rucksack.
Seriously, the way people latch onto bandwaggons, it’s sadder than my mum’s funeral.
Do you:
A) Want a decent rucksack that will last for years, be very comfy, take any bladder and keep all your kit dry?
If so, try one of these.
They do a smaller 20 litre one which is unfortunately out of stock at the mo, but they weigh nowt, pack down well and are utterly bombproof.
If you want a smaller pack, these are superb and come with a bladder.
Believe me, I spent many years buying expensive rucksacs for walking, cycling and climbing, because there was no alternative.
There is now, and if you just want something that works, try one of the above packs, they’re ace.
They are as good or better than the far more expensive alternatives.
However, if fashion and following the ‘in’ crowd is important to you, feel free to waste your cash.
[RANT]
another for wingnut. love them. can’t stand wearing ‘normal’ bags now.
as people have mentioned low down so very comfy, no bach or shoulder strain, sweaty back and the side pockets are soooo useful. I keep tools & food in these. like the fact the main compartment is just one big space.
’tis more expensive than other bags though.
But you really, really don’t need to spend that much on a rucksack.
I didn’t. Big thanks to Enty and Mike Pfotenhauer, of course……
You see, that’s exactly what’s wrong with this country
The rich get free rucsacks whilst the rest of us poke about, working our fingers to the bone etc……. 🙂
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOTKA0aGI0[/video]
Camelbak Charge LR – low reservoir for stablity and space in the top part of the rucksac. Wide mouth to bladder for easy fill plus good hose and bite valve. I can get basic tools, inner tube, light waterproof and softshell (just) in the pack, plus camera and phone in side pocket, and chocolate. Would be tight, but doable, for a full day out. Good, light, well-made product, happy with mine. Colour matches my bike, too 🙂
I’ve had various DaKine packs for riding and snowboarding over the past 15-20 years. All of them simply refuse to die. Not even a pulled stitch. My drafter bike pack shows no sign of wear after 6 years use. I have a helipack that must be getting towards 15 years old now and even the buckle I trod on in my snowboard boots 10 years ago still works with a big crack down it. The bog standard ruck sack I bought from a windsurfing shop when I was still at school (20 years ago) is still being used by my dad.
from the guys at adventure spec – they are based in luddenden foot, so saves postage for me!
being using Kriega kit for years on the moto, very well made, and backup from the factory – in Chester.
the good thing about these pack is you can add extra storage packs to them- all very waterproof so good for a dry stash of clothes in winter (or english summer!)
Had the Viper 10 nothing wrong but bit tight for a days worth of gear. Sold it and got the 13 will take a days worth of kit but also cinch down nice and small for local rides.
Superb pack which ever you go for.
Anyway to answer your question: Osprey, DaKine et al are all pretty bombproof but like someone above said totally over designed. Been there done that. For me its all about weight, where the weight (load) goes and how easy it is to get sh1t in and out of.
Been using this for a few years now – everything from 1hr bimbles to 10hr winter epics in the Highlands. I’ve even managed to cram in enough gear for multi days jobs:
Ultra light for its size (<600g)and surprisingly bombproof. The only downside I’ve found is the extra faff required to refill the bladder en route but that’s more than compensated by having the bladders weight in the right place. They do smaller and bigger sacs too…
I have a 6ltr Osprey Raptor and now a Zealot 16 (14ltr as its a small). The Zealot is a lot lot better than the already good Raptor. Pockets for phone on shoulder, tool pouch in the bottom compartment, main comp splits right open for access, waist pockets have zips on so you can keep your multi tool safe in there, seems more comfy too. A great rucsac, although it does seem heavy, not sure what it would be like for all dayers. I’ve used it for 3hr rides and it was fine
Another vote for Osprey. I’ve been using an Osprey escapist 25 pack (review here) and it’s really, really good. It’s so comfortable, well made and thought out. It’s not a bike specific model so doesn’t have armour attachements but the bike ones obviously do. I’ve just recently been testing out the hydration pack and it’s very good as well.
I use the helmet widget to keep everything together in the van but that’s about all. I’m scared to take my helmet off on climbs incase I get my balding noggin sunburnt.
I decided to get the osprey viper 13. Excellent rucksack which, holds everything for a days riding The waist and chest strap all aid to make the bag a good fit. The magnetic bite valve is great. Lots of pockets for stashing tools. Bladder excellent quality, and tucks nicely into its own compartment. The rucksack is a decent size, but you can tension all the straps to make it really compact for the shorter rides. Overall excellent quality.