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Looking for a backpack that can store all I need to on the kit list for mtb guide - at least for the exam, (so group shelter and all the bike spares and tools)... so 15 to 12 litres?. Main priority is that it stays in place on rocky terrain and drop offs, so good waist and hip straps. At the moment I'm using a basic Dakine backpack and it moves around quite a lot. Not bothered if it comes with a bladder or not. What do folk here recommend? I've been looking online at some of the Evoc ones and they are expensive, although maybe you get what you pay for. Thanks.
my evoc 10CC is pretty good and unnoticable while riding.
got a osprey talon 22 as well which is really comfortable and stable.
Osprey are my normal go to, EVOC look like school bags, but get good reviews, Camelbak obviously too. Tbh, a bit of a left field ount, I bought a Quechua 25 litre pack from Decathlon for 35 quid for hillwalking duties, it's absolutely tremendous, I'm really keen to try biking with it now.
Not sure on size
https://www.uswe-sports.com/packs/mtb/explorer-2/explorer26
But the no more monkey dance harness is ace
I love Wingnut. Been using an MPS (in various guises) for nine years and a Hyper 3 for about six. Very stable and adaptable. The low centre of gravity is more comfortable and doesn't clout you round teh head while descending. I've used the MPS for multi-day bikepack trips and commuting with no issues, and the basic section of the MPS as a quick grab n' go bag. The Hyper 3 is a little less adaptable, but a brilliant day bag. So good Camelbak decided to copy them.
Max at Rough Ride Guide is a great bloke too: https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/Wingnut-rucksacks
Edit: just seen above post. Great minds. 😉
I really rate my Evoc pack, very comfy and very stable. They look different as they taller and wider than others, but shallower. As a result they hug your back very well and are very comfy, like having a big hug. I like mine a lot (I have nearly 20 packs at the moment...)
I've had a couple of Deuter Race packs - about the right size for what you need and very stable on the back. My current one also has a mesh support thing that means that the pack doesn't sit directly on your back, which greatly reduces sweat, but doesn't seem to make it any less stable. Downside is that it's quite sturdy (but hardly lardy) and you need to buy a bladder separately. It also ain't cheap. Being honest, I rarely use it these days as I travel much lighter than I used to, but I do use it when leading a ride and want to take additional first-aid and other such clutter.
My Ergon BX2 stays put pretty well on any terrain but it is always riding on slightly left or right side.
I have had a dozen packs and while this one isn’t perfect it has been good enough. The front zippers are annoying though but fixed in newer versions.
another wingnut/kool aid drinker here. have a big all day enduro version and a smaller hyper 3.0. and as others have said - a great pack. really solid and innovative design that really works. having access to the side pockets without removing the pack is great (getting a camera in/out, ditching gloves, munching on a snack).
cant really see me ever seriously considering anything by anyone else. and for a bit of balance had a great evoc pack before the wingnut, it was a solid and simple pack but nowhere near as good as wingnut.
weird looking if that matters (goes with the jones) and me i suppose!
Also bear in mind that a larger group shelter is quite a bulky thing to pack. 2 man is quite small, 8 man is quite big
I used my EVOC Trail Blackline for the MBLA course - It's 20l and fitted everything in with some spare space. It is totally solid when in use.
Also use it for regular Sat morning coaching duties, great pack, pricey, but worth every penny IMO.
The USWE one doesn't look that stable around the waist and hips? It does look like the main straps are quite wide though, maybe that makes up for it. Hadn't heard of that or the Wingnut before!
Also bear in mind that a larger group shelter is quite a bulky thing to pack. 2 man is quite small, 8 man is quite big
Yep, I have a 4-6 man one. Probably won't be carrying it much, apart from the exam 🙂 . Or if guiding or coaching a fair distance away from any help.
http://www.summitgear.co.uk/product/supalite-bothy-bag-6-8-person/
these shelters are great and very compact. I have the 6-8 person one plus a 1-2. Take up much less space than the heavy ones and are just as effective for emergency use. A few mates have them too and they have stood up pretty well to use.
EVOC Enduro FR.
Also bear in mind that a larger group shelter is quite a bulky thing to pack. 2 man is quite small, 8 man is quite big
I carry a 4 man if riding with a group in a more remote location. Fits into a Hyper 3 with plenty of room to spare.
and for a bit of balance had a great evoc pack before the wingnut, it was a solid and simple pack but nowhere near as good as wingnut.
Also for a bit of balance, I've owned a Dakine, two Deuters, a Karrimor (from when they were good), a Thor and the better half has an Osprey. I feel there's a few more in there too*, but they're the ones that spring to mind. The Dakine and Osprey have some great features, but if I wasn't going to buy a Wingnut I'd go for a Deuter, which is what I used while guiding. No nonsense, very solid bags.
*There are. A couple of Hydrapaks.
*Oh yeah. A couple of Camelbaks too.
these shelters are great and very compact. I have the 6-8 person one plus a 1-2. Take up much less space than the heavy ones and are just as effective for emergency use. A few mates have them too and they have stood up pretty well to use.
Interesting. The one I got is by Rab. Not massive but not very compact either, although I hope to never have a need for it! Apart from maybe to sit out a hailstorm or something like that.