Forum menu
I'm normally a jersey pocket user so haven't really kept up to speed with whats good in the world of bags for the last 4 or 5 years.
My current/ruined bag is an older Camelbak Octane (18L), this had a zipper down the back that allowed it to function as a small bag, or unzip and then fold out for about another 50% volume, this was a nice feature but I found the small version too small for when I was using it, and the big version a bit too big, I don't normally use bags unless out on big rides > 4 hours offroad so I guess I need something in-betweeny, I'm guessing > 12L but < 18L should do it?
I need something that can hold
Jacket (+ her jacket or other spare layers)
Lunch
First aid kit
Small tool kit
A few tubes
Other miscellany
So not a big load at all, I'm fond of wing pockets on the side straps for access to tool, flapjack etc.
Bag-death normally occurs through getting ripped or falling apart for me so I want something reasonably sturdy but not massively heavy.
Oh, and <£60 really 🙂
Any suggestions, I've looked at Deuter and Osprey stuff, Camelbak too but they seem to be getting more expensive for what they are.
I've two Camelbaks. One's a very old Lobo which is fine for summer, the other is a Mule (Xmas pressie 😀 ) which is better for this time of year. Sizes are given as, I think, 3 litres and 15 litres.
Some bags now are also sized according to your height so available in Small or Medium Large (Evoc do this) so it's worth trying some on in your LBS. With the Camelbaks, it's usually the top end of any range that has the pouches on the waist belt.
If you don't want a bike specific bag then something like the OMM sack has the features you want, cinches down small when you need it but can take quite a lot when full.
[url= http://www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/bags-baskets/deuter-race-exp-air-backpack-black-white ]This[/url]
Awesome and super comfy.
And you'd still have a bit over £2 change for a beer! 
ta chaps, I've looked at that Deuter one, lack of waist/hip pockets putting me of slightly but it does look like a nice bag...
evoc bags are nice, i've got the 10L CC version in enduro blue.
I wasn't convinced with the lack of the pockets too before I bought it. I used to use an old North Face Hammerhead for ages. It had plenty of pockets, much more then the Deuter.
But after I made my mind and got the Race EXP I've never looked back. It's just got one compartment (with a section for hydration bladder), where I stuff a pump, inner tubes, small bag with my tools, food (I eat a lot...), extra clothing - and if I need more room an all-around zip extends the capacity for extra 3 litres.
Small zipped pocket is good for wallet, phone, keys, small bits and pieces. Two side mesh pockets are roomy: normally one takes a handful of gels, the other a bottle of lube and one or two bananas.
Even when the bag is very heavy (like on "office clothes changeover day") it is still amazingly comfortable to carry - no matter what and how you stuff into it, the area that goes against your back feels always the same - and that is the best feature if this rucksack!
in [b]enduro [/b]blue
well that makes all the difference, i'll go buy one now! 😉
Hadn't looked at Evoc stuff actually, will do so now, ta
If your budget will stretch slightly, the [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-raptor-14-mens-hydration-pack/ ]Osprey Raptor 14[/url] (£68 at Wiggle) is nice. It feels better built to me than similar Camelbaks. Has 2 mesh wing pockets too!
Posted these before, but if you don't need hydration [url= http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x-lite-backpack-764851?colcode=76485113 ]these are a bargain.[/url]
My commuting pack of choice now. Also available in fluro pink, and I have seen them in black once.
Have a look at Decathlon.
I would have recommended an osprey pack untill a few months ago, now I say get an evoc, they are brilliantly comfortable and stable.
+1 for the Deuter. Only down side is its a zip-closure which if over-stuffed, will eventually split. Mind you, local sewing shop fitted a new zip for a tenner, so it still lives.
The osprey raptor is my bag of choice when with mates, if groups or leading then I've got a lezyne, which feels good and takes all my kit for that task.
Only down side is its a zip-closure which if over-stuffed, will eventually split. Mind you, local sewing shop fitted a new zip for a tenner, so it still lives.
From what I know from the stories read on-line Deuter would fix it for you. Apparently they repair their products even if it's prehistoric.
...we have a repair service in Gersthofen. Even when it makes no commercial sense, we will still bring products that are decades’ old back to life – as long as it is a technical possibility.
cheers for that link! panniers and/or trailer sorts me out for commuting duties and not what I'm after in this particular case but will probably grab one of those for other uses anyway as look like a bargain for a basic pack.
OK, looking like a toss up between an Osprey or a Deuter then, as per original post
Evoc look nice but seem a more expensive for same size/features, they all look very 'boxy' as well, is that just marketing shots or are they like that when on your back? Not that that's a major problem they just look a bit pokey-outey compared to some other bags.
I would have recommended an osprey pack untill a few months ago, now I say get an evoc
Are they really 'better' in general or just better for you do you think?
They look boxy because they have a flatter profile, so they don't move around as much (which I didn't realise was a problem previously, but when you try the evoc you realise it is better). They also seem a bit longer, so the waistband is actually usable as a waist band.
I've recently got the Osprey Talon 22 for all-round duties and can't praise it highly enough. It replaced a 10year old Berghaus jobbie and is in a different league. Well worth a look, but might be a tad over your budget - although worth every penny!