10 day pack - 50+l : any reason not to buy a DCF pack?

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
One other option I considered was the AtomPacks Mo VX21 60l. Will carry 18kg and is the right volume and my preferred design: Roll top. Mesh pocket. Hip belt and shoulder pockets. But it is on the limit of carry capability.

Thoughts/experience?
 
Cost :)
For what it's worth I know someone who uses several (white variant) HMG rucksacks. He walks (and skis) all four seasons. 70-90 nights out per year. Carries his skis on his HMG (loads of about the 18 kgs) without much issue. He walks in heavy scrub/bush and over rock. Loves his HMG stuff.
Another option for you, were you to choose cheaper Xpac that is, would be a tough and cheaper mix of VX21 and VX42 or all VX42 perhaps?
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/Rugged50Lbackpack a proper 50L internal capacity and has 2 aluminium removable bars . Excellent quality and has carried very comfortably for me at 14 or so Kgs. I have not been beyond that though. The LH has load shifter/lifters that I like with heavier loads.
When you say your 'go to is the Northrim'-do you mean that is the one you are thinking of buying?
The Northrim (or the Southwest) seem fine if it will carry the weight you want and even better -almost no wait.
Your credit card will weep but what the hell.
 
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Back in Pack

Section Hiker
Cost :)
For what it's worth I know someone who uses several (white variant) HMG rucksacks. He walks (and skis) all four seasons. 70-90 nights out per year. Carries his skis on his HMG (loads of about the 18 kgs) without much issue. He walks in heavy scrub/bush and over rock. Loves his HMG stuff.
Another option for you, were you to choose cheaper Xpac that is, would be a tough and cheaper mix of VX21 and VX42 or all VX42 perhaps?
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/Rugged50Lbackpack
I have a Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50L (a proper 50L internal capacity and has 2 aluminium removable bars -aka stays) in VX21 (VX42 bottom and pockets-VX42 is tough as) that may be an option? They will make it all in VX42 (around a kg) as well. Excellent quality and has carried very comfortably for me at 14 or so Kgs. I have not been beyond that though, but that was fine and really comfortable-so beyond is very probable--they say 18kgs/40 pounds, it weighs in at around 900gms with the bars/stays. I would not go under the VX21 (if choosing Xpac that is) for certain, myself, on a heavier load ruckie. VX21 keeps a nice stiffish sort of 'structure' that I like and has been good on abrasion and puncture resistance.
The LH has load shifter/lifters that I like with heavier loads.
When you say your 'go to is the Northrim'-do you mean that is the one you are thinking of buying?
The Northrim (or the Southwest) seem fine if it will carry the weight you want and even better -almost no wait.
Your credit card will weep but what the hell.

Thank you for the info on the HMG. Very useful.
I looked at the SWD. It is a very good option in the VX21. I like the design, similar internal stays but has optional load lifters and a similar carry capability.

This discussion has made me rethink what I truly need. There are so many great options here - thank you everybody for the feedback. The lightwave is an interesting option.

The NorthRim was the pack that I was planning to buy. I like the tougher DCF on the pockets but on reflection, the Junction 3400 in Black/DCF150 i think is my preferred option: I like the central mesh pocket, the benefits of DCF seam sealing and the overall pack design - aligned to my style of backpacking.

However, I will think this though a little more though based on the above feedback - I need to define how often will I be carrying 18+kg and the need for additional weight transfer to the hips through a full frame. I am not as young as I think I am, and that is a lot of strain for the shoulders if it does not sit well. :)

cost. Hmm. With the Swiss franc exchange rate, it makes US and UK purchases a little more affordable. So may be two packs :rolleyes:

Let’s hope this crazy situation actually calms down so that we can travel safely. Looks like my spring CWT plan has gone to hell with the quarantine rules so I will just keep on planning. Not sure backpacking is classed as essential travel (may be for mental health!)
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
I'm attempting to own one.

Bought one from here 10 days ago . It arrived last week. But was obviously a return rather than ex display/sales. Dirty, pilling on belt, small hole melted in one side panel and split seam on lid ( hard to repair). A missing drawstring...
I spoke to Carol on Thursday, and he said it was sent by mistake. Heard nothing since though, so will have to chase up.

It's first time I tried one on. Seems a pretty decent pack.

It’s strange that such a good pack has become so hard to get hold of.

That's very strange, I've actually just got a smaller 40lt pack from them, again it said ex display but it doesn't look like it's been out of the bag. Why you can only get them direct I can only guess, doesn't seem good marketing to me.

They used to be available from ULOG.

I had a chat with Carol McDermott of Lightwave/Crux yesterday.
He arranged for a courier to pick up the iffy pack, and has sent another. So all is good.

We also discussed availability of the gear.
He said that they had issues with supply/manufacturing due to covid and other reasons early 2020 and financial constraints for materials etc due to low sales the last year . He did say that new packs are in the pipeline, with slightly different features and fabrics. But might not be available until end of this or next year.
 

rigby

Hiker
Cost :)
For what it's worth I know someone who uses several (white variant) HMG rucksacks. He walks (and skis) all four seasons. 70-90 nights out per year. Carries his skis on his HMG (loads of about the 18 kgs) without much issue. He walks in heavy scrub/bush and over rock. Loves his HMG stuff.
Another option for you, were you to choose cheaper Xpac that is, would be a tough and cheaper mix of VX21 and VX42 or all VX42 perhaps?
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/Rugged50Lbackpack a proper 50L internal capacity and has 2 aluminium removable bars . Excellent quality and has carried very comfortably for me at 14 or so Kgs. I have not been beyond that though. The LH has load shifter/lifters that I like with heavier loads.
When you say your 'go to is the Northrim'-do you mean that is the one you are thinking of buying?
The Northrim (or the Southwest) seem fine if it will carry the weight you want and even better -almost no wait.
Your credit card will weep but what the hell.

good shout but i'd definitely forgo the VX21 and get the VX42 if it's to be really expected to survive.
on paper it looks good https://backpackinglight.com/wp-content/uploads/bpfed/Outdoor-Material-Guide-2017-1.jpg
but real world use it doesn't seem to hold up much more than vx07
 

Norrland

Thru Hiker
I think when it comes to backpacks they need to be rugged for anything more than air fairy bouncing along a perfectly groomed trail. And DCF isn't that material. I baby my gear quite a lot but I refuse to baby my backpack. I don't want to have to worry about it snagging or ripping and seams coming loose. I want to be able to sling it up to a tree or chuck it on the floor, sit on it without fear it's going to break. I couldn't imagine being on a long trip and then my backpack breaks half way through. It's also slightly false economy with ultralight frameless packs. Sure, cutting weight helps up to a point but it's just as important that the bag can hold that weight and transfer to your hips efficiently. Currently using a Lundhags Gneik 54 at 1.6kg which is more than double my frameless pack but so much more comfortable.
 

Daymoth

Section Hiker
I can only comment on the exped lightning 60 for heavy stuff. I really like the load transfer system and that it has a bunch of options to tie stuff on it.

I could use a bit more padding on the back and shoulder straps but I like my comforts.
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
If you're thinking of getting an Exped Lightening I'd watch this video and make sure you adjust it properly. Some people have problems with the fit but for me it is spot on. I've only carried 12kgs ish max and for that it is for me very comfortable. I'm expecting that now I've reduced my base weight a bit it will be a dream this year, when we are let out.

 

Back in Pack

Section Hiker
Quick update: With all the feedback and advice above: materials, brands, carrying styles etc…

I have decided, for those times that I need to carry heavier loads (extra days food/water) or backpack in very wet climates, to order a

Seek Outside Flight 1 in xpac/Spectra

I long considered getting a custom pack with the adjustable frame, but I cannot see a scenario nowadays where I am carrying more than 23kg / 50lbs

thanks all
 

maddogs

Ultralighter
Quick update: With all the feedback and advice above: materials, brands, carrying styles etc…

I have decided, for those times that I need to carry heavier loads (extra days food/water) or backpack in very wet climates, to order a

Seek Outside Flight 1 in xpac/Spectra

I long considered getting a custom pack with the adjustable frame, but I cannot see a scenario nowadays where I am carrying more than 23kg / 50lbs

thanks all
I will be very interested to know how you get on with this; I love my SO Divide!
 
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