Where do you buy a rucksack?
- Thread starter Pippy1969
- Start date
Pippy1969
Summit Camper
Great, thank you very much for that, I will deffo look at the site then.
EM - Tacblades
Ultralighter
I have recently ordered a Zpacks Arc Haul in dyneema gridstop, from the states and factored in all the duty and vat. Hope to get it in Jan 
EM - Tacblades
Ultralighter
i think times are changing and business are changing, import export is now easy for the consumer, acess to all products world wide is now a reality, Also people have more access to real life experience of produts on youtube and other sources so there is no need for advice from a shopkeeper that only really will direct you to their products. Business that are mainly import and advice will slowly die out and new business models will emerge.
The Cottage industrys producing kit of much better spec than the larger companies at a perium are thriving and sell direct world wide controlling all aspects of the sale.
Its never been a better time for the consumer.
The Cottage industrys producing kit of much better spec than the larger companies at a perium are thriving and sell direct world wide controlling all aspects of the sale.
Its never been a better time for the consumer.
Creamy
Section Hiker
I hope your bag works out well for you. But I think that spending around £270+ doesn't necessarily represent outstanding value. Choice yes, but at a price.
For example you could source a UK supplied Mariposa at a similar weight (if you remove the stay) for £205. A ULA CDT (which is a bit lighter) for £154 or a back breaking Exos 58 for £126.
Then there is your assertion that cottage stuff is of a better spec and at a lower price. Better spec? Lighter, quite often but otherwise materials are often similar or the same. The workmanship is in some cases a bit iffy, lots of cases on forum threads and blogs about gear needing to be replaced or modified. Whilst the cottage manufacturers are often excellent to respond there is still then the issue of sending things back to the states. Most (higher end) mainstream companies kit that I've ever used has been very well made. It isn't at a premium either really as the cottage stuff is often (actually almost always) more expensive.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking your choice. I've been toying with buying a Zpacks shelter for ages, nearly bought some stuff from Bear Paw (ended up with an inner from China for £25 instead) and have or have had stuff from SMD & Gossamer Gear amongst others.
EM - Tacblades
Ultralighter
I know what you mean, i have had a lot of backpacks, and this one i didnt want any compromise irrespective of cost. I looked at all the others and they just didnt tick all the boxes for me. Wear and tear is not an issus as i can repair or rebuild anything myself.
In the end it was a decision between this one, the ula 2.0 or a nigor. And this one won, i really liked the air back have tried it on and loved it. Also like big baggy pockets and mesh on the outside. But the hip belt adjusters are just perfect. I did come very close to pushing the button on buying all the materials to make my own, but wanted a tried and tested design.
Over all i favour the cottage industries custom made to my spec and mods that i want and they have never let me down. Next year i will either buy a duo plex from zpacks (but i am still not sold on cuben) or i will make my own in silnylon, already done the CAD for it.
I am not saying that cottage industries are for everyone but they do suit me very well.
I also bought a bear paws la garita and love it made my own inner which is more modular tho works great. My video of it is on the bear paws website.
In the end it was a decision between this one, the ula 2.0 or a nigor. And this one won, i really liked the air back have tried it on and loved it. Also like big baggy pockets and mesh on the outside. But the hip belt adjusters are just perfect. I did come very close to pushing the button on buying all the materials to make my own, but wanted a tried and tested design.
Over all i favour the cottage industries custom made to my spec and mods that i want and they have never let me down. Next year i will either buy a duo plex from zpacks (but i am still not sold on cuben) or i will make my own in silnylon, already done the CAD for it.
I am not saying that cottage industries are for everyone but they do suit me very well.
I also bought a bear paws la garita and love it made my own inner which is more modular tho works great. My video of it is on the bear paws website
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EM - Tacblades
Ultralighter
This is the list of packs i considered
Might Be useful for others.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...P9fgHNlaHgiwuElc_jEstYA/edit?usp=docslist_api
Might Be useful for others.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...P9fgHNlaHgiwuElc_jEstYA/edit?usp=docslist_api
I think in general it is referring to smaller niche manufacturers, mainly in the US but there are others as opposed to the big brands that you find in Go or Cotswolds. Typified by direct sales from their own websites or one or two retailers and tending to specialise in a certain type of product.
Graham
Thru Hiker
The likes of ZPacks, Mountain Laurel Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear etc.
I would not buy a pack without being 100% confident of its fit i.e. your back length. The OMM Villain is too short for me and I thought I was Mr Average.
EM - Tacblades
Ultralighter
Mainly smaller companies that started out as one guy in his garage making gear like
MLD, Zpacks, Bear Paw Wilderness designs, Gossimer Gear, Six Moon Designs etc
As Opposed to large multinational brands owned by finance houses like RAB, Mountain Harware, Alpine, Vango etc
MLD, Zpacks, Bear Paw Wilderness designs, Gossimer Gear, Six Moon Designs etc
As Opposed to large multinational brands owned by finance houses like RAB, Mountain Harware, Alpine, Vango etc
That said it becomes a grey area. Six Moon now get all their stuff made in China, ULA were sold but I think are in the same place just with a different owner. Some just grow into behemoths. Golite for example. Others sell up and then start again. Not just rucksacks but Mountain Equipment > PHD, Karrimor > OMM (but I don't think OMM is that small either).
I'm all for cottage industries - I'm one myself part-time - but some good kit is made by some of the multinationals & they were often small once! My rucsacs of choice are a seemingly indestructable Lowe Alpine (Systems) pack from 1985 which I still use for longer trips as it has the capacity & it's weight is more than offset by it's comfort & a modified 2007 OMM Villain for weekenders. I dabbled with a ULA Ohm2 for a year while I figured out what to do with the Villain & got around to getting it modded but now the Villain is back the OHM's been moved on. I've also acquired another Lowe Alpine (Alpine Attack 45-55) 2nd hand on an impulse which is more of an alpine bag but it's bomber, comfy & just appeals. I've tried to sell it on twice as I don't really need it but pulled the ad twice as I like it so much!
Always fancied a McHale.
Always fancied a McHale.
Graham
Thru Hiker
I have recently ordered a Zpacks Arc Haul in dyneema gridstop, from the states and factored in all the duty and vat. Hope to get it in Jan
Joe put my Arc Blast through at $40 last year, so fingers crossed for you.
Graham
Thru Hiker
Agree to a point Ross. I've had Macpac Glissade and Pursuit packs and....well, you'll know what I'm talking about
First-class all round excellent straps / hipbelts, bomber fabric / stitching etc. Both had internal frames. The Glissade is a big expedition pack and carried big loads very comfortably. However, the extra comfort though is really at the points of contact between your pack and you - you're still carrying the extra weight on your legs.I've now sold those packs on (and my Villain) and for longer treks turn to my ZPacks Arc Blast 52L, although I find it works for me as a weekend pack too as it's very flexible for different loads. The lightweight external frame makes a huge difference and while the straps look basic they are very well designed and executed, I've carried 5.5kg of Base Weight plus 7kg of consumables without any problem. Those double hip belt straps shown in Tacblades #30 post work really well and achieve a really comfortable fit around the hips. I was somewhat sceptical about these superlight packs and don't expect them to last as long but in the space of a decade I've lost a kilo in pack weight just from the pack itself, have the features I need and won't be turning back.
Pippy1969, I'd certainly give the cottage manufacturers careful consideration. One thing I'll say about the Cottagers in that they'll usually sort out any problems PDQ. They know that we're pretty well-connected as a community and that word will spread around their market rapidly, both good and bad. Oh, did I say - fit, fit and fit! Measure your back length and whittle down the choice from that.
I can/am reducing the weight on my legs by other non-kit methods. It'd be hard to find a buyer for my beat up but still functional Lowe but I couldn't sell it anyway as we've been together too long! My kit is pretty light anyhow & I take little if anything I don't need. The old Lowe will likely only be used for trips of a week or more.
The ULA OHM2 I used this year has a similar set up on the hip-belt. It was one of the features I liked least. We're all different!
Graham
Thru Hiker
Vive la différence. I'm getting down to worryingly small tolerances with my footwearThe ULA OHM2 I used this year has a similar set up on the hip-belt. It was one of the features I liked least. We're all different!
The two points of adjustment on the Zpacks belt adjust to my body shape better. I cinch in the top webbing strap a little more than the bottom to shape the belt inwards.
David Hind
Day Walker
Another plus for Bob and Rose. I bought a Golite Peak 35L (long back) from them several years ago and find it great for all my needs - it's slightly smaller than the Golite Jam but still I find it ample