Been rummaging about online and looking at various sale things - and kind of curious about what sort and size of backpacks people use... in the event of Vital Shopping being done.

I have a gourdon - the small size (20L) with the bungees and the side pockets.. not quite hydration ready, but could fit a 3l reservoir in it if I needed... But pretty interested in the bigger camelbaks (though pricey) and the ospreys (also pricey but I really like the stuff they make). Is one of those aereated back things important?

What do people here use? Don't think Im quite ready to slim down to a bum bag!

I've just got the reflective version of this: http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x- ... e=76525512
Having had one of these:
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x- ... e=76485113

The difference being the new one is more padded with a more robust fabric and a bladder pocket on the inside. Both are very very good and not just for the money, the lack of a "proper" back system means it fits to your back perfectly like a vest, very comfy. Highly recommend!

Osprey escapist 25 to allow room for my SLR, been very pleased with it

Camelbak HAWG if pushed. Really pleased to have moved on from backpacks when riding.

Camelback consigliere if I do really have to carry something on my back. That was an emergency purchase when I didn't quite have enough room for everything when doing the west highland way! It made a nice pillow too when bivvying halfway through.

Ideally no packs, prefer bumbag

Alpkit Gourdon 20 for mucky trips

Commuting tomorrow and need to take my laptop in so using a Golite Ion covered in reflective tape - my commuting rucksack. Long and thin, correct back size for me and a waist strap

A crash involving a seperated shoulder and 40 miles means I really try not to wear a rucksack if possible. I will sometimes carry a Sea to Summit sil pack for those early evening Spar stops. Works really well but I wouldn't want to carry anything remotely heavy for long ... as I discovered by carrying logs to a bothy.

If I do need to use a pack then it'll usually be a wingnut 2.5 as it behaves more like a bum bag and doesn't niggle my shoulder ... although I am oddly drawn to this TN Ultra 5 (must be the cuben)

I've got an Osprey Talon 22 that sees fairly regular usage, although as I know from experience it's possible to fit more than enough kit in to leave you suffering. Been happy with it though, good quality and comfy, although the so-called vented back doesn't seem to make much difference

s8tannorm wrote:A crash involving a seperated shoulder and 40 miles means I really try not to wear a rucksack if possible. I will sometimes carry a Sea to Summit sil pack for those early evening Spar stops. Works really well but I wouldn't want to carry anything remotely heavy for long ... as I discovered by carrying logs to a bothy.

If I do need to use a pack then it'll usually be a wingnut 2.5 as it behaves more like a bum bag and doesn't niggle my shoulder ... although I am oddly drawn to this TN Ultra 5 (must be the cuben)

Ahh. Well then maybe this is the perfect moment to put the one that I have in the classified section then...

Don't you like it Ian?

s8tannorm wrote:Don't you like it Ian?

I've never used it! Too many other similar things in every size I could ever need. It was bought with some vouchers we had and didn't know what else to do with..

Is the back of it supposed to be open like that? Can't help thinking it will just collect water/ mud if used on a bike...

Wingnut for me too, the majority of the weight sits on your hips like a bum bag and the shoulder straps stop it from bouncing around. I tried an old Camelbak a while ago and it was awful, weight too high up, uncomfortable and more bouncy than a bouncy thing.

Another Wingnut user.

Cheers guys! The Wingnuts look interesting... That karrimor is lovely eye-melting orange though! Or an Osprey.... hmm arg :D

My gourdon is so old the roll top bit is losing its water-proofness, and I think the dog has been chewing on the buckle again.

Cheeky Monkey wrote:Another Wingnut user.

+1 - good big pockets for camera and valuables/phone etc.... are they still making them if it needs replacing?

are they still making them if it needs replacing?

They are Mark and available through roughrideguide.co.uk I believe that there were a few qc issues after production was moved to the Far East, however I also believe production has since returned to the US and the quality is back.

Ian wrote:Is the back of it supposed to be open like that? Can't help thinking it will just collect water/ mud if used on a bike...

it's cuben Ian. One ride and it'll turn into Emmentaler, automatically letting water pass through the pack with ease.
Good concept

On a more constructive note, I mostly use an Inov-8 pack:
http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... A=Trail&G=

I go pack-less too if the terrain is easy. But the more technical it gets, the less weight I want on my bike to keep it nimble and flickable.

s8tannorm wrote:

are they still making them if it needs replacing?

They are Mark and available through roughrideguide.co.uk I believe that there were a few qc issues after production was moved to the Far East, however I also believe production has since returned to the US and the quality is back.

Thanks Stu - good to hear as I do like mine and if it ever dies I'll want to replace with similar unless something better comes along (and I'll only find that here or on the blog )

Alpinum wrote:On a more constructive note, I mostly use an Inov-8 pack:
http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... A=Trail&G=

Did you ever get a little plastic goldfish to put in the bladder?

Wingnut 2,5 or Osprey Escapist 20 for me.

My favourite pack is the https://www.theomm.com/products/packs/classic32/.It's a slightly different one now but mine has been well used for the last 5 years and is only just starting to show signs of wear in the shape of a tear which happened from overloading it but it was easily fixed with some tenacious tape. It's got room for a 3L bladder and the back padding pulls out and can be as a lightweight sleeping mat, there's also a smaller 20L version too. In my opinion it's the best pack for carrying a load on your back when riding.