The Backpack Thread

For that kind of thing she probably wants 30-35l (depending how light she packs) and something that hinges open fully. Personally I don't like hip/sternum straps for this as generally you're taking them on and off quite a bit, stuffing them into lockers, etc

Tortuga do really good stuff but not cheap and not too easy to pick up in the UK. I have a Setout Divide which is expandable up to ~ 35l and they occasionally come up on Ebay (that model is discontinued). I've done a lot of trips with it and still in great condition.

Arcido also do some decent stuff at more reasonable prices. I've got a Faroe which is nice and lightweight and also looks quite professional and less "technical" than a lot of the other options. It's a bit less structured so is best with packing cubes https://www.arcido.com/products/faroe

Personally when I looked at the Pata Black hole I found it a bit of a strange combination of rigid material that was also a bit floppy overall. Also a bit technical looking for my taste.

I'd rather have 40 than 30L for that.

@gillies I mentioned pinqponq a little while ago and got one myself in the meantime;
am very happy with it, thought out well and very well made overall, do recommend 👍

https://www.pinqponq.com/products/blok-large-rooted-black

(there is also a smaller version)

Not as large but I've a couple of these (either a red or a black) that are virtually unused and I'd sell for a fair price. Bombproof cordura and nicely understated high quality: https://manhattanportage.at/collections/red-label-backpacks/products/hiker-backpack-3?variant=43717308219656

I used to do 2 week business trips with a 35l bag. 40l is a lot.

Would say the most important part is clamshell opening, makes it far easier to pack and unpack neatly.

Osprey Farpoint 40 - like it so much I have a spare one, could sell.
Or if you have $$$ Goruck GR2
Agreed on the above ^ no clamshell, no point

Looking for a replacement for my old Restrap Highrise backpack.

(such fixie, many wow)

Decent sized rolltop (not sure on actual litre space, I'd guess 35), but can also be used as a much smaller backpack. Looks like they're no longer making backpacks but made something pretty much ideal previously in this: https://www.bikester.co.uk/restrap-commute-backpack-men-M474053.html

Anything else that's commonly available that fits the bill? Basically something I could use for an overnight work stay with a laptop and change of clothes without being bulky, but also cram full of stuff for a 1-2 week holiday.

Not a roll top but the bigxtop day sack seems like it could be a good replacement…

https://bigxtop.com/products/daysack

Probably doesn't really fit the requirements above, but I've just bought a Decathlon Elops 520 Speed Backpack and finding it a decent size and comfortable, £59 currently.

Thanks for the suggestions folks!

I've been scouring around for a week or two and there seems to be very little that really fits what I'm after (I guess it's probably better to just get a large and a small bag as opposed to one that can do both well). At this point I think I'm just going to see about getting the old Restrap repaired, mostly exterior wear and a rip so hopefully easily mendable

Jordan will make rolltop versions if asked.

Much like @edmundro and @rickster I have a thing for old Karrimors. Mainly having too many of them. The KIMMSAC and Hot Ice and Earth are keepers.

I’m having bit of a cull at the mo if anyone’s interested in the others at £30 each posted.

From L to R we have:

An Epic 20 (carefully made in the UK). SOLD

No idea what the next one is as the lable is so faded but I’m estimating 25l produced 17/11/94. It has the chest strap bits in the pockets too. SOLD

Alpiniste Supercool 45+10l (tall) with the ice axe tube and strap extensions. (Ice ace tube is dated 12/95). The waterproofing finish is going off inside. SOLD

The little ones have had easy lives and are nice and clean. The Alpiniste has seen more use but is in decent condition, no tears, holes etc.

DM me if you’re interested in anything.

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i'm interested in the epic 20 - how much?

Starting an epic20 collection? Seriously niche Karrimor habit ;)

Great looking matching set right there, those smaller alpinistes look really nice.
I can’t remember the name but I’m sure I’ve seen that middle one on eBay before listed as a cross country skiing/alpine hiking bag but I could be wrong.

ha! yeah kind of.

Evan loves the one I got from you and it's with him in leeds, so seemed like a good opportunity to get another.

Sorry, it’s dibsed for someone that’s DM’d asking me to hold it ‘till next week. If it’s still here next week I’ll let you know.

They’re £30 posted each.

Thanks. The Alpiniste is an amazing sac, I just have too many and tbh the hiking I do with my Scouts is about as adventurous as I get now so it’s just sitting there.

The middle one’s a nice bit of kit, classic Karrimor buckle on the waist strap, I just preferred top loading rucksacks rather than the clamshell.

Got a couple of nicer bags up for sale in this thread - Especially for any trad climbing enthusiasts!

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/389285/#comment17153612

The others are now gone. These are the keepers, completely agree with @edmundro they’re a hard to beat.

Kimmsac, Hot Ice in KS-100t and Hot 45. The Hot Ice is a ‘91 and the other two are from ‘96. The 45 has had an easy life, the other two, not so much. I’ve had to do a few repairs to the Kimmsac.

I’ve been eying up Alpineluddites for when the Hot Ice gives up. Some of their packs are based on old Karrimor designs and their 80s based Hot Ice looks awesome. Unfortunately I think my Hot Ice will just keep going.

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Bump on this thread. My T-Level is starting to die after about 10 years of use. What’s similar out there to this?

Chrome stuff sure has changed.

I'm in a similar boat and looking at mission workshop but stunned at the prices - keen to hear alternatives too

Yeah wee bit too much for my taste.

Me too hence interested in whatever else is suggested!

My T-Level is starting to die after about 10 years of use. What’s similar out there to this?

..any reason why you don't just get another T-Level?

@andyfallsoff - depends what you're after, of course - do you want / need the 100% waterproofness / rolltop design? What features are important to you?

I keep thinking about getting a Savotta one as a daily backpack (saw one in the flash the other day and they're really lovely), wish they had 2-3 litte outside pockets / a compression net or something though..

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/savotta-jaakari-s-backpack/55400

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Tbh I just want something slightly larger + more usable than the rapha one I've had which wasn't v waterproof at all, not extendable sensibly when overfull, zip broke and the design put all the stress on the zip as it opened by zip all around.

Just looking for something better, not fully decided what that should look like...

Edit: they look nice, will check out

If you'd like something more "urban" / more pockets etc. you might want to look at pinqponq as well - think I've recommended them in this thread before; I got the "Blok Large" and am super happy with it, really decent quality while being reasonably light, is expandable and looks cool I think.

https://www.pinqponq.com/en/products/blok-large-rooted-black

I found that design on the top with the pull cord and also the zip weird at first, but realised very soon it's super practical for quickly stuffing in jackets etc. while still having the front flap opening for quick access to the middle part. There's a padded laptop compartment that fits a 16" MacBook Pro in the back as well.