Anyone have any Rucksack Recommendations?

[steved1969]

I know that rucksacks are one of the items of equipment where getting the right fit is important, so I guess I'm looking for recommendations relating to manufacturers rather than specific models, although specific models would be useful in drawing up a short list.

I know that a rucksack isn't the best solution to carrying equipment, but for what I have in mind I think it's probably the best option. Looking for something to load all my gear into for a 1 or 2 week trip that involves me jumping on a plane, flying off to 'wherever', renting a bike for the duration of my stay and indulging in a spot of motorcycle camping. Because it will be a rented bike I can't guarantee being able to strap luggage to it, although obviously chance permitting the rucksack will get strapped to the bike rather than me for preference.

After experimenting with cardboard boxes I estimate I will need a 45L rucksack, although 40 would do if a camelbak could be used with it. I know that Kreiga make good gear, but the largest rucksack they do is 35L, and I'm not sure how secure strapping a US10 to it would be, especially when the kit is going through airline luggage check in !!

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[dave ett]

Personally i find riding with a rucksack very tiring, and it really isn't a good idea to fall off wearing one.

Have you considered a tail pack? They do expanding ones which go pretty big, and that coupled with a tank bag should get everything you want in.

My only experience with rucksacks is the fabulous Osprey Atom, but it's only 35 litre. Suspension system to keep the load off your back, and built in space / holes for a camelbak.

How about Ortlieb bags? Is it going to rain where you're going?

[steved1969]

The problem with anything other than a rucksack is the holiday / trip would be a complete write off if I couldn't attach whatever else I took to the rented bike. After talking things over with other people though, the Kreiga stuff may be the better solution. Although an R35 only holds 35L and I wanted more, a lot of that additional capacity is just for things like food/water etc. Not stuff that I would be taking out with me anyway. So I could use an R35 with a US10 thrown in my helmet bag (or in the rucksack) and just attach it once I arrive. That way I don't have to worry about it getting separated from the rucksack in transit, and I still have the capacity I need when I arrive.

In addition to the above using a modular system like this greatly increases the chance of me being able to strap some kit to the bike, even if I can't strap all of it to it.

[Matt Cartney]

Hi,

I'd agree that I wouldn't personally want to ride with a backpack. A Palm River Trek Gear Carrier might be a good option though. It is essentially a dry bag with rucksack straps on it. You'd have to be careful how you packed it for carrying as it has no padding in the back, but you'd be able to strap it to the rear seat/tail of pretty much any bike. I've strapped mine to the rear mudgaurd of my single seat enfield without difficulties. You'd then find it easy to carry off the bike. I find mine well made and it was quite inexpensive too.

Dry Storage | Palm Equipment International Ltd


Matt

[grizzly7]

From what you said you're planning to do, if you could mount stuff on the bike you would, so you don't need a pukka rucksack at all?

North Face expedition bags are really tough, have removable rucksack straps although no frame, so fine for short term lugging, but squishy for strapping on the back? The material I would say is waterproof but the seams aren't, it has compression straps which are handy for bike mounting and checked luggage, and lots of strapping attachment points. Cheaper versions are available, but mine is in just about as new condition at about 15 years old

[joburghawk]

Steve

I bought a Berghaus 65 litre rucsac my son a couple of years ago, for his first overseas Scout Jamboree. He then opted for a 'wheeled holdall', so I claimed the Berghaus for my own trips - including frequent extended solo motorcycle camping trips.

The Berghaus is the best rucsac I have owned/used: a cavernous split interior (allowing top and middle access) and useful external pockets, all in a rugged and waterproof construction.

I use a pair of hard motorcycle pannies for clothing and small/loose stuff, while the Berghaus sits bungeed across the top of the panniers and carries tent, sleeping bag, wet gear and other larger stuff. On one trip it got so dirty I had to powerhose it afterwards, and it came up good as new (and still waterproof).

Overall, an excellent rucsac - it is a Berghaus, after all!

Jo

[38thfoot]

You could very cheaply buy a British army deployment bag, it is rugged but would need a waterproof liner and had shoulder straps to carry like a rucksack. It could then be strapped accross the back of a bike like a duffle.

The Outdoors - UK Army Surplus Shop - Rucksacks

Best thing is it costs a £10.

38

[ttrkiwi]

Kreiga, kriega and kriega. Great gear...I have the R20 and attach the two US10's either side.

And waterproof to boot...

[MountaineerWV]

This camelbac is my solution.

motherlode - CamelBak.com

It has a 3L bladder and 35L storage capacity. It also has a comfortable waist strap to distribute the load. All the webbing makes it easy to attach locks, compass, waterbottles, etc to.

The front pouch is waterproof. I also have a 40L Seal Line bag to store stuff in the main section that I need to keep dry. I like the bag b/c I can use it to carry stuff on the bike, it's easy to take off and carry into the hostel/store, and I use it when I go on hikes (the waist strap comes in especially helpful there becasue of the weight of water and gear).

[steved1969]

In the end I went for a similar solution to the motherlode, the highlander tomahawk.



It's more of a square shape than the tall thin walking based rucksacks, which will make it a lot easier to strap onto the back of a bike, and at 40L it's plenty big enough to hold a weeks worth of camping kit. It isn't waterproof but it's easy enough to use a waterproof liner (or bin bag) for that. One of the biggest reasons I went for this one is that, thanks to the Molle system, I can use a system like this for hydration:



If I am wearing the rucksack I can Molle this to the back of it, but I can also carry a simple lightweight Molle harness so that if the rucksack is strapped to the bike I can attach the hydration system to the Molle harness and still have the hydration bladder on my back. Seemed like a much better solution than having a rucksack with an integral bladder.

[MountaineerWV]

Great setup. I like the ability to use the bladder separately.

I considered doing something similar, but the price was right for the motherlode...issued to me for free ninety-nine!