Backpack recommendations 35-50 liters

pialia

pialia

Joined
Feb 11, 2012
Messages
494
Hi folks

I'm looking for something along the lines of a daypack/overnight pack, something I'll use when I'm not too far from home but still something I can cram a decent amount of gear into. I have a ~90l Lundhags bag that I really like, but it's way too big for anything shorters than 2-3 days.

One pack that caught my eye is the Karrimor Sabre 45l. I really like the fact that doesn't have any flashy colors or shiny material, but still looks sleek and not to military-like(don't like the boxy/molle-maxpedition style.) But after some reading, it doesn't seem to practical for tall folks(I'm 6'1 or so), the waist belt seems to turn into more of a tummy belt in these cases, which would defeat the purpose entirely and afaik it is not removable.

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The aforementioned Karrimor pack

I like modern materials and the modern look more than I do traditional, but without the flashy colors that most backpacking packs have nowadays.

Are there any models out there that fit the bill that come to mind? I'm open for suggestions, I've been browsing the heck out of all Swedish webshops I know of without much luck. Perhaps I need a more woodsy/bushcraft oriented store.
 
I'm gonna go ahead and plug another British company, Snugpak.

I've had their Stamina pack for about eight years....maybe more. It's handled everything I've asked of it; from two nights bushwhacking in the woods to two weeks business in China.

It's been through baggage handling many times, which in my mind is a better test of rucksack build quality than any other! And it's still going strong. No broken clips, bust zips, frayed straps or what have you. I did replace the bungee cord on the front with some bright paracord.

Really can't fault it. It's 40 liters, has a simple big pocket. A small side divider for a bladder. Simple slip pockets on the outside, and side compression straps. Zipped lid pockets in an out and two rain covers in a special external pocket at the base. Comfy padded straps and back, with a good waist belt and chest strap etc etc

It's built with (British) military in mind, but before all the Molle stuff was introduced. They do a version that has all that gubbins, called the Endurance.

Also worth checking is the smaller Sleeka pack at 35 liters.

Sorry, I can't send you this one to try out ;)
 
I've got the Karrimor Sabre 45 and I think you're right about the belt and it's not removable. I'm on the short side and it's fine, but for someone you're size I definitely think it would be too short.

I've also got a Snugpak Rocket and the belt on that is way too short even for me. These rucksack are designed so that if you have a belt with lots of equipment the rucksack belt rides above them, not ideal for most civvies.

For backpacking I have a Golite Jam which is ultralight, but very comfy and has enough room for an overnighter or two, I'd happily recommend one of those, but lightweight rucksack aren't built for too much abuse.
 
I'm about your same height, 6' 1/2". I love my Goruck GR1 and GR2. Yes, they are expensive, but the build quality is exceptional. Neither pack has a waist belt, yet the shoulder straps are designed so there's no need for the belt. Those straps are very padded and wide, the load is distributed across a larger area than any other pack I've owned.
The GR1 is a 26L pack while the GR2 is 48 liters. I admit that I haven't been on a hike or a trip with my GR2, but I'm sure it will be very comfortable. It's loaded with some gear and I've been wearing it around, it just hugs my back and shoulders so well. I can twist from side to side and the bag stays with me, as if it has a sternum strap and waistbelt.
 
kifaru ultralight...i have the ku3700 but they make a smaller one, ku2200. click on my signature for my review...they also sell an express (1000d cordura from the military line but no molle).

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I have carried Kelty packs for years. Mountian Smith and Osprey are two other brands I have experience with. The wife has a Osprey that she loves for day trips and overnighters. I'm considering one of their in a 45 or so liter pack. They are pretty adjustable and seem well made. Her's is 3 years old and still in great shape.
 
Awesome suggestions so far. I'm a bit concerned regarding the Snugpak, is there anyone who's 6'+ that uses one? I'm usually wary of anything "one size". The price an overall features seem great, I'd just hate to end up with an ill-fitting pack.

Does anyone have the newer Kelty Redwing models? I watched some youtube reviews but they seem to change the design every year. The current models don't really seem to have any lashing options if you'd want to cram some overnight gear on the outside.
 
Just to confirm the Snugpak Rocket is designed, as stated for wearing above webbing. It is very short in the back.

I'm about 5'11" btw. The Stamina is comfy on my broad shoulders and sits well at my back and hips.

I suppose if you are concerned though, and you can't return it easily, or try one out in store, you should go with something more adjustable.

Have you looked at any of the other Nordic manufacturers, Finn-Savotta maybe?
 
scruffuk said:
Just to confirm the Snugpak Rocket is designed, as stated for wearing above webbing. It is very short in the back.

I'm about 5'11" btw. The Stamina is comfy on my broad shoulders and sits well at my back and hips.

I suppose if you are concerned though, and you can't return it easily, or try one out in store, you should go with something more adjustable.

Have you looked at any of the other Nordic manufacturers, Finn-Savotta maybe?
Click to expand...

That is exactly my situation, unfortunately.

I've looked at 4-5 nordic manufacturers and either they're horribly expensive(I don't really want to spend upwards of €200 on a day/overnight pack) or they're too colorful. I think a lot of the nordic stuff(Norröna, Bergans, Fjällräven etc) is made for snowy conditions and more importantly if you would need help in said snowy conditions, i.e. bright colors.

I could probably get a Snugpak and return it if I didn't like it, but then I'm out ~£25-30 from the backpack funds!
 
I'm 6-1, but have a very long torso, more like a person 6-4. I've always had the same problem - waist belts don't ride on my hips, until I tried Gregory. If you get a Gregory in Large, it should work for you. I was able to try out the Z35 and Z55 before buying and the Z55 was more comfortable, gave me more flexibility and is only something like 8-10oz heavier. Mine is a medium blue, I wish it were gray or something, but really it's not that bad, no bright orange or anything. That said - it's definitely not a "travel" bag, it's for backpacking. I would never send it through baggage handling.
 
I am about 6ft 5 inches and the redwing 50 fitted me fine. Attachment options are pretty much limited to daisy chain.
 
The Kelty Redwing 50
I have the hunting equivalent
Excellent

Available for less then $80
 
How about the Kelty MAP3500? I've carried one for years, all over the world without any real issue.

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Or a Mystery Ranch 3 day. Little more pricey, but a damned good pack.

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Anything Osprey. They make packs with adjustable harnesses, as well as ones in small, medium, and large fixed frame sizes. I'm 6'3 and their large size packs fit me great.
 
Granite Gear Blaze - under 3#, 60L / 3660CI

Can be cinched down small. Belt has PALS type webbing for pouches or sheaths.

Get the torso length you want and the belt (removable/replaceable) size you need.
 
I have a Marmot Aspen 35. It is very sleek and plain. I think it is meant for skiing. I got it for an all around pack that can be a BOB, daypack, overnighter (or even two nighter), and airline carry on if needed. My only real gripe is that the hip belt isn't substantially padded, but that is only an issue when I am overloading it.
 
do you need the bulletproofness that Cordura offers? if yes, Mystery Ranch or one of the Kifaru hunting models (sans pals)

if no, as others have suggested- look though Osprey's lineup, also Gregory

what are you going to be carrying? if it's heavier stuff, you need to carefully look at what kind of frame system is used- a day pack for me is only 7-15 liters (even in the dead of winter), overnighter is 20-30 liters range- I don't carry anything very heavy and nothing that takes up considerable volume

what you carry dictates a lot on what's the right pack for you
 
I spend less money on bulky sleeping bags and parkas in non-down filling
So a bigger volume 50 liter / 3000 cu in backpack works better for me

I also fill mine with watercolor painting gear, so it is easy to use 50 lt....
 
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