Backpacking rucksack question!

MSE_Jenny

Hey folks

Just wondering if anyone had any tips on rucksacks that open like suitcases from the sides i.e. not from the top so you have to unpack all your stuff everytime you want to get something from the bottom.

Hope that makes sense, thanks J

Mr_Warren_2

If it's a backpacking backpack for storing goods for trips longer than 2 days (the type you clip your tent, sleeping bag and foam mattress on )the answer is no. If those had a zip along their sides, all the carrying pressure would be on said zip and failure of the zip would undoubtedly come soon (with all your underwear flying in the wind). Eastpack is a good reputable American product that has a lifetime guaranty. Some models come with the sort of zip you are after. www.eastpack.com

alison74

I think I get what you're getting at Jenny.

My first backpack was in 1994 and it loaded from the top only, so I had to unpack everything to get to anything.

I now have a nice Victorinox one that I lay flat on the ground and it zips completly open (except the bit where it is obviously joined) and I can access all my stuff easy peasy now. It has a handle that hides away.

Similar one here http://www.ebags.co.uk/products/index.cfm?modelid=76148&sourceid=UKNEXT0010 but you can get much cheaper ones and Eagle Creek do them (available in Rohan Stores with good advice) and provide a lifetime guarantee

I think they are the future of backpacks if you are using them as luggage that you can pull around with occasional use for on the back (mine has zip away shoulder straps which I have never used).

If you were doing a 2 weeks trek in the Alps, then I don't think they are suitable as they have no waist strap for support

I have used mine through India, China, South America on various kinds of terrain and they are fine and are smart enough to look like good luggage rather than a backpack.

I keep toiletries and shoes down at the bottom end as they are obviously heaviest when you have it upright and everything else rolled up, easy to see.

It's a huge difference from my first 1994 back pack which I still have as I am waiting for the 'retro' back pack to come back

stratford_2

I know what you’re talking about. My GF and I both have ‘Karrimor global’ rucksacks – and have used them extensively for the last 4 years, both for backpacking around the world and ‘flashpacking’ for trips lasting a few weeks. Not cheap but they have weathered well.

They have 2 compartments, the main one virtually opens up like a suitcase and the smaller, bottom one also opens wide. Miles better than a top loader. They also come with a zip-on smallish daysack (can look a bit funny on the back of the main rucksack) but it can also be attached by clips to the rucksack straps in front of your chest to provide a bit of balance. The straps can also be zipped away which means that you end effectively with a large bag and less things to be caught up in conveyer belts in airports/planes. Unlike some rucksacks these don’t have to have go to outsize luggage or packed up in tape, which I had to do previously. There’s also a large sports bag style strap that can be attached.

On the downside, they are a bit heavier than a traditional top-loader when empty.

Have a search – they do 2 sizes and with straps/support for men and women. These are in the first few google results to give you an idea

http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/karrimor-global-5070 (has detailed images)

http://www.outdooraction.co.uk/acatalog/KARRIMOR_RUCKSACKS.html

http://www.bluedome.co.uk/TrailWalk/trailwalk3.cfm?review=503&mascat=3&subcat=120

LondonDiva

A friend of mine swears by her Eastpack super, or is it head? shrinker

MSE_Jenny

Thanks for all the advice. Just what I was trying to describe

Think I'm going to keep my eye out for cheap Karrimor global.

RedBern

my daughter got one from e-bay - blackwolf or greywolf - an australian (or NZ) company - sorry to be vague. Anyway - it has wheels so looks like a traditional case but also can be backpacked. It has a lifetime warranty, and in fact the handle broke whilst she was away recently and the company arranged for it to be replaced whilst she was in Australia. It was quite expensive (over £100 I think - again more vagueness!) but a lot cheaper than the NorthFace ones that are available over here..

Shimrod

I'd recommend the karrimor global as well. We've had ours for about the same time as Stratford, and they are very rugged and flexible. The only complaint I've ever had about it is that the 50-70 could do with being a little bigger...now that they now make a bigger one, I'm tempted to upgrade!

Shim

JoseChungsDoomsday

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/Outdoor/ProductList.aspx?cat=TravelBags&language=en-GB

Berghaus Jalan backpacks are amazing. I pack it like you would a normal suitcase (the top zip goes the whole way around the top) and the quality of it is second to none. Granted, it is a little more expensive than other but you get what you pay for IMO