Rucksack for short back???!! Any ideas

onlineid

Hi, I'm really struggling with this one. I need a rucksack but have a small back.

I went into Field & Trek today and tried on a couple of their travel packs (around 60+15). The men's apparently fitted better than the womens but all ended up around my head when fitted on the hips.

Any ideas for manufacturers which cater for small backs (or even custom made?). Going for small capacity isn't really an option as carrying kit for me and my son!

(Apologies in advance if I've posted this in the wrong place!!)

ABH_3

Field and Trek is probably the best place to go and ask, did you ask? What did they say as they've usually got something for everyone or can sugest alternative suppliers.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=%22short+back%22+rucksack&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Short-back-army-bergen_W0QQitemZ160219744964QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/militarygear/product/plce-infantry-bergen.html

Have you tried asking on the various forums associated with load carrying type sports:
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Forum/
http://www.theoutdoorsstation.co.uk/html/links_laid_out_2_columns.htm
http://www.ramblers.co.uk/forum/index.php?sid=4cd32172e6c29cbfb18ba9eef2019f29

HTH

Blacksheep1979

I wouldn't say field and trek is the best place to go - go to somewhere where you get climbers working like elis brigham or snow and rock, you'll get much better advice and help adjusting the packs. You are going about it the right way though rather than reading a review, buying something and regretting it - keep it up and you'll soon get something that fits properly.

ABH_3

Blacksheep1979 wrote: »

I wouldn't say field and trek is the best place to go

Ok, I should have explaned better, it may not be the best place. But compared to the staff at your local Millets, the ones at Field and Trek are going to be a little more knowledgeable. Afterall, they put the 'tech guide' to personal load carrying in their catalogue way before other stockists of such items even considered that such a thing maybe relevant.

- go to somewhere where you get climbers working like elis brigham or snow and rock, you'll get much better advice and help adjusting the packs. You are going about it the right way though rather than reading a review, buying something and regretting it - keep it up and you'll soon get something that fits properly.

I agree with the above, where are such places however? I found the best thing to do is get advice from fellow walkers\hikers though back then it required you to go for a walk around somewhere remote and drop into local pubs where walkers tend to hang out, you'll find them huddled by the nearest fire usually on rainy days such pubs are easy to spot, they have lines of rucksacks outside tethered to the nearest object that won't move.

Such people are easy to spot, they're the ones with their spare socks round their knecks Hopefully the OP will find the afforementioned forums a useful resource, otherwise borrow a rucksack and spend a week walking around the North York Moores, Snowdon etc meeting such people and you'll undoubtedly get loads of advice. There are unsuprisingly a number of little hiking shops in such districts with lots of knowledgeable staff.

Otherwise take a look around your local WHSmiths for walking\hiking magazines, make a note of any web addresses and visit their forums as sugested earlier. You might even consider purchasing a few as the small articles in the back maybe of interest.

Fwiw, I found karrimor back systems to be the most forgiving, but then I was going the other way and needed extra length.

HTH

onlineid

Thanks for all the advice and taking the time to reply, much appreciated. I was in the Peak District at New Year but didn't think to look then. Having looked at the above forums today, I'm now keen to see if I can find somewhere on my travels that stocks both Pod Sacs and Granite Nimbus (nowhere in London so a will have to wait until I can get away next month).