Er spec me a rucksack?

[MarcLister]

I'm on the lookout for a decent rucksack to carry my stuff in when I go home from Uni. I currently use an Adidas sports bag slung over my shoulder. It isn't a backpack, more a holdall. Anyway it isn't big enough for my clothes and assorted mess. It also bloody hurts me shoulder because of the weight and the straps cutting into me shoulder and leaving a nice reminder in the form of burst blood vessels.

It also makes me walk slower because the bag interferes with the smooth natural motion of my hip. I can fix this by using the shorter strap and carrying it higher up. This of course means my shoulder gets more gip!

Plus I can't stand still easily with this bag as it affects me balance and I feel like I might topple over. And if that wasn't enough, I can't carry the bag on my shoulder when I'm getting on the train because the ruddy aisles aren't wide enough for me and me bag so I have to carry it in front of me which isn't much fun.

So after much moaning, I'd like to ask me Boat Drink freunden if they can recommend any rucksacks. I think it needs to be about 60-70 litres in capacity to be big enough for me. I want a rucksack for the extra space but also the ability to wear the ruddy think and spread the weight of the rucksack over both shoulders, to stop me walking funny and so I can walk down the train. :D

I suppose I'm OK spending £60-70 (£1 a litre is my max price! ;D) but I could be prepared to spend a little more if there is an especially good bag for say £75-80. As I said the rucksack would only be for going home and back to Uni with so I don't need day bags or rehydration nonsense.

I've seen a Eurohike bag on the Milletts site for £30. A good price I think but something tells me that for rucksacks I'll need to pay more for something of proper quality and that will last me after Uni for holidays etc.

http://www.millets.co.uk/Rucksacks/Pathfinder-65-Rucksack/product/094809.aspx

So can anyone recommend any particular rucksacks or brands of rucksack. Perhaps even a site I can get the rucksack from?

[Blackstar]

I'd recommend Vango i have this one http://www.springfield-camping.co.uk/Vango/Sherpa+65/p although it is a little big for me when full. The straps are padded and it has adjustable lumbar support, it's very comfortable to wear and having used it on trains it fits down aisles but turning round can be interesting. I bought mine from wilddays.com but they no longer stock them.

[Dr. Z]

I have a Vango Sherpa 65 which I used to use when hiking as well as for any time I go away for a few days. Adjustable Alu back frame makes it really comfortable (and still light!) and all of the padding is thick and in the right places. I have had mine for ~6 years now and its still intact.

They can be had these days for about £60

[MarcLister]

Thanks both of you. :D I'll have a look at them.

[Dr. Z]

If I had mine here with me I would come downstairs and show it to you but I have left it at home! :(

If I pop home in the next couple of days I will grab it and show you, which might give you a better idea of size etc :)

[Blackstar]

His is a different colour to mine, mine is much prettier.

[MarcLister]

If I had mine here with me I would come downstairs and show it to you but I have left it at home! :(

If I pop home in the next couple of days I will grab it and show you, which might give you a better idea of size etc :)That'd be great. :)

His is a different colour to mine, mine is much prettier.I don't mind stylish but "pretty" sounds a bit too girly for me. :D

Vango are good and i'd also recommend Jansport (http://www.jansport.com/js_home.php) as wellThanks. :)

[semi-pro waster]

I've seen a Eurohike bag on the Milletts site for £30. A good price I think but something tells me that for rucksacks I'll need to pay more for something of proper quality and that will last me after Uni for holidays etc.

http://www.millets.co.uk/Rucksacks/Pathfinder-65-Rucksack/product/094809.aspx

The straps don't look anywhere near thick enough or padded enough and the back system unsurprisingly looks basic but then for the price it seems a bit churlish to complain.

The best thing you can really do is to try a few on while they are somewhat loaded - if you pick a non-busy time in the shop and ask nicely then they are more likely to be able to help.

I'd normally recommend Haglofs for a good solid but simple rucksack but having looked at the UK prices it seems to be quite a bit out of your price range unfortunately. In which case Vango and Jansport are good options, Berghaus also do some very good rucksacks but again may be out of your price range.

[Blackstar]

I don't mind stylish but "pretty" sounds a bit too girly for me. :D

Neither are girly ;)

[lostkat]

I have an old Karrimor Panther with a laaaaadies backframe (they do men's too). Cost about £70 when I first got it, but it has lovely thick straps, even on my boney shoulders and I've been up mountains with a tent, roll-mat and provisions for 3 days in it. Adjustable everything and chest/waist straps. Can't fault it and I've had it since I was 15, so it's lasted very well. Not sure if you're looking for something that hardcore because you're not actually walking far with it or carrying much weight, but it really is worth getting something that's fully adjustable (they should all have ali back frames at that size) and has padded, comfortable straps.

[Pumpkinstew]

It probably won't make a difference to you but side opening ones are easier to pack than the top openers.

EDIT: Mines a Vango too and has survived numerous trips including Alitalia baggage handlers:thumbsup: