Backpacks.

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » December 27th, 2009, 19:43

It has to be hardy and you wear it, so it's hardware right?

Anyway, my mum said she'd buy me a backpack for Christmas so now I'm wondering as to what to buy, as I've had the same backpack for at least five years now and I mostly used it for school.
What I'm looking for is something that is not too big, standard eastpak size or bigger, but it's not that important. It has to be waterproof (or near waterproof at least) and has to be able to withstand a few angry throws when I miss the train. I'm going to use it for pretty much everything everywhere, so yeah, sturdiness is a must.
It can cost a bit more, as I'll split the costs with my mum, but not much over a 100 quid, no backpack can be worth that much.
I remember Dog Pants mentioning something about US army backpacks, but I can imagine they're quite costly.
If you can help me out here, please do.

bitches.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » December 27th, 2009, 19:55

As I know nothing of backpacking brands barring the usual highstreet sports ones (and Berghaus or similar), I'd say look at military surplus. Definitely going to be sturdy.

Edit: I should point out I own two Berghaus rucksacks, a massive Freeflow III 35+8 which I hardly use as it's just impractically massive for anything other that holidays or the like. I've also got a 20ltr Cubic one.

I've used the Cubic for the last 4 or 5 years for college and uni and it's still going strong.

Post by **FatherJack** » December 27th, 2009, 19:58

I don't know anything about them, so I went on the internet and found this: http://www.wideworldmag.co.uk/features/ ... -under-200

Post by **Dog Pants** » December 27th, 2009, 19:59

Military surplus doesn't mean quality, it means lowest bidder. I got a Bugout bag in Baghdad (no pun intended) from the PX on the recommendation of lots of people who'd use one over the issue ones any day. They're Tardis-like, and sturdy as hell. They're also very expensive.

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » December 27th, 2009, 21:06

Dog Pants wrote:Military surplus doesn't mean quality, it means lowest bidder. I got a Bugout bag in Baghdad (no pun intended) from the PX on the recommendation of lots of people who'd use one over the issue ones any day. They're Tardis-like, and sturdy as hell. They're also very expensive.

I'd say that's a fair price if they're as good as you say they are, and if I keep a lookout I can probably find a less fancy model for 80 quid or so, it's meant to be an everyday backpack, as I already own a traveller's pack.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » December 27th, 2009, 21:23

Well, Bugout do that "3 Day Pass" one for £75...

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » December 27th, 2009, 21:32

buzzmong wrote:Well, Bugout do that "3 Day Pass" one for £75...

I was looking at that one, as it looks ideal for my needs, but their distributor doesn't ship here, and buying American means a shipping fee of 50 dollars.
I'll keep looking.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » December 27th, 2009, 22:30

http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/militaryg ... -pass.html

One of the companies listed on the Bugout website, they seem to ship internationally, or appear to as they've got a section in their returns policy for international shipping.

Might be worth contacting them.

Edit, the official distributer, Top Of The Range appear to do European shipping: http://www.top-of-the-range.co.uk/sited ... pping.html

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » December 27th, 2009, 22:37

Thanks buzz, but I already found another place that sells them, http://www.military-supplies.co.uk/ and accidentally bought one* The site you listed has them for cheaper though, should something go wrong with this site.

EDIT: I couldn't use google checkout because our retard government doesn't acknowledge it yet. That's probably not the reason but it feels better blaming the government.

*I wanted to check my shipping options and confirmed my order, couldn't find a cancel button so had to pay.

Sol · Post by **Sol** » December 27th, 2009, 23:32

Bombproof, can consume a small laptop and comes in a plethora of colours.

Plus it gives +1 hipster cred and an additional 25% chance to attract ladiez when equipped.

Mr. Johnson · Post by **Mr. Johnson** » December 28th, 2009, 1:06

I like that, but I don't have a laptop and I use my beard+lumberjack shirt combo to attract ladies.

Only seems to work in trailer parks though.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » December 31st, 2009, 10:19

I've got an old version of one of these, tis most awesome

http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/s ... o-dlx-20l/

Lateralus · Post by **Lateralus** » January 1st, 2010, 13:23

I too have one of them, and it is the best bit of skiing kit I've bought in years. I use it every day for work, but the ability to carry skis on it in a similar fashion to snowboards makes it most win. However, it is a bit on the small side for use as a main bag.

I think I have bags from 15 to 85 litres, in roughly 10l increments.