Help with choice of small rucksack

[jethro10]

Hi,
I want a small rucksack, about 5-6 Litres possibly? but quite small, certainly not 20L

I have a 30L one for non-cycling and it's features are great, and I want to replicate this in a cycle one.
I want it just for 5-6 hours nice days off where I may chain the bike up and go off sightseeing in the countryside or villages or town and want to take my stuff with me for security and ease.

Features I'd like to replicate

1. It has metal strips to bend and hold the material away from your back, and then a mesh surface on your back. Helps prevent sweating loads. by having air movenent near your back
2. My big one has a "belt" that fits just above the hip bone to spread the weight and stop it slipping
3. Finally the shoulder straps has a fasterner that goes over your chest to keep the straps tighter on your shoulders and from slipping off and needing constant re-adjusting. It just makes it a fit and forget product.

Now these are common features on bigger sacks, but not so on smaller ones, probably cos designers don't think they need them if they are not heavy.
But I'd really like em!
I would have to say cost isn't an issue for the right product, but don't go OTT!

any ideas folks?

Ta
Jeff

 

[PpPete]

The metal strips / mesh back are not going to help on a pack so small - that'll be why no one produces one.

For really good chest strap/belt arrangements....have a look at OMM packs, lightweight and amongst the most comfortable. Smallest is 10 litres

 

[jethro10]

Ah, right.
It would explain why smaller pack don't have the open mesh back.

That probably opens it up a lot and saves me a load of effort.
thanks, the artist Formerly known as Porkypete ;-)

Jeff

 

[jay clock]

Deuter have nice stuff..... http://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/all/Bike/All_Bike/deuter_Race/10/ or Inov8 http://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/all/Bike/All_Bike/deuter_Race/10/

 

[ColinJ]

Take a look at Camelbaks. I use a Camelbak bag (usually without the drinks bladder).

 

[Jezston]

Regarding the mesh-separation stuff - I have a small old rucksack that lacks this, and borrowed a larger sack for a few weeks that does have this tech. Can't say it made any difference to back sweatiness. If you are worries about that get panniers!

 

[jethro10]

Regarding the mesh-separation stuff - I have a small old rucksack that lacks this, and borrowed a larger sack for a few weeks that does have this tech. Can't say it made any difference to back sweatiness. If you are worries about that get panniers!

I have a set of panniers and used them last on the C2C.
But I want a small Rucksack for just day trips where biking will only be part of the activity. carrying panniers round a town or shops or anywhere really is a pain.

Jeff

 

[PaulSecteur]

Decathlon do some small backpack, some with a water bladder for a decent price.

 

[Zoiders]

Fancy ventilated suspension systems on rucksacs are a con - they wear out/break and do naff all.

5 Litres is tiny and not something that needs one anyway - get a small bum bag.

Failing that it'a a camelbak or similar.

 

[snomaes]

Fancy ventilated suspension systems on rucksacs are a con - they wear out/break and do naff all.

5 Litres is tiny and not something that needs one anyway - get a small bum bag.

Failing that it'a a camelbak or similar.

In my experience, the ventilation system on an Edinburgh Cycle rucksack works extremely well. I have a direct comparison to make between a standard rucksack that I used for several years and the Edinburgh Cycle one that I have used for 12 months; I used to get sweaty back with the original one and don't with the new one.

I do agree however, that for a 5 litre capacity, use a waist-pack. These sit on the small of you back and are much more comfortable to use. I used one for the london to Paris I did this year, and it is surprising how much I managed to carry.

 

[Rubber Bullets]

I have the Deuter Race that jay linked too earlier. It is a cracking rucksack that I almost always use for my commute. Only once have I needed to fit shoes, trousers and top in, I did but only just, it's not ideal for that much stuff, but for my normal load (lunch, clean socks pants, some stuff for the gym) it is perfect and very comfortable. I do still get a bit of a sweaty back, but I think it's pretty inevitable, and it really isn't a huge issue for me.

The other plus is that you can fit a bladder to make it a hydration system.

RB

 

[jayonabike]

I have This Vaude Rucksack. I use it for work everyday, and also on longer bike rides when i take a flask of coffee and some sandwiches. I find it very comfy and the mesh works well keeping the bag away from your back. Very well made & no issues with broken zips, & it also can take a hydration bladder.

 

[PatrickPending]

Ive had one of these for 6 years (deuter again)

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/deuter_r...urrency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=120111

Has been updated tho - mine had a mesh back and my back doesn't get sweaty. Has seen me through 50,000Km of cycling and still going strong

 

[Ravelin]

At the risk of inciting ridicule I have a 6L Tesco Hydration Rucksack (http://direct.tesco....R.100-0611.aspx) I use without the bladder. Not saying it's the fanciest, best quality bit of kit in the world but its unobtrussive and useful. Cheap too at around £12.

On the other hand, when I need a little more space I use a Deuter Compact Exp 8L + 2L (http://www.outdoorgb...P_8_L_Backpack/). Now that really is a nice quality rucksack!A bit more expensive at £40 or so online but I've even used it for short(ish), good weather walking trips in preference to my larger walking rucksack.

 

[jethro10]

At the risk of inciting ridicule I have a 6L Tesco Hydration Rucksack (http://direct.tesco....R.100-0611.aspx) I use without the bladder. Not saying it's the fanciest, best quality bit of kit in the world but its unobtrussive and useful. Cheap too at around £12.

Not at all, seems fine. how are the straps round the front? do they clip round your waist or shoulders. might be fine for me that.

On the other hand, when I need a little more space I use a Deuter Compact Exp 8L + 2L (http://www.outdoorgb...P_8_L_Backpack/). Now that really is a nice quality rucksack!A bit more expensive at £40 or so online but I've even used it for short(ish), good weather walking trips in preference to my larger walking rucksack.

And this one looks perfect.
It's like my larger one, just shrunk and more manageable!

Ta
Jeff