whats your rucksack of choice?

ammadas · Sep 21st, 2005, 23:26

Hello all
Im still deciding on what kind of rucksack to bring,I do have narrowed down to 2 types going to my local army surplus store I found numerous styles and sizes.The 2 im leaning towards are the american army duffle bag with backpack straps or the european back pack,both are big but im leaning towards the dufflebag easier to lock and big enough to carry a smaller bag in when im out and about.Both are under 30 dollars,they dont look as pretty as 150 dollar ones at rei,but I dont think that matters much in India.Another thing I did find at the army surplus was army issued deet its twice as strong as ones you find in the stores 31% deet.

OzThumper · Sep 22nd, 2005, 07:01

I think it depends really on what you are intending to do on your travels.

If you are just jumping on trains, taking taxis, etc. and not carrying very much gear then the ones you are suggesting should be okay.

However, if you intend to cover even a maginal distance on foot, e.g. if you decide to hike, trek, and / or carry even a moderate amoutn of gear (e.g. up to 10kgs) then you should really look at a pack with a substantial harness. The harness should enable the majority of weight (approx 95%) to be carried on your hips.

Army duffel bags are really designed to transport (not carry) gear from A to B on things like a truck. That is why soldiers have their gear, they use in the field, in proper webbing packs.

Most of the proper packs (rucksack, travel pack and hybrid) usually have one or 2 major lock points, so they are easy to lock.

My advice wqould be to go for the best that you can afford, as your back, body and ultimately the enjoyment of your trip may depend on your wise choice.

Anders · Sep 22nd, 2005, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by ammadas

Hello all
Im still deciding on what kind of rucksack to bring,I do have narrowed down to 2 types going to my local army surplus store I found numerous styles and sizes.The 2 im leaning towards are the american army duffle bag with backpack straps or the european back pack,both are big but im leaning towards the dufflebag easier to lock and big enough to carry a smaller bag in when im out and about.Both are under 30 dollars,they dont look as pretty as 150 dollar ones at rei,but I dont think that matters much in India.Another thing I did find at the army surplus was army issued deet its twice as strong as ones you find in the stores 31% deet.

Buy something that is cheap, rugged, can be locked and that is easy to get on and off trains and busses. Don't worry how its is to carry, the reality is that you probably wont carry it very much.

OzThumper · Sep 22nd, 2005, 19:39

Ammadas,

Before you go out and make any purchase, the important thing to work out is exactly what you will be doing. If you are going to be doing any walking, then you need to get something that is suitable. If you are merely jumping in and out of taxis and buses then something with a handle will do.

However, for many years I have seen people struggling with even moderate loads over short distances when they have bags not easily handled. The sudden need to drag and lift a duffel bag up 5 flights of stairs takes the shine of the moment.

I personally favour packs, but that was ionly after careful consideration about what I intended to do, and the best way to do it.

At elast if you only spend $30, when your back is killing you and your shoulders ache, you can turf it out without too much hesitation. The problem, though, might be getting a decent replacement when you do.

Sep 21st, 2005, 23:26	#1
ammadas Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: minneapolis,mn Posts: 156	whats your rucksack of choice? Hello all Im still deciding on what kind of rucksack to bring,I do have narrowed down to 2 types going to my local army surplus store I found numerous styles and sizes.The 2 im leaning towards are the american army duffle bag with backpack straps or the european back pack,both are big but im leaning towards the dufflebag easier to lock and big enough to carry a smaller bag in when im out and about.Both are under 30 dollars,they dont look as pretty as 150 dollar ones at rei,but I dont think that matters much in India.Another thing I did find at the army surplus was army issued deet its twice as strong as ones you find in the stores 31% deet.

Sep 22nd, 2005, 07:01	#2
OzThumper Outta Control Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 74	I think it depends really on what you are intending to do on your travels. If you are just jumping on trains, taking taxis, etc. and not carrying very much gear then the ones you are suggesting should be okay. However, if you intend to cover even a maginal distance on foot, e.g. if you decide to hike, trek, and / or carry even a moderate amoutn of gear (e.g. up to 10kgs) then you should really look at a pack with a substantial harness. The harness should enable the majority of weight (approx 95%) to be carried on your hips. Army duffel bags are really designed to transport (not carry) gear from A to B on things like a truck. That is why soldiers have their gear, they use in the field, in proper webbing packs. Most of the proper packs (rucksack, travel pack and hybrid) usually have one or 2 major lock points, so they are easy to lock. My advice wqould be to go for the best that you can afford, as your back, body and ultimately the enjoyment of your trip may depend on your wise choice. __________________ Dave ----------------------------------- I started with nothing and still have most of it left.

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Sep 22nd, 2005, 19:39	#4
OzThumper Outta Control Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 74	Ammadas, Before you go out and make any purchase, the important thing to work out is exactly what you will be doing. If you are going to be doing any walking, then you need to get something that is suitable. If you are merely jumping in and out of taxis and buses then something with a handle will do. However, for many years I have seen people struggling with even moderate loads over short distances when they have bags not easily handled. The sudden need to drag and lift a duffel bag up 5 flights of stairs takes the shine of the moment. I personally favour packs, but that was ionly after careful consideration about what I intended to do, and the best way to do it. At elast if you only spend $30, when your back is killing you and your shoulders ache, you can turf it out without too much hesitation. The problem, though, might be getting a decent replacement when you do.

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