This subject was covered a couple of years back. However, after a serious discussion with a barbed wire fence I am looking for a replacement backpack.

My existing heap of rubbish is a 35L unit weighing 0.936kg. I cut off the waist band some years back as well the across-the-chest strap. All the fiddly straps and buckles that seem to decorate all backpacks have also gone.

The shoulder straps are without padding. There are netting side pouches for water bottles.

So it is just a light weight, 35L container with slim bands for shoulder straps.

What is there out on the market now that is simple to use and ultra light?

I have just been looking at a DYNAFIT RC20 that looks modifiable, but it is obviously too small to begin with.

Take a lokk at these ultra light sacs.
I have the Terra Nova laser 35 ltr near the bottom of the list.
I have carried 30 lbs in it backpacking doing an average 40 miles a day and it has been completely comfortable with good thickness shoulder straps. When not full you can compress it by way of the thin but functional side bungee cords.
Dave.

Sorry this is the link to my last post.
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Gear-Reviews/Search-Results/Gear-Reviews/Rucksacks/_/N-5hZgkZf4
Dave.

Thanks Slogger. Googling your tab I found this review of the Terra Nova.

http://sticksblog.com/2011/03/20/terra-nova-laser-35l-backpack-initial-review/

Question:

Not clear....is it waterproof or do you need to carry a waterproof jacket for the pack?

The external pockets do not seem to be really large enough to secure a litre water bottle?

I saw how much came out of the guys pack. However, with the centre zip...do you find it a bit fiddly to pack.....me being used to stuffing things down a tube like most backpacks.

How would you arrange your packing so that you can get first things out first if caught in a downpour, or for instance....needing a first aid kit in a hurry?

On the whole I like the idea of the pack design. But, do you suffer with a wet back..as there is no web/netting to keep the pack off your back?

Sorry for all the questions, but I would have to import the bag sight unseen.

Like most sacs, indeed all of the ones I have it is not waterproof so a dry bag is required.

You can fit 2 x 500ml bottles in each side pocket, although I usually only carry one 500ml in each.

I use a 40 ltr dry bag, pack a few thing in the bottom it then place it in the sac and fill the rest of it up with other items, pulling the zip up as I pack.

I just arrange things as i do with all my sacs. Things I may not need during the day at the bottom, then spare clothing, first aid kit, hat and waterproofs at the top. All inside the dry bag.

Yes like all close contact back system you do get a wet streak down your back.

Bear in mind this is a minimalist rucksac, so you can't go brushing it against rock walls and expect it not to suffer abrasions/tears. I had to scramble down a narrow chimney whilst walking the Westmorland Way while using mine. It was squeeze and with water bottles in the side pocket and rubbing along the rock walls, my sac ended up with scuffs and small tear on the pckets. the material is very thin, hence the low weight.
However it siutes my needs for when i want ot travel super light.
If I di decide to attempt the Pennine Way Spine race in January, I will use this sac.
Dave

Thanks. Slogger

Slogger.

I tried to get a Terra Nova Laser on line from the Cotswold Warehouse, but it seems that Terra Nova have stopped making them. To day I saw an advert for the Salomon Minim 30 Backpack which looked quite useful.

Do you have any comments about it or know I a place I can call to get them to post me one, or do you know a store that still has the TNL.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

http://www.springfield-camping.co.uk/Terra+Nova/Laser+35/1264/pc

Only places I could find the Salomon sack is Ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SALOMON-Minim-...m3f19c2312cAlso
http://www.spartoo.co.uk/Salomon-MINIM-3...CFUdvfAodY1UAfg

Dave.