I own the Karrimor SF Sabre 45L, Karrimor SF Predator 45L, Wisport Crafter 55L and the Wisport Wildcat 65L. All fantastic. But I'm keen for a bit more of a frame while retaining the modularity and ruggedness of these types of packs. Lightweight hiking bags aren't for me. I like to tinker and accessorise. What similar bags do others like that have a frame either internal or external? I'm tall so something that will will sit well on the hips.
for none lightweight structured packs Kifaru, Exo Mtn Gear, Stone Glacier all have decent framed options in tall. I'm 193cm 78Kg and struggled getting packs to fit my torso length and that fit my waist snug enough. Wisport racooon 85L wasn't too bad but not that great in other ways. Most common problems are length OK but belts too big and wouldn't get anywhere near tight enough to tranfer loads to pelvic bones or belt OK but short torso to the point the hipbelt sat far above illiac crest and pretty much on lower ribs.
I have a Kifaru Ark in 25" and it's more than long enough for my torso (long in me but some taller people have short/average torso but longer legs for instance), and an EXO mtn gear K4 in 26.5" which is also plenty long enough. The belts are modular on those systems as are the shoulder straps so you just get the sizes you need. Same for the bag. I use a 7200 K4 on the exo and a gnargali, reckoning or ku4300 on the ark frame. Edit: They are long enough to have them not maxed out but load lifter angles perfect still when on other packs even maxed out loadlifters would be useless and almost horizontal pull.
SG I don't own but they are considered solid options. Kuiu make some good stuff too. Erbelestock and MysteryRanch used to be worth it but these days there are much better options and they're not regarded as well these days.
Berghaus Vulcan
This and the centurio have just entered my consciousness and I shall be acquiring one. Many thanks.
I got one years ago off a 'Royal Marine'
They're heavy but bombproof and they take 2 rocket pouches if you're bringing the kitchen sink.
The cyclops frame makes it bear load really well. Not the lightest but it's very very good.
Thanks. Appreciate the detail. Willl look up those options
Nice.
Karrimor SF is "rare" and understated in the US, but I love my Sabre 45. It's a straightforward and durable pack. I like how I can zip the sides down to make it compact when needed.
Grey Ghost Gear used to be the sole Karrimor SF supplier in the US, but they stopped carrying them.
Other similar bags I have are a Camelbak Trizip and Euro spec older Camelbak motherlode that uses the mystery ranch futura harness.
Agree the Sabre is nicely understated. And the side pouches hold a ton of gear. Maybe I just get it in another colour! I'm in the UK so easy enough to acquire but fewer and fewer places are stocking them.
Savotta. Heavy, tougher than you actually need them to be. Larger models have either internal or external frames
Check out Hill People Gear if you haven't already.
Very good looking gear thanks.