Looking for some pack feedback.

[Robin]

I had read your review on the Ultrahike which is why I shortlisted it. I really like hip belt pockets though for my phone, compass & glasses though, along with trail snacks. Was wondering about buying or making some that might fit over the belt. I'll be trying it out next week and see how I find it.

I’ve looked at ways of having hipbelt pockets on the Ultrahike but can’t see a satisfactory way of having them. Instead, I use a lightweight reversed belt pack (Inov8, no longer available https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inov-8-Elite-Litre-Running-Waistpack/dp/B00IY508NW). Not ideal, but works. For a camera I have a shoulder strap pocket but needed to sew a grosgrain loop to stop it slipping.

 

[SafetyThird]

Thanks Robin, very useful.

 

[WilliamC]

@SafetyThird, if after trying your various contenders you're interested in the GG Crown 2, Massdrop have a slightly modified version coming up tomorrow at $119.


Edit: Disclaimer. I've just received an email from Massdrop saying that a guest referred by me has joined up moving me 20% towards free dollars. The link above must be responsible. Please be aware that the link above is linked to my Massdrop account and that I receive some benefits when people join up through it.

 

[Enzo]

I think a lot of people, myself included use Pauls, tread lite gear on ebay

 

[SafetyThird]

thanks, I'll investigate those

 

[Nevis]

And you can convert them back again if you change your mind

What kind of level of skill is required? Or are you offering ? There could be beer tokens involved

 

[cathyjc]

What kind of level of skill is required? Or are you offering ? There could be beer tokens involved

What are you suggesting (oww errr … ) ?
Making a dry bag style closure requires suitable webbing/grosgrain and side release buckles and takes a bit more construction.
Making a cinch/drawstring closure needs cord and cord lock and simple over seam.
Both will require 'unpicking' if already constructed.

Getting your kit upto me is probable not worth it on postage costs.
A local alterations service should be able to do it if you can show them an example of how you want it to be.
Where are you based ? South West ? - @Mole is pretty handy at MYOG

PS. I should have spotted you are SE not SW.

 

[Nevis]

What are you suggesting (oww errr … ) ?
Making a dry bag style closure requires suitable webbing/grosgrain and side release buckles and takes a bit more construction.
Making a cinch/drawstring closure needs cord and cord lock and simple over seam.
Both will require 'unpicking' if already constructed.

Getting your kit upto me is probable not worth it on postage costs.
A local alterations service should be able to do it if you can show them an example of how you want it to be.
Where are you based ? South West ? - @Mole is pretty handy at MYOG

PS. I should have spotted you are SE not SW.

Think that might be beyond my local alterations place!!...I'm in Dublin so West by West by a bit South

 

[SafetyThird]

Dropped in to ralightoutdoorgear.co.uk on Thursday and tried on a bunch of packs. Before getting there I'd pretty much decided I'd be going for a ULA circuit and, after trying everything, it came down to the circuilt vs the Lightwave Ultrahike 60. In all honesty, I preferred the design of the ULA pack, the size of the hip pockets etc but, at the end of the day, the ultrahike was more comfortable, feeling 'glued' to my back really well so that's the one that came home with me. Being a hundred quid cheaper was a nice bonus too.

I may well do Robin's mod of adding a mesh pocket to it and I'll have to figure out if I can make some pockets to go on the hip belt as I'll really miss those I think.

Thanks for all the help and advice. now to get out and use it.

 

[Robin]

The Ultrahike is an excellent pack. You might want to try a reversed waist pack instead of hip belt pockets. If you do, best to get one with a side clip otherwise you end up with the clip in the middle of your back. My Inov8 3L one is ideal but no longer made. Lowe Alpine and Deuter do small(ish) waist packs with clips at the side. I think the only way to have side pockets is to sew some grosgrain loops onto the hipbelt. Even then, they will be a bit awkward. The other possibility is a chest pack like the Tread Lite Gear one.

 

[SafetyThird]

thanks Robin, will have a look and see what I find.

 

[Robin]

thanks Robin, will have a look and see what I find.

Probably a bit OTT, but this is an interesting alternative to having hip belt pockets and should work with the Ultrahike https://hunters-knives.co.uk/ribz-front-pack-outdoor-carrier.html

Ribz Front Pack.



Probably a bit big unless you carry a lot of camera equipment.