Cost
For what it's worth I know someone who uses several (white variant) HMG rucksacks. He walks (and skis) all four seasons. 70-90 nights out per year. Carries his skis on his HMG (loads of about the 18 kgs) without much issue. He walks in heavy scrub/bush and over rock. Loves his HMG stuff.
Another option for you, were you to choose cheaper Xpac that is, would be a tough and cheaper mix of VX21 and VX42 or all VX42 perhaps?
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/Rugged50Lbackpack
I have a Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50L (a proper 50L internal capacity and has 2 aluminium removable bars -aka stays) in VX21 (VX42 bottom and pockets-VX42 is tough as) that may be an option? They will make it all in VX42 (around a kg) as well. Excellent quality and has carried very comfortably for me at 14 or so Kgs. I have not been beyond that though, but that was fine and really comfortable-so beyond is very probable--they say 18kgs/40 pounds, it weighs in at around 900gms with the bars/stays. I would not go under the VX21 (if choosing Xpac that is) for certain, myself, on a heavier load ruckie. VX21 keeps a nice stiffish sort of 'structure' that I like and has been good on abrasion and puncture resistance.
The LH has load shifter/lifters that I like with heavier loads.
When you say your 'go to is the Northrim'-do you mean that is the one you are thinking of buying?
The Northrim (or the Southwest) seem fine if it will carry the weight you want and even better -almost no wait.
Your credit card will weep but what the hell.
I'm attempting to own one.
Bought one from here 10 days ago . It arrived last week. But was obviously a return rather than ex display/sales. Dirty, pilling on belt, small hole melted in one side panel and split seam on lid ( hard to repair). A missing drawstring...
I spoke to Carol on Thursday, and he said it was sent by mistake. Heard nothing since though, so will have to chase up.
It's first time I tried one on. Seems a pretty decent pack.
It’s strange that such a good pack has become so hard to get hold of.
That's very strange, I've actually just got a smaller 40lt pack from them, again it said ex display but it doesn't look like it's been out of the bag. Why you can only get them direct I can only guess, doesn't seem good marketing to me.
Cost
For what it's worth I know someone who uses several (white variant) HMG rucksacks. He walks (and skis) all four seasons. 70-90 nights out per year. Carries his skis on his HMG (loads of about the 18 kgs) without much issue. He walks in heavy scrub/bush and over rock. Loves his HMG stuff.
Another option for you, were you to choose cheaper Xpac that is, would be a tough and cheaper mix of VX21 and VX42 or all VX42 perhaps?
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/Rugged50Lbackpack a proper 50L internal capacity and has 2 aluminium removable bars . Excellent quality and has carried very comfortably for me at 14 or so Kgs. I have not been beyond that though. The LH has load shifter/lifters that I like with heavier loads.
When you say your 'go to is the Northrim'-do you mean that is the one you are thinking of buying?
The Northrim (or the Southwest) seem fine if it will carry the weight you want and even better -almost no wait.
Your credit card will weep but what the hell.
I will be very interested to know how you get on with this; I love my SO Divide!Quick update: With all the feedback and advice above: materials, brands, carrying styles etc…
I have decided, for those times that I need to carry heavier loads (extra days food/water) or backpack in very wet climates, to order a
Seek Outside Flight 1 in xpac/Spectra
I long considered getting a custom pack with the adjustable frame, but I cannot see a scenario nowadays where I am carrying more than 23kg / 50lbs
thanks all