The Berghaus Cyclops Vulcan is one of the largest rucksacks that you can buy, storing up to 100 litres and weighing 3kg, it is thus not suitable for a day hike. However, if you are reading this review, it is likely you are looking for a beasty rucksack, if so, then it's your lucky day.
Designed for long-endurance and a lack of re-supply, the Vulcan is capable of holding everything needed for months without resupply. Those seeking a daysack should stop reading now, because the bag is impractical if half-full! It also allows for extensive modification, though serious modding would void the warranty.
The Vulcan uses Berghaus' tried and tested Cyclops II back support system. While lacking Berghaus' 'bio flex' back system (allowing greatly flexibility), the Vulcan's support is decent, offering good back and shoulder support. This includes excellent, adjustable shoulder straps, top tension adjusting, a top chest strap and a bottom hip strap, which assists in weight distribution. The bottom hip strap uses a sliding lock as opposed to a clip. While this helps prevent breakage of the clip, cold / gloved hands may struggle with the strap.
The Vulcan has two removable side pockets which can form a day sack. Surprisingly, this isn't gimmicky and the day sack is actually half-decent! The pockets hold a good amount of pack, which can be further augmented thanks to clip straps on either side. They can be replaced with military issue PLCE side pouches if you wish. A PLCE can also fit on the back of the pack to further extend the carrying load.
The bag has a top compartment for easy access to maps / first aid supplies as well as a bottom, zipped compartment for bottom access to the main pack; it is common to store a sleeping bag here, though you may struggle with larger synthetic bags. It also has front and rear pull handles, which are very strong.
The construction quality of the bag is top. I have yet to see any stitching come lose, experience any tears or breaks in the plastics. The bag doesn't come with a rain cover, and unless you get torrential rain for a week, you aren't going to need it.
One of the greatest features of this bag is its versatility, and experienced or daring individuals will benefit strongly from number of accessory patches, hold areas and so forth that allow for add-ons. For example, i have added extra webbing to the side pockets, carabineers for a tent and a paracord tie-round for a camelbak. Needless to say, adding carabineers, outside bottles, trekking bottles and ice picks is easily done and there is plenty of room for modification.
One drawback of the Vulcan is the lack of a hydration system. The bag is commonly advertised as being 'hydration compatible', however is this only partly true. There is [no internal bladder pouch] and this again shows the bag is made for those who know what they are doing. Improvising, the bladder pouch can be stored in the top pocket, side pockets, or using a camelbak external bag, it can be stored on the back of the bag. The only other drawback of the bag that the top compartment is positioned obscurely, and has a tendency to wack open once the clips are released.
Final closing comments in relation to the Ciao 'five' ratings: Comfort - If you are carrying 40KG of weight, you can't really complain about comfort. The bag will do its very best to support you. Weight of bag - A little bit heavy, but given its capacity, understandable. Design - Virtually faultless, bar the lack of hydration pouch Durability - 5/5 Value for money - If you buy this bag it will last for years and carry your house if need be. It is also modifiable and provides a daysack.
The Cyclops II Vulcan is tried and tested by military personnel, has been around for a long time and will continue to be. If you need to pack a lot, this is the bag.
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Jan 6th, 2009
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