Hiking Backpacks > Berghaus Hiking Backpacks

Advantages: Lots of space and waterproof
Disadvantages: A bit heavier than most bags, but worth the extra weight

I have had this bag for over 4 years, and it is fantastic. It is so well designed and built. It is great for cycling running or just using as a normal backpack. It will easily fit a laptop and files, so is ideal for going to work or collage. All of the stitching is fantastic, it has withstood being dragged along the floor and being kicked for 3 years, and still looks as good as new. The zips are well designed, and have never jammed or broken. There ...
...of the bag, that not only makes the bag waterproof, but also doubles up as a reflective bag so that at night you can easily be seen. I think that the bag is great and would recommend it to anybody for whatever use. It stops your back from sweating, so that you don't arrive to work or school with massive sweat patches! ... Read review

Advantages: High Volume and Superb stability with heavy loads
Disadvantages: Military image - olive green

...rock steady backpack. Manufactured by Berghaus for the serious mountaineer but affectionately used by the military and forces due to its high volume and stability when loaded to the maximum. Features 100litre volume with two detatchable side pockets (very useful for expeditioners who have trekked to a base camp and then require a day pack for day walks etc) - the pack comes with straps to turn the side pockets into a small backpack. A feature copied ...
...moulded to your back. High density foam in the right areas to prevent chaffing and rubbing (eg hips, shoulders and lower back - good lumbar support) My one had a divider between the main sac - not sure that this was common but very useful to keep dirty or muddy stuff away from food and clean clothes. The bag feels secure when carried and the straps and fixings are secure - I have a short back and the length of the Vulcan was just right for me (I'm ... Read review

Advantages: Well built, Good load transfer, Non sweat back system
Disadvantages: Heavy, looks slightly odd, Occipital cavity doesnt work, front pocket opening too small.

...lads. Of course berghaus arent unique in using this method of sizing, a number of firms use it but the vast majorty of packs are adjustable/ So whats on the pack? Well there have been some tweeks since i bought mine in 2002. Starting from the bottom up theres a hib belt with what berghaus describe as "grabber" fins, what this means that the hip belts uses a mix of firm and softer foams on a precurved plate so it wraps around the wearers hips. In ...
...is a waterproofed zip. Why Berghaus decided to put a waterproof zip at the side of the pack when the pack itself is not waterproff is beyond me, but when traveling abroad in hot climates it is a great feature - you can just reach in and grab something. At the front of the pack there is a pocket. I have heard hat this pocket is fully waterproof on 2004 versions of the cyclops, but in 2002 it had a mesh drainage patch at the bottom. The idea being ... Read review

Advantages: Super tough, military specification daysack with internal frame
Disadvantages: Not a lot of pockets!

Made of 1000 denier textured nylon which is as tough as old boots, with synthetic fabric used on body contact areas. It is fast drying, durable and very comfortable on the back. The alluminium alloy frame gives excellent support and harness rigidity to the pack. The two buckle lid closure ensures maximum weatherproofing, plus gear can be held under the lid in good weather. Dual density foam ensures comfort and prevents items in the pack from digging ... Read review

Advantages: Compact, not too heavy, packs a lot in.
Disadvantages: Feels bulky if filled to the brim. Price is a little high.

I used the Tatonka Flightcase for a short trip to Amsterdam and found it really good for what I needed it for. I was on my trip for three days and had more than enough space in the pack for clothes, washbag and other sundries. The capacity of the pack is 40L which may not be ideal for long trips but for trips that last one or two weeks I dont think you'd have a problem. The obvious advantage is that the pack fits in hand luggage and it does with ...
...any problem with the pack but I would say that it did feel a little bulky sometimes even though it's not that big. It is also quite pricey although I have seen it getting cheaper on certain sites. I paid £60 for the pack. Other than that, it was more or less perfect and many people were amazed at just how much it held. Definately going to be using for my next trip. ... Read review