Alternative to the Korum Ruckbag?

[philocalist]

I've had a Korum Ruckbag for quite a few years now without problems - very happy with it in fact!.

I'm in the market for another one, possibly two more, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any recommendations, preferably from experience, of alternative bags of a similar style, that may be an improvement in some way on the Korum?

I'm not neccesarily looking for a cheaper alternative (though that would be a bonus) - just wondering whether there may be better alternatives out there perhaps? ... otherwise I'll very happily buy the Korum Ruckbags again!

 

I should mention, although I use the Korum chairs too, I've no specific need to be able to attach the chairs to my intended purchases ... Sod's Law says that I'm virtuajlly housebound for at least a couple of weeks so can't get out and hands-on at the various dealers, hence the request for recommendations ... decided to re-organise some of my kit while I'm stuck indoors!

[frenchdub]

Hi there
I looked at the Korum when I was in the market for a rucksack, but found it way too big for my needs. I know what I'm like.. if it will fit i n the bag I'll carry it, so the pack ends up weighing 20kg.

I opted for the Fox Specialist rucksack. Its fairly compact about 35l and easily takes all the gear I need for a day.

Pros:

1. Small, compact yet well laid out.
2. I prefer a rucksack to a shoulder bag
3. Lots of pockets, (large front one will take a Fox box)., and fairly spacious main compartment
4. Nice carry handle
5. Good quality buckles and zips... so in all looks fairly robust.
6. Neat straps & buckles for a roll up unhooking mat.
7. Waterproof base
8. Very good price too.

Cons

1. Could use more padding on back, if my buzz bars end up at rear of main compartment they dig in my back.
2. Same goes for the shoulder straps. While I don't find them uncomfortable, they would be better with more padding.
3. Shoulder straps could do with a sternum straps (which I added) to stop them slipping off your shoulders.
4. Waist belt is a bit high and unpadded.

All in all I'm very happy with the pack...

cheers

Gareth

Edited August 5, 2013 by frenchdub

[Steve Burke]

What an excellent write up, Gareth! More please.

 

For a small bag I can recommend the one on sale at Aldi at this very moment. I bought one for my brother, and it's also been highly praised by lots and lots of other anglers. It costs just £14.99 and apparently is the same as sold by a well-known tackle company for about 3x the price.

 

You'll have to hurry though as they sell out within days......

[Phone]

philo,

 

One of my "bad habits" i guess is that I am a creature of habit. Good, bad or indifferent I tend to like what I'm used to. Guess I'm to old to learn new tricks. Everything is always where is "used" to be. Breaking in new configurations and getting a hook in the thumb is a depressing experience. I like fishing to be fun.

 

Phone

[frenchdub]

What an excellent write up, Gareth! More please.

 

For a small bag I can recommend the one on sale at Aldi at this very moment. I bought one for my brother, and it's also been highly praised by lots and lots of other anglers. It costs just £14.99 and apparently is the same as sold by a well-known tackle company for about 3x the price.

 

You'll have to hurry though as they sell out within days......

 

Cheers Steve,

I've a few reviews of gear I own on my blog, that might interest you... check out the link below my post.

cheers

Gareth

[philocalist]

Steve - the Aldi-type bag I'm well familiar with - LIDL do something virtually identical and I've already got a couple but they are way too small for my purposes. I like the look of the Fox though, Gareth, but it's difficult to get a grasp of the physical size of it off a picture, and it looks rather 'boxy' - I prefer mine more 'vertical', if that makes sense - seems to sit much better on my back and carry a load easier. I think the ONLY occasional grumble I would have about the Korum bag is that it is quite heavy even empty, but I guess thats the price you pay for a well constructed, padded, protective bag?

 

Speaking of packing a bag to capacity - anyone up for one of these? ... only a few quid more than the Fox and 3 times the capacity ... Daiwa too, so should be decent kit! :-) http://www.amazon.co.uk/BRAND-MISSION-RUCKSACK-110LTR-CAPACITY/dp/B007ISYQVG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1

[Steve Burke]

Cheers Steve,

I've a few reviews of gear I own on my blog, that might interest you... check out the link below my post.

cheers

Gareth

Great blog. Those crucians are enormous!