Freeflow Rucksacks

[jaynethepain]

Any recommendations please for a gents freeflow rucksack to be used for short day hikes - husband fed up with a sweaty back!

[Sam1960]

Hi jayne, Ireplaced my old rucksack earlier last year. I had been using a Berghaus freeflow 35+8 for about 10 yrs, and it was starting to look very tatty.
It took me ages to decide on one, and I eventually settled for the Osprey Kestrel 38l. It doesn't have a freeflow back as such, it has what Osprey call an air escape back panel.
The pack sits snug to my back and has an adjustable setting so you can set the pack correctly to the length of your back.
If your OH uses a "hydration system" when he's out, the Osprey Kestrel has a special pouch and loops to keep it all tidy and out the way.
It has a loop to take an ice axe, and loops to accommodate trekking poles.
IMO I think you would struggle to get a better quality rucksack for the money. I paid just over £100 for mine, and if it serves me as well as my Berghaus i'll be delighted.
When you go to look at, or buy a rucksack you like, spend as much time as you like filling it with pieces of equipment that any good quality outdoor shop should be able to provide you with, in order for your husband to get a proper feel for the pack.
Good luck

[jaynethepain]

Thank you Sam. Osprey was recommended to us a few months ago so I'll take a look. I was thinking about getting him one for Christmas but also thinking he really ought to try before we buy, might have to re-think.

Happy walking to you!

[Sam1960]

Hi jayne, not sure a surprise rucksack is a good idea !! But...... you could always give your OH vouchers for any good outdoor shop which is in your area. As I said in my post earlier it took me a long time to pick out a replacement for myself.
Hope your OH can find something he feels comfortable with, and more important likes.
Osprey IMO make some of the finest rucksacks on the market.
Good luck

[jaynethepain]

Sam, know what you mean about surprise but I'm not a voucher kind of person especially for Christmas. May have to rethink altogether but thanks for the advice, a great shop in Derbyshire sells a good range of Osprey sacks, I'll talk to them.

[Sam1960]

Hi jayne. Thanks for the update. Had a look at Cotswold and Ellis Brigham outlets round about the Derbyshire area, phoned two stores, one in Bakewell (Cotswolds) and an Ellis Brigham shop slightly further afield in Tamsworth. Neither had the Kestrel 38, but both had a selection of other Osprey packs on sale.
The person I spoke to at the Brighams shop in Tamworth went on to tell me a lot about the Osprey Talon ll 33. As i'm not familiar with this particular pack I decided to take a look online to see what kind of reviews it has..... and a lot of people say a lot of nice things about it !! So it might be another pack for you to consider.
Keep me posted jayne as to how you get on.
Good luck