Rucksack for carrying a float tube

[Robbie]

I recently managed to lay my hands on a Sparton float tube, had hoped to get out for a maiden voyage before winter sets in but may be running out of time.

Anyway I am thinking ahead to next season and there are a couple of waters I would like to take the tube to, however these involve a bit of a trek. Therefore I am looking for a suitable rucksack that is big enough to carry the tube, waders as well as my standard hill loch tackle. I have had a bit of a look and found the following options:

Hagllofs http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/haglofs-lex-110-trekking-pack-61110368?id_colour=124
Osprey http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/osprey-xenith-105-rucksack-61110357?id_colour=123
Berghaus http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/berghaus-vulcan-rucksack-61110168?id_colour=180

Not sure if the Berghaus has the volume available in the main compartment that I might need.

I assume the Haglofs and Berghaus packs will be good quality but am not familiar with Osprey as a make and would appreciate any comments, advise or suggestions for alternatives.

[corsican dave]

nice to see someone looking at quality packs for a change! all three are top notch. osprey have been around for quite a while now and made their name with high quality packs, so have no worries there. another i'd add to the list, especially as you're looking to carry awkwardly shaped items, is this: http://catalog.bergans.com/backpacks/Green-Outdoor/Finnmark-100L-Dk-Green--127623-p0000384693 from bergans. struggling to find a uk supplier, but my old shop, mountain spirit in aviemore is a bergans stockist.

this; http://www.fjallraven.com/fire-brigade-frame-hb is actually an object of desire for me, for practically the same purpose (inflatable boat/float tube). should've bought one before I left the outdoor industry! fortunately I know the rep, so if you're interested in this give me a shout and i'll find you a supplier

btw your budget is refreshingly realistic and you'll end up with a high quality pack that'll be around for a long time  :

[Fishtales]

What I have read is that a lot of users partly inflate the tube and tie it over the outside of the rucksack which, seemingly, makes it easier to carry. All the rest of your gear goes into the rucksack so a small one that wili take that should do. I don't have any experience with tubes and I would have thought it would catch the wind a lot but I suppose it depends on how much it is inflated.

You could always get one of these.

http://www.wildernesslitefloattubes.com/photosinfo.html

[Wildfisher]

I bought a cheap 100ltr rucksack on Ebay for about 25 quid. Into that I was able to get all my float tubign gear: tube,  life jacket, flippers, waders etc and still have room for my fishing gear, including a rod,  spare clothes and sandwiches. It was heavy though,  20KG is a lot to lug for miles and up a steep rocky hill

[sinbad]

Going down Freds route
I have one of these  http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-lugga-cargo-90-holdall-p287536?gclid=CMCBnIXW48ECFQMewwodJaoAFA#
I mostly use it for the canoe but its tough and comfy to carry. Its waterproof in as far as it can sit in a puddle all day and keep stuff dry. Ive had it a couple of years used it about 3 dozen trips in canoe and camping in the hills and its like new.

[Wildfisher]

This is similar to the one I bought. Hardly expedition quality, but then you're' just fishing now and then, not going on expeditions and in all likelihood it won't  see heavy use . I have had mine for may years and it's still fine. It's spent most of its 10 years in the cupboard because its capacity is a complete overkill for normal  hill use.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camping-Backpack-100-Ltr-bag-travel-camping-holiday-rucksack-hiking-treking-/181574196545?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksacks_Bags_EH&hash=item2a46aa5d41

[Otter Spotter]

I thought the shakey tubes were based on S Parton design? mines has carry straps / harness built in. Semi inflate fill the pockets with gear and away you go!
I guess you'd only need a pack if the plan was to be away overnight but then it'd be too heavy to carry tent etc and tubing stuff. next tiem you are passing drop in and we'll have a look I'm sure you could get or fashion a harness and save some money, though they are some nice bags you are looking at :-)

[Robbie]

One of my potential target is the Loch of the Blue Shrimp, there are also a couple of others with similar or worse routes in that I think would be potentials. This may be a fairly daft idea and I may live to regret it but "nothing ventured nothing gained"  :spin;

My brother bought a large cheap rucksack a couple of years ago and it started falling apart at the seams from the first use. I like to use the best gear i can afford as in my experience you usually get what you pay for when it comes to outdoor equipment. Having said this Fred does make a valid point that the rucksack is unlikely to see frequent use but i suspect it will be bloody heavy. However I assume there is no reason not to use a half empty rucksack.

As I already own a flout tube, buying an additional lightweight tube is not really an option.

That fire brigade frame looks interesting, wonder how comfortable it is compared to a standard rucksack. other downfall is you would need something like a duffel bag to hold everything on the frame.

Thanks for all the info and advise gents, its is all a great help.

[Wildfisher]

My 100ltr sack weighs 2.25 KG Robbie

[Bobfly]

If you search about you may find the item made by Steve Parton which he called, with his typical humour, The Santa Sack. I have one and it is very simple indeed. Just a big cubic shape of a thing with a set of straps. No weight for a frame or pockets or extras in the construction just a simple plain tough cordura bag with straps !!!!! Because there is no frame or anything else you can roll it up and put it in a tube pocket when you get to the loch.
My other method is using the famous Karrimor aluminium pack frame which has a rucksack bag which can be taken off its linkages leaving only the simple frame and it shoulder straps. These pack frames are very light and are still used in the Himalayas to carry awkward loads because you just tie on anything you want to carry. Mine is ancient but you can still find them about.