TriPole Colonel Pro Metal Frame Rucksack | Front Opening | Detachable Bag | Rain Cover (90 Litres, Army Green)

I bought this for a number of reasons. I do a fair bit of hammock and wild camping. Once it gets chillier you need more insulation and other warm gear and stuffing all that into a rucksack needs some serious space. I own a fantastic Karrimor panther 65 lt sac that has served me well for a generation or so. It normally holds enough but I have to attach stuff to the outside occasionally: aesthetically that grieves me. It’s also the wrong colour for the outdoors being a 1990 s item… ( that’s right I’m that shallow and proud of it)Ok, so I want something similar, maybe 15 - 25 lt larger and the right colour.. I took a gamble on this and so far I’m far from disappointed. In fact quite the opposite. It is somewhat similar to my Karrimor Panther (not a bad thing at all, it’s still a great and desirable sac). It has the same aluminium supports, not quite a frame but sturdy enough, a similar separate lower section and large main compartment but then there’s all these extras! Great adjustability, a zipped lid over the draw string in the main section, compressible side pockets, a wide hip belt with a large pocket. The extra space afforded by a zipp-offable decent day pack is appreciated and the small pack itself is very usable. Did I mention it’s a good OD green colour? The main pack even comes with a rain cover. The material seems fairly durable, the stitching is excellent, plastic buckles and clips are no more or less durable than those on my Panther. It fits just as comfortable (maybe more) than my previous large pack. And it’s 1/3 bigger in capacity. It really seems to tick a lot of boxes for not silly money like some of the other sacs I’d considered. I’m impressed.

GREAT BACKPACK - almost 5 starsMY PERSONAL REVIEW & SUGGESTIONS:I was looking for a large backpack and after many days of research & comparing I decided to order this one.I cannot tell about real durability after many uses since I still didn't use it much. But after carefully chacking all of it I can share my impressions and comments.- PROS:- Big backpack that can carry lot of things, with many zippered pockets (on each side, on top, etc.)- Very Large main compartment that CAN be accessed from the TOP, FRONT and BOTTOM. That is GREAT.This was one of the main features I was looking for, because with a very large backpack, if you want to get something inside you wouldn't like to remove everything to reach the middle or bottom... So a backpack with a front access to inside is fantastac.- Rugged construction- Seems very durable exterior and interior- Very comfortable in the back, waist and everywhere (back height adjustable, although I'm 6,2ft/1.9m tall and I usually don't need to change that)- Many straps that can carry what you need and also adjust the backpack properly- Zippers look durable, and you CAN use a padlock for security if you want (although you'll need many, since there are many ways/zippers to open the bag)- Additional detachable small "Day-backpack"- CONS & IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTIONS:- Rain cover is not strong and thick as I'd wish. It seems weak. But I put it under direct tap water and worked without problems. So it can perfectly resist rain.The problem is that if it gets damaged by a tree branch (for instance) it could loose effectivity. This is my main concern.Manufacturer told me (when I asked about the rain vover) that they will offer a stronger rain cover in a couple of months), but I honestly would have liked the one coming with the backpack was stronger.- The bottom compartment can be accessed from the front, to store a sleeping bag, which is great. Inside of it, thres a division made of fabric (that can be "opened" or "closed" stretching it, that allows to separate that compartment from the main compartment, which is GREAT feature.The problem that I do suggest to manufacturers to improve is: The division is made of not strong fabric, it's like the one that is on top under the top zippered cover of the backpack. This should be improved because if you put lot of weight in main compartment, closes the bottom division and do not store the sleeping bag (or remove it) or whatever, then all the weight from main compartment is supported by that division. So it should be STRONG. Also, the division does not close the section 100% since it has small parts around not stitched to the interior of the bag (but this is not a big deal)- Small loop to handle the whole backpack (on the top back). I noticed it on the pictures before ordering. Considering the size of the bag, and weight that could carry, this should be WIDER for better and more comfortable grip. Being wider (and padded for more comfort) would also provide more durability.I usually don't use it to hold the backpack, I prefer using my arm under the two main straps, but sometimes it's very handy to hold it from this loop.- I suggest covering the zippers that allow to open the bag from the front, around the day-backpack, just as the zippers that are covered on the side pockets. That would make it more resistant to rain in case you don't have or use the rain cover, and would also protect the zippers.- A bit smaller than expected detachable "day-backpack". I'm tall and it's smaller than a regular common backpack, so a bit difficult to use it for me. But it makes sense the size, since you probably don't want a big additional back pack. (it's well made)- ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:Seller-Manufacturer gives great support (before ordering I asked them about lot of things and they answered every question)It's made in India. I have clothes and other things made in India, which are usually very good quality. And this company makes very good products at good prices too.Before ordering I did read some complains, like "it has too many straps". That is silly and incorrect. It has all the needed straps for good and comfortable backpack, allowing to attach things, stretch the needed parts for comfort, etc.Another complain was "weak raincover" that could not resist even a light rain. Well, that is not exact. It is somewhat weak, as I explained, but it can resist a big rain (unless you damage it)Another complain was receiving a defective unit. Well, that could happen with everything, even at NASA. That's why Warranty exists. Amazon offers you Returns & Replacements, so what's the point to write those things?If I ever receive a defective product, I simply contact Amazon support and get replacement. Just that easy.--- Summarizing: I think this is a GREAT backpack that I can highly recommend if you need that size and features.---

There is only 1 thing missing and that is rings, hooks or molle to attach a few things to. The ruck has lots of internal storage and very size adjustable. 👍👍

Superb Quality. Big in Size. Free Rain Cover Included.

J'ai fait un trip de 5 jours au Parc de La Mauricie au Québec en canot Camping et ce sac a été bien utile. Il était paqueté full. Beaucoup de sangles, d'attaches. Le seul petit " hic " c'est le zip du sac amovible, il a perdu une " pichenoute" mais comme les zip viennent avec deux pichenoutes ça va

PROS - Great bag, lots and lots of room, easy to access gear from bottom, middle or top which is a huge advantage many do not offer, Lots of strap down locations in expected areas, not heavy at all and many adjustments to fit it to body. Belt pouch is also a plus, wish they had them on both sides and a few gear loops for D-rings and the like.So far it seems well built, zippers are smooth and seams seem strong enough, rain fly works fine, have not taken it out on a hard hike yet but will soon.CONS- No external gear loops or even MOLE attachment areas, but in defense if there were the bag would be heavier and it has the standard straps for gear just nothing extra.