Berghaus C7 1 Series

Ever had a bit of kit, that when you`ve tried it on, it just feels right ? Yes it`s heavier than some bags, but once you`ve got use to adjusting it, then it gets so comfortable that apart from the weight in it, you can almost forget its there. I also find that adjusted correctly, it is very stable and the bioflex does what it says on the can, moves with you. Makes it a lot more useful for those interesting places... I originally decided to go for one as a friend had bought one and he looked so confortable in it when we were out on an overnight out in the rhinogs, that I got him to let me try it the following day. The difference between it and the poor quality sack I had was amazing. After I bought one, I lent it to a friend to do his gold exped with, he was so impressed, he went and bought one as well. Now having said that they won`t be for everyone as with all berghaus bags, the waist straps are snug, which I find a plus. I bought 6 for the cadets to use on my ATC sqn, and they are also very complementary about them. Tip here though, if you want a womans one, go for a womans fit. The adjustablitiy of the bags is so good though, that we have only found one cadet that it wouldn`t adjust to ! The bags themselves are well made, with plenty of ajustable bits. If you have a bladder system thoug, fill this and put it in first ! There are plenty of pockets, the bellows on the side are excellent, and the outside pockets tend to fit most one litre water bottles with ease. The outside webbing is great for putting your carrymat in if you prefer it that way, also storing your walking poles if you have them. Although this is a bag that you can play with and load how you like, as there are many alternatives. There is the odd minor niggle, but I have to say I haven`t seen anything that would remotly beat it in my eyes, except perhaps one of the new Lowe Alpines, but that is about £200, so ?! However, as with all purchases, the best thing to do is go and try it on first, and see how you like it ! Enjoy.

(Written by: Mountainlambic)

Recently Purchased for Expeditions and General Hike work, a superb piece of kit that covers all the bases that i need. The Bioflex system makes it great for low grade scrambles. Cannot Fault it!!

(Written by: apophis)

I bought this rucksack in May 2007. As other reviewers have pointed out, this is possibly the most comfortable rucksack you could hope to own. Although the weight is reasonably high, once it is loaded up, I didn't find it made much difference. Where it really comes into its own is when you start doing steepish climbs. The clever moving back system makes it exceptionally flexible. However, I found one huge problem with this backpack. The back system uses a lot of pivoting bits of plastic to flex. When the pack is heavily loaded, there is quite a lot of strain on these components and as I walked I got a seriously annoying, very loud squeaking sound which not only irritated me, but the friends I was walking with as well! When I first heard it, I honestly thought there was an injured animal near by, but on further investigation, it was 2 plastic plates in the lumber region of the pack. Luckily, the sack was still in perfect condition after my weekend away and although I had taken the tags off, Cotswold Outdoor agreed to take it back. I tried some other C7's to see if it was just a defect with mine, but they all squeaked a bit and rather than risking it I decided to go for an Osprey Aether instead (as its a long drive to the nearest Cotswold for me). I e-mailed Berghaus after taking it back, to let them know and see if there was a bad batch (as I would have been willing to swap the Osprey back for another C7 if they told me there had been a manufacturing flaw). Sadly I never got a response and am now quite happy with my Osprey. Overall, the C7 is the best pack I have ever worn, sadly let down by the squeaking. I would recommend loading one up with tents etc in the shop to make sure it doesn't squeak before buying it.

(Written by: chrisps)

best rucksack i'v owned fer a while.easy to set up, plenty of room fer a luxury or two and very comfy. the rain cover works nicely as well.

(Written by: college)

Quite Simply the best Expedition sac ive ever owned/tried/used. Wouldnt be without it.

(Written by: HikerPunk)