HI all,
I am totally new to Polaris. I've done one day events, but am excited about the overnighter. I found the thread about Carrying the Equipment very interesting. I've begun to look around for suitable rucsacs: what models/brands would you all recommend for a Polaris?

thanks!
Andy

although I haven't yet used it, Polaris' own `bear-hug' pack looks very good to me. But I have a particular problem in finding a pack that is long enough for my back but not too huge (I'm on the tall side). Pretty well anything medium-sized should be ok, but check for helmet clearance when it's full!

Thanks for the recommendation. Shame the Polaris equipment pages only seem to have links for clothing, and not equipment, on them....

(or am I missing something - I clicked on the Polaris logo in the bottom left of this screen, to go to the clothing page: no rucsacs there!)

Andy

Buy a KIMM Sac

I think that Roger has stopped selling rucsacks

Yes you might find an old rucksac at the polaris factory shop going cheap, but there are plenty of other reasonable alternatives. Just watch out for helment clearance, it's the only real `gotcha'.

You can get the KIMM Sac 2 direct from the KIMM website (www.kimm.com)for �40 including p&p. I think this is the best one, it's designed for adventure racing. I've used the KIMM Sac 1 for the last 7 years with no problems. The latest model is 35 litres capacity with a pouch for a hydration bladder. Let's all hope we get to use them some time this year!

KIMM sac is good, but it would pay you to experiment with packing it. I use my folded carry mat to give a bit of padding for my back and to hold it in shape. I just put a Plattypus bladder directly into the body of the bag (and take a single waterbottle too for filling as I go)

We are about to launch a new "Challenge Pack" here at Polaris. The web pages with the old packs have been purposefully not updated to make room for the new range. There will be only 3 pack sizes available; Hydro 1 (Water cattier only), Hydro 2 (Water carrier & Day pack), Challenge Pack plus Hydration system. These are all very new so an availability date is not yet fixed. If you want more details contact Karen - mailto:[email protected] I will put the packs on the web in the next week or so.

Roger

Rog
Are you going to have them available for sale at the next event?
Graham
Spelling was never one of your strong points

do you think a karrimore rush air is big enough?i too am a polaris virgin.also do we camp the night before,how do we know where we start from,where can i get a map.....etc,etc...all the usual questions.

If you enter, then 2 weeks before the event you will be sent details of the event area and a B&B list and TIC numbers. It's up to you whether you camp on friday night or not, about 50% do.
The map for the event is standard red OS 1 to 50000 scale. You buy that with your entrance fee, it's a slightly different area than a shop bought map and printed for the event by OS.
On friday night you will receive the checkpoint co-ordinates when you sign in and most everyone marks up their maps with different coloured waterproof pens that night.
On sat morning, just beyond the start, you will be given the checkpoint values and the overnight camp co-ordinates. You then decide where you are going. Remember points mean prizes.
Whatever you do don't follow my example and assume you know where the camp is. I was 12 miles out.
The only way to find out if your pack is big enough is to pack it with everthing you are supposed to have and see if it all goes in.

I have a KIMM rush air

It's very unlikely that you'll fit all the gear in it - I've yet to try, but I have managed to fit quite alot in this sack, for a day ride in the mountains that doesn't require camping gear, but I did have a down bag, stove, food and waterproofs packed!

Gary

thanks for your help guys, my team buddy is on his way back from cyprus,he paid the entry fee,so i guess he will recieve all the relivent info.when we are given our camp co-ords', what facilities are there?

andy vai

Two small fields, a row of bogs and a stream

That much - it will be a first

are you describing the geography of your anatomy again jerry?

Andy V, I was talking about the wrong sac. the notes i wrote apply to the Karrimor Rushlite 15, which is excellent and stable but 15 litres. the rush air is 20 litres still excellent but could be top heavy if packed to max. this sac is fave of many reviews. in general the min size for this event is 25 litres, although one year i managed to fit everything into an expanding bumbag, much to my partners disgust, as he still believes that he ended up carrying more gear than me - some of it mine!

I did end up carrying more gear than you.

Looking forwards to seeing you with a 15 litre sac next time out.

Andy, one point to note, if you are camping on Friday night then you need 2 tents - don't use your event tent and try to pack it on Saturday morning - it will be wet, and you won't have time.

I completely disassociate myself from the wazzock of the same name and address who is making such a prune of himself denagrating Steve Thomas.

Eh
What has this got to do with packs?