In reply to TobyA:
That's exactly the one! I thought you would pop up on this thread as I remember you mentioning this pack before. Mine was bought with the proceeds of my Saturday job at the garage before I did my A levels, from Cotswolds in Shepherds Bush. I probably used it daily from 1989 to 1999 either commuting or in the hills, and it had another 10 good years of mountain use after that.
It was IMO very close to a perfect winter sack. Capacity was about right, the alloy frame was minimal and removable, the back contact fabric was comfortable enough for summer with about the right amount of padding to make a difference without too much weight, the compartment was a sensible shape, and the colours were obviously cool....
The sewn on diamond shaped plastic buckles for the axe shafts were too close together and the thread wore out on one of them after a few years. But the top lid pocket actually worked, as did the side compression (even if the compression straps were still way too stiff even after 20+ years of use). I wore a few holes in the cordura on the base eventually. I think I replaced the drawcords with accessory cord, allegedly so I had some tat that might be enough to ab off (yeah right). I also added a couple of plastic gear racks to each side of the hip belt, which were really handy for Scottish winter/trad stuff.
If we went for a remake, what to change? The rubbish axe shaft holders, which would be easy. Better abrasion resistance for the base. Some better way to carry crampons than the old straps by the logo? These days I don't really climb much (many could argue I never did!) so the lure of padded hip belts and accessible storage is strong, but not on a pack like this....
cheers
b