I bought a Thule Crossover eight years ago and the zip on it has finally gone. Short of getting a local seamstress to fit a new zip, I think it’s time for a new one, and am a bit tempted by the Thule Crossover 2 30l. Are Thule still good? Is there anything else of the same sort of size that I should be considering?
[Looks at the price…] Yeah, for 300 dollars you could get something custom made with double stitching . I’ve spent less on a hyper specialized mountaineering Osprey pack.
I came here to recommend Osprey as an alternative haha. Their bags all have that guarantee. They’ll fix or replace your bag no matter what.
Didnt osprey recently get bought by a private equity firm?
Are they still honouring their lifetime support?
Jupp, got an osprey as well.
Where would one go to get a custom made backpack with double stitching?
Have you contacted Thule? M not even joking. I have an 11 year old Thule laptop backpack, the little rubber covers on the zipper handles perished. I called them to ask if there were replacements available and they said to bring it in and then replaced them for free.
Can’t hurt to ask.
Looks like they have a lifetime warranty. Definitely wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Meanwhile, me asking for spare parts for a few years old bike trailer: lol that’s the old model we don’t have the parts for that one
What’s proprietary on a bike trailer?
I’m new to trailers, own a 14’ enclosed tandem. The only thing that’s kinda fucked is the quad-square screw drive on the self-drilling screws from floor panel to frame.
I went with Trash Bags when picking a new bag about 6 years ago. No complaints. It’s one of the best things I own. I’ve ordered other small stuff from them and it’s always been superb quality.
I would legit shill this company for merch.
These look super nice
Lots of people mention Osprey. They’re not so good if you have long hair. I recommend Gregory.
Can you elaborate? This is such an oddly specific thing but I’m new to long hair so I’m probably missing something fairly obvious.
Your hair hits the top of the pack frame and it blocks ventilation. Very annoying. But my hair is exceptionally long
I prefer fatter packs that aren’t as tall so my hair can go on top of the pack, not between the pack and my back
In what way isnt it good with long hair? I have no issues with my ospray pack and long hair
Ventilation
I own a big Exos 58L and i dont have any issues with my long hair. Would love for you to elaborate, gotta say im curious!
Maybe its only an issue on their taller 60L or 70L packs
The Synik 30 by Tom Bihn might be a good option for you. I’ve had a similar model for about 10 years and it’s still in great shape.
It allows me to comfortably carry my stuff around on my back and looks pretty cool, which is all I really ask from a backpack.
I wouldn’t call 8 years a great backpack. I have a North Face backpack that has seen heavy abuse and is still good to go after 19 years. So maybe check out North Face, assuming they’re still making them like they used to.
Were you hard on it? I feel like a zipper should last longer than that, but I’m pretty easy on my stuff.
I’m a staunch advocate for Osprey and Peak Design. Only had those 2 for backpacks. Been taking them on so many trips without an issue.
Do you hate money but love backpacks? Then check out Hillpeople Gear. I have a Connor, but Umlindi might be up your alley. They’re not light backpacks, but they’re sturdy and the load bearing system is second to none. Super comfortable even without a hip belt.
Also check out Mystery Ranch. If you can find a used one that’s be best, but even after getting bought by Yeti they still make really good shit.
As other people mentioned, an Osprey. I recently gave away an old shoulder bag by them that I got back in the early 2000s. That’s 20 years ago! Still works, just didn’t need that kind of bag any more. Currently have one of their newer Arcane bags, and so far, it’s been promising after a year.
I had a Thule 32L before, it was pretty good! Now I have an Osprey 26/32L, and it’s really fantastic. I used Osprey in the Alps (a big hiking bag) and was really impressed so I switched when the Thule finally died.
I’ve got a victorinox that I’ve had for almost 20 years. I got it in school, and it lasted several years with almost 50lbs of books in it (yes, really. It was a private school).
One strap gave way in the first year, but my mom restitched it and everything else has held since. Only other people I have is that it smells kinda funky because I can’t figure out how to wash it.
My Vicorinox was a daily carry for ten years. I only gave it up because my wife needed a pack and I wanted a new feature. She’s carried it for another couple years. The pack is made better than my Osprey hiking pack and the 5.11 that replaced it.
I’ve had a chrome brand backpack for about 10 years and it’s still going strong with medium use. Chrome has a lifetime warranty on their bags also.
Mine is nine with fairly intense use and it’s still in great condition.
I’m satisfied
I recently got a Thule Paramount 24L and it’s quite nice, I have no complaints about it.
Never were
