Karrimor. What went wrong?

[Deleted account 240831001]

If you want simple, no nonsense, hard wearing rucksack you will not go far wrong with Scottish Mountain Gear. I have been using their rucksacks (Cuillin) for nearly forty years. Made in Scotland and various Mountain Rescue Teams use them. I first came across them whilst on an RAF MRT. Wouldn't use any thing else on the hill.

I’ve just been looking and this one seems as close as it’s possible to get to my original requirements for a climbing day sack all those years ago.

Image Scotland Online Shop

www.cuillinsacs.com

36 litres is about right, axe loops, crampon straps on the lid and side compression straps.

I’m tempted but now that I no longer go out carrying a load of ice screws and other assorted junk like that my requirements have probably changed a bit. I might have to detour via Musselburgh when we do our winter pilgrimage to Aberdeen to visit family.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

I still have 1990s Berghaus Mera Peak jacket, getting a bit tatty now though, been up quite a few Munros. I've looked at new ones, but just can't bring myself to part with it as new ones just don't seem as well made and seem smaller in size.

Give up and buy a Paramo jacket instead.

Btw, they’ve not made them smaller

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

If you want simple, no nonsense, hard wearing rucksack you will not go far wrong with Scottish Mountain Gear. I have been using their rucksacks (Cuillin) for nearly forty years. Made in Scotland and various Mountain Rescue Teams use them. I first came across them whilst on an RAF MRT. Wouldn't use any thing else on the hill.

They do look good, can you get a bottle in the side pocket too or does it have to go inside the pack?

 

[jonnie comet]

If you want simple, no nonsense, hard wearing rucksack you will not go far wrong with Scottish Mountain Gear. I have been using their rucksacks (Cuillin) for nearly forty years. Made in Scotland and various Mountain Rescue Teams use them. I first came across them whilst on an RAF MRT. Wouldn't use any thing else on the hill.

Not heard of these before, just looked at their web site and I do like what I see - nice and SIMPLE. They repair stuff too with great reviews on Trustpilot.

NOT made in PRC

 

[harry the cat]

I was going to recommend POD which used to be made by the RAB guy and were bomb proof. When I checked he’d stopped making them, got too old to be making them himself I think, and sold the brand on to Planet X. They still get good reviews but I suspect they’re not the same quality.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

They do look good, can you get a bottle in the side pocket too or does it have to go inside the pack?

At a guess I’d say you could fit one in the pocket (depending on size of course) or do what I always did which was hold it on with the compression straps.

I used to use a plastic bottle with a piece of para cord tied around it and tied off to the strap so if it came loose it was going nowhere.

Early stainless flasks dented so easily they went inside or you ended up with cold coffee.

 

[ricardo]

Looking at all the responses on here of rucksacks lasting 25 years plus (me too...), it's hardly surprising these companies got into trouble. I've got three Karrimor rucksacks, all 25 years plus, all still usable, plus a Macpac I bought about 10 years ago, so they've not had any of my money for ages. Just realised that my Trangia stove is almost 40 years old FFS.

And if you're looking at good boots, try Hanwag. Hand made in Bavaria. Not cheap but damn good.

 

[RobA]

I have to say I agree with much of what has been said above. It is very difficult to get a simple rucsac that doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

More recently I have turned to Osprey. Still a bit fancy but seem to do the job.

Rob.

 

[Steve E]

They do look good, can you get a bottle in the side pocket too or does it have to go inside the pack?

A .75l water bottle will fit in the additional side pockets. I Have a both a Cuilin 1 & 2 and they fullfill my needs in both summer and winter when Munro bashing.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Give up and buy a Paramo jacket instead.

Btw, they’ve not made them smaller

being honest having seen many glowing reports on Paramo I bought a Paramo fleece

It was expensive and it is certainly good quality but I am not convinced it is worth the extra ( the considerable extra) over the offerings from other worthy and decent fleece makers.

Claims of waterproof are clearly bollocks it may fend off a light shower for a couple of minutes

The pockets are not deep enough and stuff falls out unless zipped up all the time

So whilst I do like it generally I am disappointed overall

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

A .75l water bottle will fit in the additional side pockets. I Have a both a Cuilin 1 & 2 and they fullfill my needs in both summer and winter when Munro bashing.

They do look as if they’re exactly what I want if I’m out on my own and I can get something with a few extra pockets and toys if I’m taking the dog with me.

Let’s be honest, £100 isn’t going to break the bank and if they’re capable of standing up to MR antics they’ll cope with me sticking a pair of crampons on the lid and popping an ice axe on the back.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

being honest having seen many glowing reports on Paramo I bought a Paramo fleece

It was expensive and it is certainly good quality but I am not convinced it is worth the extra ( the considerable extra) over the offerings from other worthy and decent fleece makers.

Claims of waterproof are clearly bollocks it may fend off a light shower for a couple of minutes

The pockets are not deep enough and stuff falls out unless zipped up all the time

So whilst I do like it generally I am disappointed overall

The waterproof jackets are waterproof as in properly waterproof but the fleeces, well they might be treated with a water repellent finish (I don’t know if they are or aren’t treated in any way) but I’ve yet to see a fleece that I’d rely on being waterproof. I’ve got an Alta jacket and the side pockets are deep enough not to need zipping up all the time, the map pocket takes an OS map and the inside pocket will take a mobile or a wallet.

If I don’t think it’s going to rain properly but it’ll be windy and might rain a bit then I rely on a Buffalo active shirt.

I like the traditional options because they work.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

The waterproof jackets are waterproof as in properly waterproof but the fleeces, well they might be treated with a water repellent finish (I don’t know if they are or aren’t treated in any way) but I’ve yet to see a fleece that I’d rely on being waterproof. I’ve got an Alta jacket and the side pockets are deep enough not to need zipping up all the time, the map pocket takes an OS map and the inside pocket will take a mobile or a wallet.

If I don’t think it’s going to rain properly but it’ll be windy and might rain a bit then I rely on a Buffalo active shirt.

I like the traditional options because they work.

Of late I have been using Ridgeline and their stuff is absolutely brilliant for the cash the coats are truly waterproof although they do rely on the membrane rather than wax or coatings but its a NZ company and hard to get but well worth the money in comparison to the big names and I do believe a farmers favourite as its (A) very good and (B) cheap

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

Of late I have been using Ridgeline and their stuff is absolutely brilliant for the cash the coats are truly waterproof although they do rely on the membrane rather than wax or coatings but its a NZ company and hard to get but well worth the money in comparison to the big names and I do believe a farmers favourite as its (A) very good and (B) cheap

Well have to arrange a naughty boys stroll around a Welsh mountain followed by beers when we get a bit of snow and I’m still quiet at work

 

[jonnie comet]

being honest having seen many glowing reports on Paramo I bought a Paramo fleece

It was expensive and it is certainly good quality but I am not convinced it is worth the extra ( the considerable extra) over the offerings from other worthy and decent fleece makers.

Claims of waterproof are clearly bollocks it may fend off a light shower for a couple of minutes

The pockets are not deep enough and stuff falls out unless zipped up all the time

So whilst I do like it generally I am disappointed overall

How strange. That's so different to my experience with a Paramo fleece.

I live in Paramo stuff (five jackets) and my daily wearer is a Paramo Taiga fleece. Super warm, resists a good downpour (it's not sold as a true waterproof), four decent pockets including a WHOPPING chest pocket. Really well made with a lovely lining, washes and reproofs so easily. I must have owned it for ten years and it still looks as good today as the day I bought it.

And nowt gets into my Paramo Alta 2 jacket.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

How strange. That's so different to my experience with a Paramo fleece.

I live in Paramo stuff (five jackets) and my daily wearer is a Paramo Taiga fleece. Super warm, resists a good downpour (it's not sold as a true waterproof), four decent pockets including a WHOPPING chest pocket. Really well made with a lovely lining, washes and reproofs so easily. I must have owned it for ten years and it still looks as good today as the day I bought it.

And nowt gets into my Paramo Alta 2 jacket.

I have this one

Products Archive - Paramo

paramo-clothing.com

and as i say it is nice but there are equally as good if not better available for less money

and as i said i do like it its just a bit disappointing

 

[casbar]

being honest having seen many glowing reports on Paramo I bought a Paramo fleece

It was expensive and it is certainly good quality but I am not convinced it is worth the extra ( the considerable extra) over the offerings from other worthy and decent fleece makers.

Claims of waterproof are clearly bollocks it may fend off a light shower for a couple of minutes

The pockets are not deep enough and stuff falls out unless zipped up all the time

So whilst I do like it generally I am disappointed overall

Myself and my wife live in Paramo waterproof jackets and bottoms, ours are a good 7 years old now and although they need reproofing occasionally with Nikwax, they are brilliant for hiking and we use them a lot for walking the dogs. Never had a fleece

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

I have this one

Products Archive - Paramo

paramo-clothing.com

and as i say it is nice but there are equally as good if not better available for less money

and as i said i do like it its just a bit disappointing

That’s a lot to pay for something that doesn’t work as well as you expected.

If I’m being entirely honest I’ll say I’ve wasted a lot of money on fleece jackets that were ok on a cold, dry day but I’ve never had one that I’d wear if it was raining.

 

[DevonAl]

Muddy Fox mountain bikes went a similar way. Market leading kit in the early days of mountain bikes then reduced to cheap warehouse clobber in latter years.

I’ve only just recently “retired” a 26 year old Muddy Fox MTB to go electric, crank was replaced a few yrs ago other than that a couple of chains and brake blocks.

Al.

 

[Northern jock]

I try to find things I can go and actually look at in person and have a feel to see how they’re made which has worked for me this time because I would normally have simply ordered a direct replacement then felt as if I’d been taken for a mug.

The last time I bought a pair of boots that were compatible with step in crampons they cost me about £250 and that was 35 years ago. Because I’m a rash and impulsive type of person with lots of time on my hands in winter I’ve decided it’d be fun to go back to doing a bit of winter hill walking and while I’m at it solo a few grade I & II ice routes but what outwardly appear to be decent make winter mountaineering boots start from about £250. I’m now asking myself if they’re actually any good and the only way I’ll find out is to go to a proper climbing shop and ask the employees who go climbing what they suggest. Internet shopping isn‘t all it’s cracked up to be these days

I'm about to do the same, replace my (very) old winter boots. Lucky with Aviemore just along the road I have a choice of 4 good shops to go to.

A few brands have gone to High St fashion items rather than good hill gear, North Face being one. I've a 40 year old climbing jacket of theirs that still works but the new stuff is much lower quality.
Mountain Equipment, Patagonia, Rab, Marmott are some that still make good stuff.
One filter I use is which companies supply mountain guides, rescue teams, big expeditions with well known names. Those folk use good kit.
Or I ask my mate who has worked with ME kit for years (commercial relationship through his guiding) if he has any decent cast offs .