Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 4 The Climbing Pack

If you're planning a Mountaineering expedition heading up into the cold of the mountain tops then you need a pack that will house all of your survival kit to make sure that you're ready for anything. Climbing packs are the avid Mountaineers choice and come with some special features to suit.

The Climbing Pack:

A climbing pack usually has a supportive structure construction to help keep the pack rigid while you are out climbing routes. These packs are usually equipped with a variety of harnesses to keep the pack attached to your back at all times while gear loops are attached for your rack.

Climbing packs are generally taller than most other packs to increase stability as well as having compression straps to pack down waterproof jackets, sleeping bags and hardwear to help utilize space efficiently.


1) Removable Waist Belt - For those Mountaineers or climbers that find that conventional hip belts restrict the freedom of movement or access then the removable hip belt on a climbing pack usually comes in handy.

2) Gear Loops - These are unique to climbing or mountaineering rucksacks. Heavy duty loops on the hip belt or shoulder strap which allows you to secure climbing gear for easy access.

3) Ice Axe Attachment - A loop or loops at the base of the bag which fasten higher up that allow ice axes to be securely and safely attached.

Other features to look out for:

Crampon Pouch -This can be a toughened flap or pouch located on the front of the pack which allows crampons to be secured without any damage to your rucksack.

Rope Compressor - This simple loop with quick release clip usually located under the rucksack lid which allows a rope to be securely fixed and yet easily accessible.

Haul Loops - Similar to a carry handle on the back of your pack, The haul loop is located on the front. These two loops used in conjunction allow the rucksack to be easily pulled up a climb where it would be too heavy on your back.

Adjustable Lid Height - This allows the rucksack to be filled maximally but with more protection for the contents from the elements.

View Our Range of Climbing Packs - Click Here

Hopefully this will be of use to somebody, obviously for more advice you can ask any sales assistant in store.

Brandon

GO Outdoors To Create More Jobs Over Next Two Years

NEWS: GO Outdoors To Create 1000 New Retail Jobs in Two Years

GO Outdoors – the UK’s fastest growing outdoor retailer (www.gooutdoors.co.uk) – has revealed plans to create 1000 new retail jobs over the next two years starting with three new stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and the South East.

By June 2009, GO Outdoors will have opened a total of five new stores since the £18 million refinancing package set up with Bank of Scotland Corporate in Spring 2008. And the planned expansion targets a total of 30 stores by 2011.

Sheffield-based GO Outdoors will invest a total of £5 million in these three new store openings creating more than 150 new jobs in the process. The outdoor retailer's new expansion plans follow on from another two new successful store openings in the past three months in Wolverhampton and Bristol creating a further 80 new jobs.

GO Outdoors is now on target to operate 14 stores by the end of June – each store selling more than 20,000 big-brand price-guaranteed outdoor products.

John Graham, GO Outdoors managing director, said,

“We have big plans for GO Outdoors. And our next three stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and South East are an important part of those plans. The refinancing agreement with Bank of Scotland Corporate means we can now pursue a rapid controlled expansion plan.

“GO Outdoors actively seeks low-rent off-pitch locations and the money we save is passed on to our customers. That's why we guarantee to beat any price on any stock item sold by any of our competitors. The guarantee includes the biggest outdoor brands. It's not a promise we make lightly – but GO Outdoors customers know that if they buy from us they won't find it cheaper anywhere else.

“And it's not just about price. We have built a team who are passionate about the outdoors lifestyle and we encourage their enthusiasm when they advise customers – experts and novices alike.

“We are transforming the UK outdoor retail experience by opening the Whatever our customers need, we have thousands of products at guaranteed best prices perfect for everything from walking the dog to conquering K2; from camping in the lakes to cycling to work; from riding down mountain paths to going on a safari; and, from climbing the Three Peaks to fishing in Scotland.”

In 2007 GO Outdoors opened Scotland's largest outdoor retail outlet in Coatbridge - more than 70,000 square feet of retail space.

And in October 2008 GO Outdoors Bristol became the South West’s first themed 43,000 square feet outdoor superstore featuring a six-metre-high family-friendly climbing wall. In a break with traditional outdoor store layouts, customers enter the new store via a walk-through on a hand-made timber path. The themed area also features more than 4.5 tonnes of limestone fashioned into a hand-built dry-stone wall plus TV and demonstration areas for the different products.

David Hunt, director of commercial banking for Bank of Scotland Corporate in Sheffield, is a firm supporter of GO Outdoors’ philosophy and business model.

David said,

“This company is a fantastic example of a retail business that identified a niche and has stuck firmly to a winning formula through a combination of sound business practice linked to an entrepreneurial spirit. We had no hesitation in backing the business plan and the experienced management team that created it and everyone concerned is already seeing the benefits of the refinancing package”.

Stephen Ingram (partner in Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance) initially acted for the management team when GO Outdoors was the subject of a buy in management buy out in 1998. He was subsequently retained as financial advisor to the company and advised on the transfer of GO’s business to Bank of Scotland.

Stephen said,

“The term facility put in place for GO by Bank of Scotland was very well structured to support the company’s expansion plans. The robustness of the facility - as well as GO’s business model - is clearly evidenced by the current rate of new store openings.”

Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 3 The Travel Pack

Backpacking is increasingly popular, because after all there is a world out there and it's begging to be seen by anyone who is willing to take the time to do it.

The Travel Pack

The travel pack is the perfect option for round the world travel, inter-city travel or where ever you plan to go. these travel backs should always come with a large front access zip which gives you quick and easy access to your belongings for where ever you may stop.

Another nice feature to look out for is the use of concealed pockets for your documentation. Keeping passports and travel documents safe is a must when on your travels.

A lot of travel sacks also come with a detachable daypack which means you can put the big part in a locker and head out to the tourist attractions with only the essentials that you need.


1) Front Opening - This is the key feature on travel packs because it gives you wide, easy access to all of your belongings making it easy to get to whatever it is you need at that moment in time. Front openings are also available on some trekking backpacks.

2) Detachable Day Bag - A good feature on travel packs is the detachable day sack. These small volume bags 15-25 litres can be kept can be attached to the main bag when travelling and detached at your destination for short excursions

For a full list Travel Packs available from GO Outdoors Click here

Being prepared for your travels is very important and there are many products on the market to make your time on the road s easy as possible. So make sure that you pick up everything you need at home before you head on out because it becomes harder to find these products the further out there you get. At GO Outdoors we have a full range of travel equipment and travel accessories to make it easy for you.

Happy Travelling

Brandon

Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 2 The Backpack

Following on from a previous post on a guide to what to look out for when buying a pack for whatever the occasion, this volume will cover the Backpack which is the most commonly used type of pack and the one that people very often can get wrong.

The Backpack
Backpacks are the packs that have a multitude of uses. They come in handy for camping trips, festivals, weekends away when you need to fit a lot of living equipment into a small space. They are designed to carry heavier loads than a daypack.

Many backpacks have all the features of a daypack but with a little more padding to cater for the additional weight and longer trips, extra pockets and extra fixing points to hold more gear. Most have an internal structure and have an adjustable back system to make sure that the pack stays flush to your back and keeps you comfortable.

Some features to look for when buying a backpack:


1) Bellows Side Pockets - These are an alternative to fixed side pockets. These collapsible pockets give fast useful access or extra storage when used but can be packed away to help keep your bag compact.

2) Padded Hip Belt - As you increase the weight of your backpack the percentage of the weight that is carried on the hips should increase to help keep your back in the best possible condition. Large or small backpacks made to carry heavy loads should be equipped with a suitably padded waist belt.

3) Expansion Section - An extra section of material around the opening of the rucksack allows you to 'overfill' the top of your pack adding extra storage space.

4) Base Opening & Additional Fixing Points - More common on larger packs. These zipped openings give the user easy access to the bottom of the rucksack where you would likely store your sleeping bag or items you don't use during the day. The extra attachment points allow allow the fixing of all kinds of equipment to the outside of your pack e.g. Trekking Poles, Ice axes or maybe a camp chair if heading to a festival.


Adjustable Back System - These are usually applicable to larger backpacks, they allow the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt to be changed (increased or decreased) to suit people of different heights, making the fit more comfortable for the person wearing the pack.

A lot of manufacturers have built their own adjustable back systems but the general principle remains the same throughout - which is: "It Allows the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer or shorter backs"



A full range of Backpacks available from GO Outdoors can be found at this link: GO Outdoors Rucksacks

These feature a variety of popular brands including Berghaus and Lowe Alpine

The next blog will be volume 3 in this series and will feature the travel pack.

Hopefully this is of help

Brandon

Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 1 The Day Pack

Happy New Year everyone,

It's a New Year and fresh with your resolutions (hopefully) still in tact you're probably telling yourself that this year is finally the year you take that plunge. You do that 'something' different. You may be planning to go travelling. See some of the world out there. Europe, America, Asia, Australasia, Africa - Whatever your travel choice the travellers best friend and closest companion is of course....The Rucksack.

Anyone who has travelled will regale you with stories and tales of sights they've seen but if there's something that makes the list of 'what ifs' it's what if they had taken a bag that was right? Too hasty in buying maybe? Bought cheaper rather than what was right for them? These problems occur a lot. Many Outdoor brands are making some fantastic backpacks for whatever the need and right now is probably the best time to pick one up. Just before the season starts.

Over the next few blogs i will introduce the different features you should be looking for when buying your rucksack. This edition will be aimed at the Day Pack.

Day pack Features
The Day pack is the smallest of the rucksack family and is often a standard backpack lightweight and ideal for walking and one day use.

Many day packs lack more technical features like padded hip belts and back systems but these are generally not needed for single day use.

Bellow are a few features you should look for when buying a day pack:


1) Hydration Compatible - An internal pocket, drinking straw exit hole, and fastening for mouth piece that allow a hydration unit to be fitted to the bag.

2) Integral Rain Cover - Pack away covers in the lid or base of a rucksack give your bag extra rain protection

3) Wand Pockets - Fabric or mesh pockets which can be found on the sides which allow you to attach items for easy access. This could be ideal for Maps or food bars




4) Walking Pole Attachment - Loops or eyelets at the base of the bag and fastening higher up to keep your walking pole securely attached.

5) Compression Straps - Straps on the sides of the rucksack that will give you the use of compressing a bulky or half full bag more comfortable to carry

6) Padded Hip Belt - The more weight the bag has the higher the percentage that is carried predominantly on the hips should be. While many day packs may not have a hip belt most small packs that are designed to carry a heavier load should come with this option to help take some of the effort from your back and shoulders.



7) Hydration Unit - Some daypack models include a drinking system. This consists of a tough flexible bladder and a drinking straw mouth piece. Brands like Camelbak are famous for this type of bag. Hydration Packs can be essential for hot weather and intense activities where regular fluids are needed with ease. Great for outdoor runners, or Cyclists who take part in competitions.

8) Air Flow Back System - This is a tensioned mesh back that creates a comforting space between the bag and the users back which keeps you cool and reduces sweat on your back. These bags are great for walking or leisurely activities but not good for more intense excursions like climbing or cycling.


Hopefully these guides will help you when choosing a Backpack online as not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to drop into a store to get expert advice from sales staff.

At GO Outdoors we have a large range of Day Packs available each with their own redeeming features from some of the industries biggest brands and at some of the industries lowest prices.

View our range of Daypacks here

That's all for now,

Next time: Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 2 The Backpack


Brandon