[jwi]

My 32 year old rucksack is starting to look a bit worse for wear, most zippers are broken, and some of the buckles as well. I don't think it will hold up many more years.

What rucksack should I buy? I will use it to carry climbing and camping equipment. I don't take good care of stuff, so heavy duty is better than light weight. Non-plastic buckles and few zippers would be ideal if that can be had without parting with a silly amount of money.

I carry for more than one. 70l or thereabouts is probably the right size.

[Paul B]

I can't give a specific model as my experience is with a much smaller pack. However, Deuter seem to be able to build things intelligently and well.

My Deuter guide 35 has put up with a lot of abuse and the only sign of wear is after an animal ate my lunch through the side. That said, it has plastic buckles etc.

They also ranked highly (top?) on the ethical outdoor company list linked elsewhere (if you care about that).

[slackline]

PODsacs are pretty damn durable.  Simple and no faff about them, everything goes in and out of the top. 

Plus the zip to the internal lid pocket is the "right" way around unlike Osprey rucksacks. 

[andybfreeman]

PODsacs are pretty damn durable.  Simple and no faff about them, everything goes in and out of the top. 

Plus the zip to the internal lid pocket is the "right" way around unlike Osprey rucksacks. 

Seconded! I bought a 50l PODsacs Alpine a few months ago and have been very impressed with build quality and the obvious thought which has gone into the design

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Lots of good prices since PlanetX bought them.

[lagerstarfish]

the X Pod at £100 - £130

that is all you need to know

[slackline]

the X Pod at £100 - £130

that is all you need to know

Got one of these for going to Peru a couple of years ago and it held up well.

Felt it was a bit too large for cragging though so, despite having got an Osprey just last year I snapped up the Black Ice when they were on offer for when the Osprey is knackered (not as heavily discounted as the X Pod, but 1/3rd off).  This might be a little small though as even with the floating lid the size 3 clocks in at 53L + 12L.