Don't buy the Lowe Alpine Sting Rucksack. Not Yet.

Before you buy the Lowe Alpine Sting (Dutch Army) rucksack. Watch this video.
The BW Mountain Rucksack might surprise you, and WILL save you money!!!
I was not paid to make this video.

[@LowPlainsDrifter60]

The Sting is a rucksack made to military specs whilst these jobbies are just cheaply made military looking polyester packs. If anyone was going off trail on a multiday hike, they would be wise to put their faith in a Lowe Alpine rather than one of these.

[@alecsibley3415]

You do have a valid point. If you have a new one. I couldn't say the same for a pack that is used.

[@silentandproud882]

@@alecsibley3415 THose 10 plus years old ones are still stronger than the cheap polyester stuff. Ask anyone who used one. Or check the spec sheets of the materials used. The BW mountain is crap. I have used both.

[@daniel-lee888]

I enjoyed my Sting, but I found the frame struggled when the load was >20kg. The U shaped frame looks to be an improvement but it's hard to gauge how well stitched and comfy the harness system is. The Sting harness was actually really good for a military pack.

[@alecsibley3415]

The stitiching istough enough. The black version I have is older and is still holding around the straps. It is coming apart on the snow skirt inside, but thats my fault for using it to pick up the pack with 20kg in.

[@garethdwatkins]

I was really lucky and got one of the last surplus "Sting" packs brand new in it's plastic bag, with pouches for £80 back in 2015 I think. When I got it the guy had 2 left and 5 Saracens. Still use it and still my favourite pack... Only downside is it is in DPM.. There were a few Olive green ones knocking around but they sold mega fast.... There was also the Stingray, which had a laced up separation in the main pack and a zip to access from the outside... for a sleeping bag.. The Sting was just one large bergen pocket.. Your bag(s) have a few nice features the Lowe Alpine lacks... Cool pack.

[@alecsibley3415]

You're a lucky to have a good one. Slighty jealous! I understand the camouflage pattern issue. It's not for everyone. The OG version must be a worth a lot now. Almost a collectors item. If you're really want, the BW mountain pack does come in plain olive. glad you like the pack. I think it has quickly become my favorite pack also.

[@couchcamperTM]

Unfortunately^^ I bought a Dutch Sting half a year ago ;-) I really like it. I use it with those large 15l PLCE side pouches, which I still had, and mine came in the plastic bag, too - NOS from the Dutch army (they are still fading out there "old" DPM stuff) I paid less than 50 quid for it, a bargain. I bought a blue rain cover so it's only DPM when I want it to be.

[@ruggeddude1560]

A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T NO THE SIDE POUCH'S NEED TO BE LOOPED THREW THE MOLLE WEBBING AN NOT JUST ZIPPED UP. IT'S FOR STRENGTH AN TAKING THE LOAD OFF OF THE ZIPPER'S.

[@alecsibley3415]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing the tips.

[@leeH-89]

Don't know how I missed this one ... Oh well , I'm caught up now, I hope .. GOD BLESS, and take care...

[@Jager_sog9]

Well, I got the updated version, which the Dutch army currently fields in the new Netherlands Fractal Pattern, and I'd say it's still a pretty competent 3-day pack. Also, I got it brand new from a retiring private for 50 euros off of Vinted. The surplus stores are where you're ripped off, if you want deals buy to the GI guys!

[@alecsibley3415]

That's lucky for you. Not many people have friends in the military. It's worth noting that eBay has servicemen selling their equipment (often brand new) so, you could find a bargain. The new Netherlands camouflage pattern looks a lot like the German Flecktarn. Which isn't a surprise. Enjoy your new pack, and thanks for watching.🙂

[@tacocat0436]

Where'd you get the new version?

[@eti83]

My favorite backpack

[@heibk-2019]

If im not mistaken Varusteleka has some in stock right now for around 100€

[@alecsibley3415]

Looks like they do.

[@keithorbell8946]

I’ve just done a quick google and those BW packs are £50 more new than the Sting Bergans I’ve seen.

[@alecsibley3415]

Gosh! That is a shock. Maybe it's a location thing.

[@fifthaccount411]

is the "Dutch Army Contract "STING" Gen 2" Suitable for an average height guy, I'm 5 Foot, 9 Inches or 175cm Tall, bag is said to be 75cm high, level-ish with my solders, I thinkg the bottom of the bag would be just below my glutes, too big? anyone 5ft9in/175cm tried one?

[@alecsibley3415]

Oh yes. You'll have no trouble. It can accommodate users from 5ft 4 and beyond 6ft. The top of the rucksack doesn't sit at your 'solders', but higher. I hope that helps.

[@outdoors_review]

So, you don't like it because it's old and some may or may not come with side pouches? That sounds like the suppliers problem and a personal problem.

[@alecsibley3415]

You could say that's the gist of it. If one could see the product before making a purchase, things would be different.

[@Pellagrah]

I got my Sting for just under $100 shipped, with both pouches included and no visible wear beyond the waist buckle being a bit damaged. It'd be a lot cheaper if I lived in Europe (Americans get a hefty markup on euro surplus). You always need a trustworthy vendor with a good return policy when buying surplus.

[@NaturalExplorerNZ]

could you send a link to a supplier please

[@alecsibley3415]

I bought it them in Sweden. You can purchase the other patterns (maybe M90 too) all over the world. Here is where I purchased it from. fritidochprylar.se/produkt/ryggsackar-vaskor-m90-militar-ryggsack-80-liter Not sure a link to a Swedish store would help if you live in another country. Import taxes to pay if they ship internationally. My advice is to use your favorite search engine for 'BW mountain Rucksack'

[@je710817]

Beware of the Arwy" Sting "..it is a lookalike from the lowe alpine ...the Dutch army replaced the real one for a cheaper copy made b y Arwy ....NOT THE SAME QUALITY!!!

[@alecsibley3415]

Thats good to know. Thanks for sharing this information.