Has anyone seen these in person and would recommend one over the other? They look fairly similar based on the pictures I've seen.
In reply to Post #1
I've got the Thinking Anglers one and it is perfect for my use and a highly recommend
I've got the Thinking Anglers one and it is perfect for my use and a highly recommend
In reply to Post #1
TA one is quite narrow... ESP one can hold quite a lot more kit
TA one is quite narrow... ESP one can hold quite a lot more kit
In reply to Post #1
TA one felt a little more considered than the ESP one in terms of design and features, but does require a pretty serious fining down to utilise the space properly. I bought the TA one in the end but it was a close run thing between these and the Korda one. All excellent though to be fair.
TA one felt a little more considered than the ESP one in terms of design and features, but does require a pretty serious fining down to utilise the space properly. I bought the TA one in the end but it was a close run thing between these and the Korda one. All excellent though to be fair.
In reply to Post #1
Had 3 thinking anglers camo mk1 mk 2 and 2 esp the ta is very uncomfortable good quality the esp is a lot more comfortable with wide shoulder straps the most comfortable rucksack I've had apart from the drennan specialist 40ltr
I was disappointed in the Korda 30lt it's not padded and no chest strap so didn't buy it thought they cut back on it tbh
Had 3 thinking anglers camo mk1 mk 2 and 2 esp the ta is very uncomfortable good quality the esp is a lot more comfortable with wide shoulder straps the most comfortable rucksack I've had apart from the drennan specialist 40ltr
I was disappointed in the Korda 30lt it's not padded and no chest strap so didn't buy it thought they cut back on it tbh
In reply to Post #1
I use the TA compact for short river trips and find it excellent - but it is tiny.
I bought a bigger (40l) Drennan/ESP camo one - but have never used it. There are several different D/ESP rucksacks of similar size but different designs.
Another one to consider would be the Speero. Very well built, but it is big.
I use the TA compact for short river trips and find it excellent - but it is tiny.
I bought a bigger (40l) Drennan/ESP camo one - but have never used it. There are several different D/ESP rucksacks of similar size but different designs.
Another one to consider would be the Speero. Very well built, but it is big.
I have the TA rucksack and find it a bit uncomfortable as the chest strap is very high. but to be fair its a decent quality piece of kit. i also have the Drennan 40ltr which is a nice piece of kit and my preferred choice. although there is the temptation to overload it, and is lasting well 5yrs of ownership and still in good order. sorry cant comment on the ESP.
In reply to Post #1
I've had both, still own the esp quickdraw but wouldn't say there was a great deal of difference between them.
I can easily get everything in either for an overnighter, that's including food, cooking kit, tackle etc. As some have said, the esp is probably slightly bigger but not much in it.
You won't go wrong with either.
I've had both, still own the esp quickdraw but wouldn't say there was a great deal of difference between them.
I can easily get everything in either for an overnighter, that's including food, cooking kit, tackle etc. As some have said, the esp is probably slightly bigger but not much in it.
You won't go wrong with either.
In reply to Post #7
Had the speero to big and bulky not comfortable either the most uncomfortable rucksacki had by far is the Cotswold roamer mk3 everyone I spoke to won't wear it I only used on barra
Had the speero to big and bulky not comfortable either the most uncomfortable rucksacki had by far is the Cotswold roamer mk3 everyone I spoke to won't wear it I only used on barra
In reply to Post #1
Having owned both i much prefer the esp rucksack, it's not overly massive but holds a lot more than the thinking anglers rucksack
Having owned both i much prefer the esp rucksack, it's not overly massive but holds a lot more than the thinking anglers rucksack
i bought the TA one last year. I was initially surprised at how small it was BUT....I bought it cause I wanted to cut down on the gear I take anyway (as started borrowing again) and with a bit of thought managed to fit everything in it that I need. Anything else just goes in the under barrow bag. My favourite feature is the top access section that you can put the essentials in needed to get the rods out initially and for rebaiting etc, great idea that!
have had a green ESP one for about 5 years (not the quickdraw with the removable rig case on top). I get everything I need in it with a bit of space for anything extra that I need for a session (waterproofs, extra food / drink, bait etc)
pro's - it's super comfortable, holds a lot of kit & has been extremely hard wearing - nothing has failed yet & I have used it A LOT (3 or 4 short trips per week - 30 weeks of the year). I have had quite a lot of luggage where stitching has failed, zips have bust etc but this has been extremely hard wearing & reminds me of the original luggage that was brought out back in the day before manufacturing went to china that is still going strong today. The ability to clip the ESP mat to it is fantastic & I love that it means I can take a big protective mat with one less thing to carry in my hands - a huge bonus for when I don't want to take a barrow / trolley.
cons - single zips on the pockets is a PITA sometimes when they are full but I believe that the quickdraw has double zips (prob best to check). the rubberised waterproof inner coating has started to wear off a little on the inside of the top section - very minor & fair wear & tear IMO but that's about it.
currently looking at upgrading to the quickdraw version but struggling to justify spending the money to replace something that has & is serving me so well.
pro's - it's super comfortable, holds a lot of kit & has been extremely hard wearing - nothing has failed yet & I have used it A LOT (3 or 4 short trips per week - 30 weeks of the year). I have had quite a lot of luggage where stitching has failed, zips have bust etc but this has been extremely hard wearing & reminds me of the original luggage that was brought out back in the day before manufacturing went to china that is still going strong today. The ability to clip the ESP mat to it is fantastic & I love that it means I can take a big protective mat with one less thing to carry in my hands - a huge bonus for when I don't want to take a barrow / trolley.
cons - single zips on the pockets is a PITA sometimes when they are full but I believe that the quickdraw has double zips (prob best to check). the rubberised waterproof inner coating has started to wear off a little on the inside of the top section - very minor & fair wear & tear IMO but that's about it.
currently looking at upgrading to the quickdraw version but struggling to justify spending the money to replace something that has & is serving me so well.
Get the speero ruck sack.. blows both TA and esp out the water... Better material better zips and more room
In reply to Post #12
I've had the older ESP bag for years - finally broken (zips on main pocket) so I decided to get the TA bag. It's brilliant but you have to be pretty ruthless about kit. Really pleased I went for it.
Didn't look at the Speero.
I've had the older ESP bag for years - finally broken (zips on main pocket) so I decided to get the TA bag. It's brilliant but you have to be pretty ruthless about kit. Really pleased I went for it.
Didn't look at the Speero.
In reply to Post #1
I have the original esp rucksack, my lad has the quickdraw,I've also owned the TA aswell.
Personally even though it's basic i prefer the original esp, and find it more comfortable.
Just my opinion.
I have the original esp rucksack, my lad has the quickdraw,I've also owned the TA aswell.
Personally even though it's basic i prefer the original esp, and find it more comfortable.
Just my opinion.