[AJP]

These guys make a decent pack as well...
Welcome to Mystery Ranch Backpacks

[climber8483]

I'm a huge fan of the Old Dana packs. The Marmot packs aren't made in the US and their quality isn't as good. Mystery Ranch mentioned above is owned by Dana (of Dana packs) and builds those packs to the same quality of the old Dana packs. I've owned a Lowe Alpine Contour 4 and a Gregory. The Gregory was close to the Dana in comfort. As for a bomb proof day pack either the Blackhawk 3 Day Assault pack or the RAPTOR pack. I fly with my RAPTOR pack on a regular basis, albeit its usually a carry-on verses checked. X2 on straps loose equals bad for checked luggage.

Brittain

[wierdbeard]

I've used dozens of packs over the years both internal and external, a few years ago i bought a Kifuru EMR, absolutely huge - i lived out of it for almost two years while in the ME. Kifaru packs are very expensive but i feel very much worth it, they have lots of different sizes and all of the packs are made to fit you, when i bought mine i sent them the requested measurements a few phone calls later i got my bag. WOW. i've used it humping mountains in Afghanistan and parts of Africa by far the best i've used. with the expansion bags you can almost double the volume, my brother uses one as well for backpacking and loves it. I have had no problems yet save for one broken clip but they include a repair kit with each bag. Currently i'm looking at picking up another smaller one as a 3 day pack as well as one to use for a bugout bag to keep in the Crusier.

Kifaru bags

good luck!

[wct49]

just ordered one of these,
I'll let you know how much I like it.

Brigade Quartermasters Ltd.

[Trinny]

Originally Posted by Moody

Osprey all the way. Quality without a gigantic pricetag. That is what I own.

ditto on the Osprey. I had an Arc'teryx prior, great, well built pack, but compared to the Osprey it feels twice as heavy.

[dvgroup]

I used the same Dana Designs pack for about 16 years, vintage early 90s. I would still be using it if not for my new initiative to get smaller and lighter. Maybe it's age (I'm nearly 48) but I'm realizing that I want to enjoy the walk instead of 55-60 lbs of lots of gear to enjoy at the campsite. 4500 cu.in. pack is PLENTY of room for 3-4 day trips, but that's up to you.

Anyway, I'd certainly vouch for Dana (or its REAL successors). I've never seen a $100.00 pack that I would use, really trust, to be comfortable and hold up to a backcountry trip. Packs in that price range seem to be flimsy material and structure. Expect any $100.00 pack to be trashed in 2 years.

RE: baggage handlers there is one simple solution to that: get a duffel bag big enough to put your fully loaded backpack into. All those straps hanging out are definitely a problem. Not only that, but it becomes "normal" luggage instead of specialty luggage that you often have to sign that they will not be held responsible for any damage whatsoever.

[uberhahn]

Check out most recent issue of Backpacker magazine (gear review).

Regardless of what pack you get, go to a local army surplus store a buy a canvas duffel of similar size.

Why?
If you're flying, put the pack in the duffel, then check the package. The duffel will get worn, but it's cheap $20 insurance for your pack. I've gone around the world this way with zero damage to my pack from airline handling. The small sacrifice in storage (you'll roll the duffel and shove it in your pack) is a small price to pay. Besides, it never hurts to have more storage at your disposal.

uber

[ducktapeguy]

x3 on using a duffle when travelling. No matter how expensive a bag you get, if there is stuffed strapped to the outside or loose hanging straps, they'll get chewed up, torn off, or just cut up in the conveyers. Also, it'll prevent the bag from getting a hole worn through where the internal frame presses against the material.

A duffle also gives the baggage handlers something easy to grab, rather than a tangled mass of compression straps, daisy chains, and shoulder straps on a backpack. These just weren't meant to be used to throw the bag around. I use a large nylon duffle, it's cheap, water resistant, and light weight. If you're going camping, you can wrap your sleeping pad around the bag before putting in the duffle for more protection.

[pell53]

Hey Luke,

I just caught this thread. I'm a little late I suppose. However, anytime I'm up in that I area I usually check out Outpost Sports in Mishawaka to see what they have in terms of outdoor equipment for hiking. I just figured I would throw that out there in case you had never been there. They are located at 3602 Grape Road in Mishawaka.

[reffug]

I like the duffle idea.

Course I'm not sure they make one big enough for a fully loaded astralplane.

[Bogo]

Originally Posted by reffug

I like the duffle idea.

Course I'm not sure they make one big enough for a fully loaded astralplane.

REI sells some huge duffels. Is 18"D x 42"L big enough?

[NCCruiser302]

I go with Gregory, great prices, unbelievable suspension, tough as nails

[ForealBoreal]

Large Arc'teryx Naos 70 Tall
the best backpack on the market.
but very expensive.

[dogcatch'n]

just ordered a mountainsmith approach 3.o from www.sierratradingpost.com paid $78.90, ship'n and all, good place to start, have reviews on the products they sell....

I have had a mountainsmith pack for about 14 years....never has broken down in any way...but there are alot of good companies that sell packs...besides mountainsmith....there are alot of good choices available...

[Mace]

Originally Posted by justimaginejack

You might want to check this out. I fitted packs for a while and it means life or death of your skin. Also, no two packs fit a like and you will need to learn how to do adjustments with packs to keep them fitting.
another thing you may wish to learn about is how to pack your pack. This too can be a very sore subject Literally. At some point it and someone else may rub you the wrong way. For this we have god's gift to men: Body Glide, a waxy lubricant that protects your skin. All the links belwo should help immensely, hope it's not to late
bodyglide at REI.com

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei...ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei...ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei...ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei...ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei...ADVICE_CAMPING

Frequently Asked Questions / Arc'teryx
Sizing and Fitting : : Osprey Packs, Inc.
http://marmot.com/products/packs/pack_fit_chart.html
Dana Lovers, your packs live on so you don't need a new one but if you did, you can still get them. They have the same names, just Branded MARMOT.

FYI, REI gives significant amounts of money to the Sierra Club each year.

I avoid them like the plague.


And, I just picked up and used a Mountainsmith Circuit 3.0 from STP for like $80. Used it on the Narrows and was very pleased.

[rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by wierdbeard

I've used dozens of packs over the years both internal and external, a few years ago i bought a Kifuru EMR, absolutely huge - i lived out of it for almost two years while in the ME. Kifaru packs are very expensive but i feel very much worth it, they have lots of different sizes and all of the packs are made to fit you, when i bought mine i sent them the requested measurements a few phone calls later i got my bag. WOW. i've used it humping mountains in Afghanistan and parts of Africa by far the best i've used. with the expansion bags you can almost double the volume, my brother uses one as well for backpacking and loves it. I have had no problems yet save for one broken clip but they include a repair kit with each bag. Currently i'm looking at picking up another smaller one as a 3 day pack as well as one to use for a bugout bag to keep in the Crusier.

Kifaru bags

good luck!

x1000

I have a Zulu pack, with external pockets fitted I can cram enough in for a 7 day trip, take pockets off and its good for a couple of days or less. Most comfortable pack by far I have ever owned.

[JayMilla]

Please, please do not go to REI. They support the Sierra Club, which supports the closing of forest service roads.

I have used Mountainsmith for about ten years, good packs, fit me well.
I just got a Mystery Ranch Crewcab, I have only taken it out once with around 40 pounds in it. Felt great. I hope to put many miles and vertical feet on it before hunting season starts. Then I plan to pack out an elk with it.

[boerboel313]

Check out:
Kifaru Productions

They are in CO and have purchased several from the which I use all over Afghanistan. They have about 10 different sizes and are one of the best packs I have ever had the plesure of beating the crap out of and took it.

[rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by boerboel313

Check out:
Kifaru Productions

Kifaru, International

[boerboel313]

Yup. The same one. I love their gear...... A little pricey but well worth IMO.