[LukeZero]

Looking for recommendations for a decent quality backpack. Something not enormous, but large enough to pack for a weekend or something. Something to keep a sleeping bag and pad strapped up and the baggage handlers can't destroy.

Opinions? Stuff for sale?

[tcb]

I still use my Army rucksack. I'm sure it's heavier and less comfortable than these modern bags, but it is tough as nails and has flown numerous times.

[LukeZero]

I thought about that. Certainly cheaper than my idea- just not as stylish. I guess it boils down to whether I want to be cool and broke or rich and not so cool.

[FirstToy]

http://forum.ih8mud.com/mud-bay-miscellaneous-items/79494-arcteryx-bora-80-a.html

It's been awhile, I can ask him if he will drop the price.
if you are interested- PM me

[2reh]

I have a Atmos 50, which is 3000 cubic inches. I used it on a weekend trip to Mt Whitney last year. Carried a tent, bag, bear canister. All the brands you listed are nice, you should decide on how big a bag you need and go and try a few on at REI, they'll help you out with how it should fit. It just depends on what you want it for, how much room you need and how much you have to spend. I do mostly one or two night trips. If you already have all the stuff your going to be talking in your pack, take it down with you, when you try on packs.

Best
Robert

[Land Schmoozer]

pickup the most recent issue of Backpacker magazine... it's the annual gear review issue... more info than most can absorb...

[tcb]

Originally Posted by LukeZero

I thought about that. Certainly cheaper than my idea- just not as stylish..

All depends on your style, i guess... I prefer the "rugged, i know how to shoot guns" style to the "can you direct me to the nearest starbucks?" style...

[LukeZero]

Originally Posted by FirstToy

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=79494

It's been awhile, I can ask him if he will drop the price.
if you are interested- PM me

Thats a nice pack- but more than I need. Thanks for the offer.

Originally Posted by tcb

All depends on your style, i guess... I prefer the "rugged, i know how to shoot guns" style to the "can you direct me to the nearest starbucks?" style...

When you put it that way- I might have to go the Army Surplus store, [even though I don't know how to shoot guns]

[tcb]

Originally Posted by LukeZero

When you put it that way- I might have to go the Army Surplus store, [even though I don't know how to shoot guns]

Just busting your chops...

I've never used anything but a rucksack so I have no frame of reference as to how much easier to carry a modern design would be. I do know that my ruck hella tough and has been thrown, dropped, dragged, shipped and still is as good as new. Good luck on your search.

[45Kevin]

Not sure if they sell to the US but with our $ you will have a 17% advantage. I use these guys a lot for outdoor gear.

http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp;jses...=1170358550898

They have a house brand that is usually less expensive than brand names but every bit as good.

[LukeZero]

Originally Posted by 45Kevin

Not sure if they sell to the US but with our $ you will have a 17% advantage. I use these guys a lot for outdoor gear.

http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp;jses...=1170358550898

They have a house brand that is usually less expensive than brand names but every bit as good.

Kevin- thanks for the tip...

I found this and wondered if anyone with more experience with packs would offer an opinion.

Thanks, Luke

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1170364479401

[Shahram]

This may not be your cup of tea, but I find it works for most three (or at most four) day uses.

http://tacspec.com/personal/back-pack/

Although it is a military-designed bag, it functions really well as a daybag/weekend bag. It's got a ton of small pockets that seal up tight, with a good sized main compartment that will hold a weekend's worth of clothes. There is a loose divider in the main compartment so you can separate dirty from clean.

In the summer, when I travel in shorts and flip-flops, this is the only bag I use, even for a three-week trip. It's compact, and conforms to my back, so getting on and off crowded buses and planes is easier. It's small enough to carry on, so no checking in luggage, which is a must for me. It's got a detachable waist belt, and tons of loops from which you can tie almost any additional items. It's also padded, very comfortable to carry, and has a pouch for a Camelbak, etc.

They're a little expensive, but I got mine used on ebay for $100. Check around.

[TX_TLC]

Take a look at Gregory packs. I have two one for me and one for the . They are good quality but cheaper or at least they were when I bought these two.
HTH

[Mr. Toad]

Originally Posted by LukeZero

Kevin- thanks for the tip...

I found this and wondered if anyone with more experience with packs would offer an opinion.

Thanks, Luke

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1170364479401

That looks like a nice pack for the price. However, I would not buy that model because it does not appear to have separate sleeping bag access at the bottom. Compare to this one, which has that feature (see the bulge at the bottom of the pack).

[Moody]

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

[phxtlc]

Marmot packs that were originally Dana Design packs...or find someone that has an old Dana pack that for some ungodly reason was never used (2 kids and a bad knee) and might be convinced to sell it.

[spressomon]

Osprey! IMO they are the best fitting (fit is #1 concern so you should try as many quality packs on as you can with similar weight in the pack that you expect to carry), engineered, value out there right now. Been backpacking since 1974...had all kinds of packs including expensive Dana packs...

[cruiser_guy]

It depends what you want it for. Is it airline luggage? If so STAY AWAY from ANYTHING with straps 'cause they get caught on the machinery.

Is it for hiking and backpacking? Get one of the newer internal frame packs. Your body will thank you at the end of the trip!

The old rucksack with the aluminum/wood or whatever frame are simply old design that has been passed by. Strong and decent for it's day but obsolete.

[BC_FJC]

Originally Posted by LukeZero

Kevin- thanks for the tip...

I found this and wondered if anyone with more experience with packs would offer an opinion.

Thanks, Luke

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1170364479401

I have an older version of that pack... I think it is now 5 or 6 years old and still not showing any signs of wear and is still comfortable.

I will second Spressomon, fit is #1 concern so you should try as many quality packs on as you can with similar weight in the pack that you expect to carry.

I think I tried on about 15 - 20 different packs before making my choice. Don’t look at brand or price until you have found a handful that fit you first, and then make your choice from there.

[Hayes]

I've humped Dana Designs (older, original), Osprey, and Gregory packs significant miles/vertical feet.

The original Dana Designs TerraPlane deserves is cult status--but you won't find one.

I agree with Moody that Osprey is making really nice packs.

For hauling monster loads however, I have never worn a pack that manages 80 lbs of crap like my Gregory Pro.

Don't jump to the conclusion that just because it has really slick-looking molded foam straps and belts it must be comfortable with a heavy load. When ArcTeryx first started making packs, their big packs looked bomber and comfy, but the hip-belts deformed and sagged when you loaded 'em up.

I'd just head to a shop that carries a variety of packs.
Get some help.
Load up the packs. If the shop doesn't have bags of sand or something to put in the packs, then go someplace else. Load 'em up with real loads.

Buy the one that feels the best.

Hayes

[AJP]

what Cruiser Guy said X 2... except I prefer to drive where I have to carry things now...also ... I read that the "newer" internal frame design are better but I still use an old military ruck (Canadian) with an aluminum external frame .. that works fine... also don't get one too big...only encourages overloading!

[_JP_]

i like the osprey packs. picked my first one up about a year ago and love it. it's one of the atmos series i do believe.

for really heavy duty stuff and high volume (for me it's backpacking full camping and flyfishing gear including waders and what not) i use an arcteryx bora. i've had it loaded to 65# and it was as comfortable as a 65# pack can be.

if you have an A16 around you or an REI, your best bet is to go to the store, load it up and walk around for an hour or so.

good luck.

jp

[LukeZero]

Originally Posted by _JP_

if you have an A16 around you or an REI, your best bet is to go to the store, load it up and walk around for an hour or so.

good luck.

jp

Therein lies the problem. There isn't much around here. Will probably require at trip into Chicago to actually test- fit the options.

I do, however, really appreciate all of the personal experiences. Kind of tells me which packs other people enjoy and what to kind of avoid.

Thanks all, Luke

[haystax]

I picked up Lowe Alpine "Mountain Attack 40" from sierra trading post online a couple years ago and it has been a great pack for the money. It might not be the best one out there or really fit as well as some other brand but it only cost $35. I almost bought a baddass Mammut pack in CZ last year but decided i would just fill it up with shit and have to carry it all home on the plane.

[cruiser_guy]

Initially when I was in my teens and poor I used an old frame pack. I would come back from backpacking trips with sore pressure points from the pack. It didn't much matter how it was adjusted since if one place wasn't poking me somewhere else was! In my mid-20's I got one of the first internal frame packs and it was heaven on earth (well as close as that can be when packing 50 lbs for 4-5 days)!! The newer internal frame packs are even better.
When I need to use my pack as airline luggage (not often since I have a duffle bag for that) I always have it placed into a heavy duty plastic bag so the straps don't get ripped off by the baggage equipment.

[Jenny Cruiser]

One word - Vortex. I've got their 5800 and it's great. Beats the Dana I had. Nobody has a better warranty. Very cool guys/gals located in Utah. I got mine four years ago during their annual store sale. Paid $245 including the the rain cover they made for me on the spot.
This is their website, but I couldn't get it come up this am.
www.vortexbackpacks.com

[flem0061]

I got the most miles out of an older Kelty Slickrock - great pack, great support, plenty of bells/whistles if you like that (got it at The Sportsmans Guide Outlet for $100). Smaller trips I use either a Kelty Bombproof snowboard pack for winter (snowshoes, board etc) or an old Granite Gear Nimbus 3800 - used for $60. Both have great customer service too. I had to send in the Slickrock pack after getting significant rock rash - they fixed it all up free of charge. I replaced the Kelty Slickrock with a Granite Gear Stratus Access. Got it at sierra trading post in WY for $150 - wonderful pack, not crazy about all of the clips but the support is worth it. Check them out online www.sierratradingpost.com
www.sportsmansguide.com

[hoser]

I have 2 Dana's (older style) and 1 Osprey. I have tried several Gregory and TNF bags. Of course fit is the most important but I'd say the older Dana's were the best in quality and best fit for me. The Dana ArcAltitude M-80 is my favorite pack for ultralight backpacking. There is a Dana Bomb pack on eBay that would probably fit your needs, size wise.

I also have an Osprey 5200 cu in. pack in excellent condition that I am willing to sell.

[Hayes]

The Dana Bomb pack is sweet.
'Twas the Dana I once owned (stolen!).

If it is within your capacity needs, price range, and fit, it would be a great choice.

Originally Posted by hoser

I have 2 Dana's (older style) and 1 Osprey. I have tried several Gregory and TNF bags. Of course fit is the most important but I'd say the older Dana's were the best in quality and best fit for me. The Dana ArcAltitude M-80 is my favorite pack for ultralight backpacking. There is a Dana Bomb pack on eBay that would probably fit your needs, size wise.

I also have an Osprey 5200 cu in. pack in excellent condition that I am willing to sell.

[LukeZero]

Originally Posted by Jenny Cruiser

One word - Vortex. I've got their 5800 and it's great. Beats the Dana I had. Nobody has a better warranty. Very cool guys/gals located in Utah. I got mine four years ago during their annual store sale. Paid $245 including the the rain cover they made for me on the spot.
This is their website, but I couldn't get it come up this am.
www.vortexbackpacks.com

Still not coming up.

Originally Posted by hoser

I have 2 Dana's (older style) and 1 Osprey. I have tried several Gregory and TNF bags. Of course fit is the most important but I'd say the older Dana's were the best in quality and best fit for me. The Dana ArcAltitude M-80 is my favorite pack for ultralight backpacking. There is a Dana Bomb pack on eBay that would probably fit your needs, size wise.

I also have an Osprey 5200 cu in. pack in excellent condition that I am willing to sell.

I'm probably not looking for something that big. I was thinking something in the 3500-4000 cu.in. range.

Also, since I'm in the MidWest- I don't really need a $300+ pack. Was kind of hoping to pick something up used more in the $100 range. A buddy of mine has a Kelty Moraine 3600 for sale (he's in DC, so I can't readily try it out). Anyone have any opinions of this pack?

Again, thanks. Luke