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!
ideas for Backpack (REI, Arc'Teryx, Kelty, North Face)
- Thread starter LukeZero
- Start date
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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
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
- Thread starter
- #23
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
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 s*** and have to carry it all home on the plane.
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.
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.
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
This is their website, but I couldn't get it come up this am.
www.vortexbackpacks.com
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
www.sportsmansguide.com
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 also have an Osprey 5200 cu in. pack in excellent condition that I am willing to sell.
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.
'Twas the Dana I once owned (stolen!).
If it is within your capacity needs, price range, and fit, it would be a great choice.
- Thread starter
- #30
Still not coming up.
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
- Thread starter
- #31
Have you been touched by His Noodly Appendage: www.venganza.org
We've all been touched by His Noodly Appendage, whether we recognize it or not. RaMen!
We've all been touched by His Noodly Appendage, whether we recognize it or not. RaMen!
The Gregory Forester is a great med. sized pack for 2-3 day trips.
If I you need to check it on planes frequently, I would check out REI's new models. They are sleeker with less straps and pockets to catch and cause damage. Stuff can fall out of a lot of external pockets.
Fit is also incredibly important. Just go somewhere where you can try them on. Buying sight unseen can be problematic.
If I you need to check it on planes frequently, I would check out REI's new models. They are sleeker with less straps and pockets to catch and cause damage. Stuff can fall out of a lot of external pockets.
Fit is also incredibly important. Just go somewhere where you can try them on. Buying sight unseen can be problematic.
x2 on Sierra Trading Post: http://www.sierratradingpost.com and http://www.steepandcheap.com/ for on-line ordering. Both have good return policies. SAC sells 1 item at a deep discount until it's gone. STP has the wider selection, and you could order a couple different brands then send back the one that didn't work so well.
Too bad you can't make it to an outdoor store to try packs on. No hunting/ fishing shops around you?
As others have noted, backpacks don't make good luggage. Some 'adventure luggage' has stowable backpack straps. Eagle Creek pioneered this design, and they make wicked good stuff.
The Lowe Mtn Attack has been a good seller for years, can't go wrong w/the basic design. I just got a Granite Gear Nimbus for a screaming deal at REI's infrequent scratch n dent sale. Best of luck...
Too bad you can't make it to an outdoor store to try packs on. No hunting/ fishing shops around you?
As others have noted, backpacks don't make good luggage. Some 'adventure luggage' has stowable backpack straps. Eagle Creek pioneered this design, and they make wicked good stuff.
The Lowe Mtn Attack has been a good seller for years, can't go wrong w/the basic design. I just got a Granite Gear Nimbus for a screaming deal at REI's infrequent scratch n dent sale. Best of luck...
Return policy
X2 on STP return policy. When I bought my Granite Gear Access pack at the outlet in WY I was concerned about being able to return it since I was just returning from an extended trip and figured that I may not have the opportunity to give the new pack a real try for quite a while. The sales representative told me that I can simply return it. I asked him how long I had to return it and he said that it didn't matter, STP would take it back - period.
X2 on STP return policy. When I bought my Granite Gear Access pack at the outlet in WY I was concerned about being able to return it since I was just returning from an extended trip and figured that I may not have the opportunity to give the new pack a real try for quite a while. The sales representative told me that I can simply return it. I asked him how long I had to return it and he said that it didn't matter, STP would take it back - period.
AND...you don't even need the receipt! They track purchases...so remembering where you put the receipt for STP purchases is irrelevant.
A bit bigger than what your looking for, but still a steal. No idea what size it is.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vortex-4500-Bac...DVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250080386249
The Dana Bomb pack can be purchased new for $149 so I think you could get a used one for $100. And the older ones are more desireable. The bomb pack is fairly small but can handle bigger loads when necessary because of the beaver tail (shov-it) pocket. IMO, Kelty is not in the same league as the older Dana's and Ospreys.
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
X2 on the Grewgory. Very adjustable, comfortable. Love it. Check a local SMALL outdoor store. Their experts are usually better than chains. Good luck!
I also have a older Vortex 5800 (I think they got bought out by a larger company, but when I tore the waist band off they replaced it no questions asked) and a custom McHale but the real key is to get a proper fit. If you can get yourself to a shop with a staff that skilled in fitting then you are way ahead in the game.