ideas for Backpack (REI, Arc'Teryx, Kelty, North Face)

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They're still in SLC. Their packs have come down. Vortex's 5800 used to be over $400. A new one is only $325 now. Seriously, these guys know their stuff and they're great packs. They'll fit you or make one up custom for you as well. The first time I took mine up Long's to break it in at least a dozen people positively commented on it. Their STX is a cool pack as well.:)
 
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A lot of ripping on the external frame packs. They have their place in the world still, although internal frames are getting better at crossing over. External frames are great at hauling lots of gear in conditions where you're not jumping over rocks and such. Internal frames hug your body, stay close, and keep your gravity where it needs to be. I still prefer them.

You still haven't told us how you are really going to use it. Is it for hiking? Travelling in Europe? Are you going to be homeless for a year? Are airports really in it's future? What are you going to haul? Camping gear? Staying in hostels? Do you like pockets or stuff sacks? Al this has to go in to your decision. Someone suggested getting the backpacker magazine gear guide. Do it. Any years edition will be educational.
 
Jenny Cruiser said:
They're still in SLC. Their packs have come down. Vortex's 5800 used to be over $400. A new one is only $325 now. Seriously, these guys know their stuff and they're great packs. They'll fit you or make one up custom for you as well. The first time I took mine up Long's to break it in at least a dozen people positively commented on it. Their STX is a cool pack as well.:)
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I really like my Vortex and their warranty is rock solid, but I am pretty sure they were forced to move production to Asia.

http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/ou...packs/vortex-backpacks/PRD_77456_3034crx.aspx
 
TX_TLC said:
Take a look at Gregory packs. I have two one for me and one for the :princess:. They are good quality but cheaper or at least they were when I bought these two.
HTH
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I've hiked over 1,300 miles on overnight to 9 day trips, using Kelty and REI external frame packs of varying sizes along with 2 different Gregory Internal Frame Packs.

Gregory is hands down my favorite. I have the Denali Pro which has enough room for 9 days worth of food/ 75 pounds of overall weight... Well balanced, easy to load, very durable.

Gregory has a number of great access points, the quality of the zippers is great. It can take abuse.

Bottom line for you, is which pack fits you best. Visit REI, sportmart, A-16, (insert your local camping store here) and try on a number of packs. Find out about any renter programs. I try and rent a pack before I buy it. Each company sizes the back support and shoulder straps different.

At the very least, load the pack up in the store and walk through out the store for an hour or so, to feel how the pack sits on your body.

My $0.02

HTH

Seth
 
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Hey everyone- thank you for all the insight and personal recommendations. I did buy a pack. Its a cheapy made by Outdoor Products. 5800 Cu in. Got it on clearance from www.campmor.com. Spent $59 including shipping. I figured I could try it out a bit, see what about it I like and what about I don't like and then based on that information seek out a better pack.

At this point, I am such a newbie, that it's difficult to be able to tell what features I'm going to appreciate and what I'll consider a deficiency.

Thanks all! Luke
 
Been extremely pleased with my Gregory Lassen(don't know if they still make that model or not, I bought mine back in 2000). I haven't looked at packs in about 6 years, but at the time the Gregories were the best bang for the buck by far.

Dana used to be good, but around '99 or '00 they changed owners and quality diminished. Not to say they're bad packs, but they're not the same famed Dana that everyone fell in love with for a reason.
 
ive tried a bunch of pacs. but dont buy based on what we say. go out to some overpriced local shop and get fit for some pacs. fill them up and walk around the store tring not to spend the wad. once you find something that fits you and your needs the go online and find it cheap.
 
Just for tally count-Dana is worth the money. I have a bomb and a TPX. Both for 10years and still going.
If you are going to fly with it as luggage then either buy a giant thin nylon bag to put it inside of for air travel or wrap it in heavy gauge plastic and tape it up like a mafia body dump. Otherwise the the airport machinery will tear off the straps. Trust me, I used to be one of those bag monkeys. Good luck
 
TX_TLC said:
Take a look at Gregory packs. I have two one for me and one for the :princess:. They are good quality but cheaper or at least they were when I bought these two.
HTH
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x2.

Have owned several different brands over the years and the Gregory's are the most comfortable.

I have a 7 or 8 year old denali pro which is ridiculously huge (7000 cu in), but will carry everything, a 5 year old forget the model 4500 cu in that I took for a week on the long trail, and a smaller 2500 cu in for the wife. All Gregory's and all have held up well. We get anywhere from 2-4 weeks of distance hiking and 2 or 3 winter weekend camping trips in every year. We're not what you'd call easy on them.
 
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
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=bodyglide

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/ftbkpk2f.jsp?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/fitbkpk2f.jsp?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/howhoistf.jsp?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/packing2f.jsp?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/howspec.jsp?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://arcteryx.com/faq.aspx
http://www.ospreypacks.com/PackTech/SizingandFitting/
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.
 
justimaginejack said:
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.
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Are you saying the former company that made them in the Bozeman, MT now makes them for Marmot? I checked the Marmot website and they are even called the same thing... Astraplane etc.... that's great news... except I already have two Dana's and I don't think I'll be able to destroy them for a number of years. But good to know. :cheers:
 
LukeZero said:
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?
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I like the Osprey packs, but I haven't been in the market for a long time. Of course, that's because mine has lasted that long...

I'd rate them in the same category as the Dana Designs packs, basically bomb-proof. Fitting system (at least 15 years ago) was superb, probably even better now.

Also hard to beat good old military ALICE packs. Lots of cool compartments and with the Large size on the frame, even more storage and attachment options. If you go this route, look at some of the upgrades available here that will resolve many of the deficiencies of the ALICE design (most of these mods are well worth the money, and all are of superb, beyond-mil-spec quality):

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=14
 
JohnnyBoy said:
ive tried a bunch of pacs. but dont buy based on what we say. go out to some overpriced local shop and get fit for some pacs. fill them up and walk around the store tring not to spend the wad. once you find something that fits you and your needs the go online and find it cheap.
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Agree, some packs will fit YOUR anatomy better then they may fit someone else's. Most of the high-end shops will have weighted bags (like sand bags) that you can put in the pack to simulate loaded weight, then have someone who knows adjust the pack to your body and walk around with it for a while.
 
Ebay is all I can say, unless you get lucky and run into someone who wants to sell theirs on another forum or craigslist. Call the company and ask them. Chances are they can put you on the right trail.;)
 
cruiser_guy said:
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!
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Yes, your body will. I hike with heavy packs due to the photographic equipment I carry. Your pack should transfer all the weight to your hips, and the shoulder straps are there only to keep it upright. Any weight on the shoulders needs muscle energy through out the mid section of your body as well as leg energy to hold it up. If you transfer all that weight to the hips, then only leg energy is needed to hold it up.

As for airlines, get a good duffel and throw your pack into it for the flight.
 
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