How important to get pack fitted?

[Chainsaw 08]

I'm going on my first-ever multi-day hike in a couple weeks, and I'm going to need to get a pack for it. This will hopefully be the same pack I keep and use for my 2008 thru-hike. Based in part on the reviews I've seen here, I'm looking at the Atmos 50.

Unfortunately, I'm in Orlando, 500 miles from the nearest mountain, and the only place in town that I can find that fits packs doesn't sell any I like. How bad an idea is it for a newbie to just order one off the internet and hit the trail?

[Time To Fly 97]

If it fits, it wouldn't bad at all. I recommend getting the one you want off the Internet...go with Campmor or another outfitter with a good return policy. Once you get your new pack, put some weight in it (i.e. water jugs, etc.) that won't leave any dirt on the pack. If it doesn't fit, return it.

I would alos check out information on Osprey packs so that the size you get is right.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/sizing_fitting.php

Hiking is a blessing - you don't want to be shifting your pack around all day and waking up with back pain if you can help it.

If you don't have a lot of time, buy a couple packs and send back the ones that you won't use.

Happy hiking!

TTF

[Footslogger]

The more adjustability a pack has (if that's the type you're interested in) the more important it is to get if fitted. I say that having fitted packs for over 5 years.

Possibly more important is having your torso length measured correctly for starters. Then you know what "range" you are in. A lot of the packs these days (at least the lighter ones) fit a "range" of torso lengths, rather than being adjustable to a specific torso length.

'Slogger

[Chainsaw 08]

Oops -- nevermind. Via Osprey's website I've found an outfitter nearby!