View Full Version : Picking a backpack?
Blue Wolf
10-10-2003, 02:35
I am new at section hiking. I need some advice on the best kind of backpack to buy from people who have had some experience. I seen some I liked from golite because of their weight, but hear people say that they are uncomfortable & not very durable.
I also liked some others but they only came in one size is this a bad thing when looking for comfort?
Kevin:confused:
MedicineMan
10-10-2003, 06:48
wrong about golite....i've used the Breeze, the Gust and the Speed...all their products are well made, light and durable and priced right and yes they are comfortable depending on what (read how much weight) you put into each particular model (I've carried the Gust on a 6 day backpack with 40lbs as an example....there are review sites on the net where you can see professional and semi-professional reviews of their packs and countless others, I assure you that there is no perfect pack made by humans but you will find few disparaging reviews of their packs. I've been sectioning the AT and hiking anywhere else I can get to for many years and have a warehouse of gear to prove it...if you are just testing the waters borrow or rent, maybe a swap meet where hikers exchange gear for certain lengths of time-you know, try before you buy...after that and after you have determined that hiking/packing is something you will do for the rest of your life (lifehikers) then consider something fitted to your body and not something mass produced for an 'approximate' fit, something like a Mithril (Kiskil Outdoors) or a McHale...but whatever you buy remember that some (probably few to be honest-i.e. Gatewood) have been completely happy with a potato sack slung across their shoulders. In the meantime look at Golite, GVP gear, ULA, and now even the big boys are finally admitting that their 6-8pound packs (empty) are being glossed over for lighter models and answering the call.
Good luck in choosing!
Osprey amd Mountainsmith both make excellent products. Mountainsmith has a few packs that weigh aroung 2+ pounds, and carry a big load. Check 'em out.
I think this has been asked before.
First, like all gear, there is no consentous on which brand or model is best. You see all brands and models out there. So, the question becomes what works for you.
The first step should be to buy all your other gear first. Then, fill your water bottles, and pack up enough food to go for your longest stretch between resupply. Take all your gear, water, and food and go visit you local outfitter. Be prepared to spend several hours loading your gear into different packs and trying them out.
If you lack experience, then try to rent a few backpacks before you buy.
MedicineMan
10-10-2003, 22:29
Peaks gives excellent advice on loading before buying, I would add to load and carry miles before deciding....
stranger
10-11-2003, 03:11
Picking a pack is a very personal decision and it's probably best to not listen to too many opinions when deciding for yourself.
For example someone stated that Osprey and Mountainsmith make "great" products. This is very subjective of course, and someone's personal opinion isn't going to help you feel comfortable. To say Mountainsmith makes great products is a laugh...they may be marketed properly and light, but Mt. Smith is one of the worst companies I have ever known in pack design. That is not my opinion...that is a fact that comes from 10 years in the pack industry, consulting, product testing and repairing.
There are many good pack companies out there, and it's very important to get a pack that fits well, and you have to make sure you get fit properly which isn't always easy. A solid rule of thumb...the more adjustable a pack is...the worse it fits. You don't want adjustment...you want frame sizes, that's why we don't have adjustable shoes ya know?
Check out some designs by Arc'Teryx, Dana Design, Gregory, Osprey and Mystery Ranch for the higher end stuff. And keep in mind that Lowe Alpine and Kelty make very decent packs in most cases...and they cost alot less. In either case get some packs on your back with atleast 30lbs in them.
Blue Wolf
10-11-2003, 04:10
Man what a great response so far I went to that that gregory site wow they have a pack called the "corn holio" maybe I should buy that 1 at least if it don't fit well & I don't like it I could at least get a few laughs.................I can see me now with my shirt pulled over my head hiking in the wilderness saying I am the great "cornholio" me need teepee for my bunghole.......lol:banana
SGT Rock
10-11-2003, 06:40
Go to www.moonbowgear.com and look at the Gearskin. It is durable, comfortable, and light.
MedicineMan
10-11-2003, 07:28
I dont know about the Gearskin but I do know Moonbowgear-they also make the Mithril for Kiskil Outdoors and have done some specialized work for me and their work is the best.
Kerosene
10-11-2003, 15:10
I just purchased the 3-lb. Nimbus Ozone from Granite Gear and did a 17-mile shakedown hike with 30 pounds with great results. I was attracted to the over-engineered framesheet (which is advertised to work to 40 pounds which seems reasonable). I might have been able to get away with the 2-lb. Vapor Trail, but I was willing to give away a pound to provide a little more comfort for when my normal 23-pound spring/fall load inflates to accommodate several more days of food. I would have considered the Gearskin if I was a little more adventurous, but this seems like a good weight/comfort compromise for me.
If you have experience already, switch to an ultralight system like the gearskin or a golite, etc. If you don't have much experience, I would stay with one of the major companies. An Arc'teryx Bora 40 or 60 or Khamsin or Khamski would be good. A Gregory reality would as well. Keep the size down to 40-60 liters (roughly 3000-4200 ci). Try to keep weight around 4 lbs.
If you want to go cheap, pick up a Kelty. In the end, most pieces of gear will work about the same as long as you are not nearing the edge of normal hiking. Most products work relatively well. So, when in doubt between two or more packs, I'd buy the cheaper pack unless you really know what you are doing.
Blue Wolf
10-14-2003, 11:25
I think I have found a winner the Osprey Aether 60 out of all the ones I have tried this one fits the best with the load I intend to carry it weighs just under 4 lbs. and has alot of features that I find handy for my self.
Any hints on this one ??:-?
You are going to find a VERY large variety when it comes to pack preferences. I am w\ stg. rock...look into getting a Moonbowgear Gearskin. Its very light, COMFORTABLE, and affordable too.
Hes got a great review of it @: http://hikinghq.net/gear/moonbow_gearskin.html
Brian
Future Thru Hiker: 2013
Matt Pincham
10-14-2003, 13:21
Hey Blue Wolf,
I'm also new and looking for a decent pack. I asked questions too and got some great responses...and guess what? The Aether 60 gets my vote too. When I first saw the Osprey Crescent 75 I wanted that one but through advice from this forum (ie it's too heavy and 75 litres being overkill) I opted for the Aether 60.
Seems like a damn good pack...now I've just gotta get round to buying the thing!!
Oh yeah also...bonus for me. My friend is a Gasman (suppose you Americans would call them Gasfitters?) and he's getting my girlfriend and I loads of thermal gear (long-johns, hat etc) for our thru-hike...hooray for free stuff :D
Where you gonna be hiking Wolf?
Blue Wolf
10-14-2003, 15:22
Were leaving out next week ont he 26th or 27th of Oct. Gonna start in Erwin TN and hope to finish in Damascus a little Halloween hike oooooooooh scary CAN'T WAIT!!!
Kevin
I usually have a dry spot under my tarp that I pack mine in - then I put on the rain cover for the pack and then pack up the tarp then just wipe off the outside of the silnylon bag that the tarp goes into and quickly stuff the tarp bag in the top of the Gearskin pack - finishing with a quick replacement of the top of the pack cover onto the pack.
Originally posted by Blue Wolf
I think I have found a winner the Osprey Aether 60 out of all the ones I have tried this one fits the best with the load I intend to carry it weighs just under 4 lbs. and has alot of features that I find handy for my self.
Any hints on this one ??:-?
I have both an Aether 60 and an Ariel 75--after trying many packs for good comfort and fit, I found I could not beat the Osprey. The Aether doesn't fit quite as well as the Ariel, but that's because you can customize the Aether/Ariel models that are 75 and 90 liters--but still, both packs carry a decent amount of weight for me and I hardly notice they are on. :)
wrt unpacking a Gearskin in the rain - the procedure is much the same in reverse - pull out the tarp bag then leave the pack cover on while setting up the tarp then unpack under the tarp - I use a hammock so the tarp is setup rather high and then I just hang the hammock under the tarp using the same two trees that are holding two of the corners of the tarp. While unpacking on wet ground I use the pack cover under the pack. Ultimately most everything is either hung on or in the hammock except for the food bag and water bottles - the Gearskin rolls up nicely and is hung on the rope supporting the hammock.
Jack Tarlin
10-18-2003, 19:43
Blue Wolf----
Just wanted to add that I've used Osprey packs on my last 7 hikes; one of them has more than 9,000 miles on it and is in great shape. If you do manage to have any problems, they have a customer service department which is the finest I've encountered as far as helping with problems, field repair suggestions, and if necessary, gear repair /replacement by the company. Plus, they'll most likely have a company representative at the vendor's section at Trail Days in Damascus, who'll be happy to help with any questions or problems you have at that point, and can even do minor repairs if you require them.
With the possible exception of Mountain Hardware, which supplied a tent I used on 7 consecutive trips, I can think of no gear manufacturer I've been happier with than the good folks at Osprey.
Blue Wolf
10-18-2003, 22:17
I have looked high & low & I'm impressed with the pack.
and thanks for the great advice!!
Blue Wolf
capehiker
10-22-2003, 22:00
I use a Gregory Acadia. It was made for EMS, but I've seen a few sold elsewhere. Holds a nice load for section hiking(which is what I am currently). I bought it 2 years ago and it's still like new, with 400+ miles on it. I've always been a big fan of Gregory, but am beginning to look more at lighter gear. The only advice I could add to the great post's so far is watch how many cubic inches you get. If you go with too big a pack, you might be tempted to overpack. Happy hiking!
Footslogger
10-24-2003, 16:14
Regardless of which pack you choose ...buy one that will hold the gear you plan to carry. That may seem like common sense but I've met dozens of hikers who purchased a backpack and THEN decided what they were going to shove into it.
To optimize my carrying weight on this year's thru-hike I ended up with 2 packs. Your initial and final months on the trail will involve carrying more and bulkier clothing/gear. In the warmer months you can normally cut way back. That's when I went to a smaller pack.
Just as a reference, I started off with the Gregory Reality and used the Granite Gear Vapor Trail when my load would allow. I generally carried around 34 - 36 pounds in the colder months and was able to get my total pack weight down to 24 - 26 pounds in the warmer months. The Vapor Trail pack was over 3 pounds lighter than the Reality which is a nice savings in base back weight.
VAMTNHIKER
03-25-2004, 14:42
I have also listened to the Sarge...
as my Father's Day present last year, it didn't come in time for my week long scouting trip (Used a Kelty Super Tioga)..
but very happy with my Gearskin! It has taken me a few trips to play with it... It gets better each time I use it. I have also used my Thermorest Ultralight w/chair package(old style.. yep..these bones are getting old)... as the support ... that worked well but the silnylon packing bag (also from Moonbow... very happy with that) wants to slide out the side occasionally. My last weekend trip I actually used the closed foam pad in a clamshell form (for the first time it looked the same as Sarge's website).
I also have a concern about the hipbelt... but only because I have lost 60# since ordering it. I currently only have an inch to spare... but not worrying for now.
I am very happy with it... planning on using it at Philmont this summer.
ScouterSteve
Singletrack
03-25-2004, 20:13
Take a look at Granite Gear packs, the VaporTrail and the Nimbus Ozone.
You might consider Mchale Packs www.mchalepacks.com There is an interesting "letter from Dan" regarding lightweight packing.