View Full Version : WTB: Cheap weekend pack
I'm looking for a durable, roomy pack for weekend trips, just to carry my tent, air mattress, change of clothes, etc. I'm a complete novice, and really don't have a large budget. I was looking at this pack:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1469F_Lowe-Alpine-Crossvent-45-plus-10-Backpack-Internal-Frame.html
But was hoping to find something used for somewhat less.
lazy river road
05-04-2010, 14:06
I have a gregory baltoro 70 size medium, that I am looking to sell for $150 ( Retail value is $290), it has been lightly used and is in great condition with the exception of a few abbriasion on the bottom from just setting it down on the ground. I know it is more expensive then what you were looking at but half as much as you would have to spend in a store for a 4000 cu in pack if thats what your looking for. Let me know if you are interested you can PM me here or on hammockforums.net my name is the same.
oof! That's a nice pack, but definitely a good bit more than I want to spend. I really could just go to my local sporting goods store and get something cheap, but I'd rather get something nicer in the $50 range that's used, instead of feeding the consumer chain and buying a new one.
LimpsAlong
05-04-2010, 15:19
Academy Sporting goods has the Jansport Big Bear 82 (5000ci) for about $60. My son uses a Big Bear 63. Good pack for the money.
Pack sells for over $100.
http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/luggage/backpacks&start=8&selectedSKU=0463-01316-0083
Academy Sporting goods has the Jansport Big Bear 82 (5000ci) for about $60. My son uses a Big Bear 63. Good pack for the money.
Pack sells for over $100.
http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/luggage/backpacks&start=8&selectedSKU=0463-01316-0083Man, that's pretty good! I wish I had an Academy near me.
Mountain Wildman
05-04-2010, 16:39
This site http://www.justschoolbags.com/JanSport-Trail-Series-Big-Bear-82/A/B001M0O832.htm lists the big bear 82 for $26.24
This site http://www.justschoolbags.com/JanSport-Trail-Series-Big-Bear-82/A/B001M0O832.htm lists the big bear 82 for $26.24
Got excited for a minute, then realized the price changes when you select a color.
Mountain Wildman
05-04-2010, 16:54
Got excited for a minute, then realized the price changes when you select a color.
Sorry,
I didn't check that. Stupid site!!!
Mountain Wildman
05-04-2010, 16:56
Sunny Sports has a 2008 model for $54.95 http://www.justschoolbags.com/JanSport-Trail-Series-Big-Bear-82/A/B001M0O832.htm
WinterWarlock
05-04-2010, 18:21
I've got an EMS Summit 5500 (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/ems/summit-5500/)I've been trying to sell....$100 shipped CONUS.
HiKen2011
05-04-2010, 18:30
I have a rokk, 2800 cubic inches I think. I don't think they make them anymore. I'll take $40.00 for it shipped. It is green and black and in excellent shape. I only use it during hunting season.
Thanks,
Dtour
butts0989
05-04-2010, 19:27
I have a Osprey Talon 44 im willing to sell. PM if interested. $90 CONUS.
mmais68569
05-04-2010, 19:46
Academy Sporting goods has the Jansport Big Bear 82 (5000ci) for about $60. My son uses a Big Bear 63. Good pack for the money.
Pack sells for over $100.
http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/luggage/backpacks&start=8&selectedSKU=0463-01316-0083
I have this bag & just love it plenty of room & will carry 5days supplies.
Mike
mmais68569
05-04-2010, 19:55
This site http://www.justschoolbags.com/JanSport-Trail-Series-Big-Bear-82/A/B001M0O832.htm lists the big bear 82 for $26.24
The color that is posted for the 26.24 is out of stock or this is a bait & switch ad because you can not get the pack for the listed price.
Mike
Sunny Sports has a 2008 model for $54.95 http://www.justschoolbags.com/JanSport-Trail-Series-Big-Bear-82/A/B001M0O832.htmI am about to order this one, unless someone has something better in this price range!
WinterWarlock
05-10-2010, 12:03
I am about to order this one, unless someone has something better in this price range!
Don't know your timing, but SteepandCheap has been selling the Klamath 68 for $59 over the last couple of days....
Don't know your timing, but SteepandCheap has been selling the Klamath 68 for $59 over the last couple of days....
Hmmm, that is very interesting! SteepandCheap, haha. Sort of like a woot.com for hiking gear? I might keep an eye for a few days to see if it pops up.
I think the OP said he was looking for a weekend pack and listed his gear that he intended to carry. I'm not intending to step on anyone's toes but some of you seem
to think 68 L, 70 L, 82 L, 5500 ci packs are approprate for weekend outings? Based on what the OP said, and not wanting to push a pack on someone that is TOO big for his stated intended use he probably would be just fine, with a little volume to spare, with something like the Osprey Talon 44 or possibly, depending on the bulk of his gear, even a 2800 ci pack.
WinterWarlock
05-10-2010, 14:18
I think the OP said he was looking for a weekend pack and listed his gear that he intended to carry. I'm not intending to step on anyone's toes but some of you seem to think 68 L, 70 L, 82 L, 5500 ci packs are approprate for weekend outings? Based on what the OP said, and not wanting to push a pack on someone that is TOO big for his stated intended use he probably would be just fine, with a little volume to spare, with something like the Osprey Talon 44 or possibly, depending on the bulk of his gear, even a 2800 ci pack.
Couldn't agree with you more...I was trying to step him down from the Big Bear 82 he was looking at. Here's an 'interesting' video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-fv1ZAnoic&playnext_from=TL&videos=9aA6LP81Ras) I saw last week showing an Exos 58...one way or the other this guy's pretty entertaining.
I think the OP said he was looking for a weekend pack and listed his gear that he intended to carry. I'm not intending to step on anyone's toes but some of you seem
to think 68 L, 70 L, 82 L, 5500 ci packs are approprate for weekend outings? Based on what the OP said, and not wanting to push a pack on someone that is TOO big for his stated intended use he probably would be just fine, with a little volume to spare, with something like the Osprey Talon 44 or possibly, depending on the bulk of his gear, even a 2800 ci pack.
I definitely appreciate input on an appropriate size, as I am a beginner with little experience. I've only driven to campsites, and never had to consolidate into a backpack. So, on one hand I may have a hard time consolidating, but I'm only doing 2-3 nights, tops.
I just haven't been doing this long enough to be able to spot the top brands, without filtering out the fluff.
WinterWarlock
05-10-2010, 15:08
I definitely appreciate input on an appropriate size, as I am a beginner with little experience. I've only driven to campsites, and never had to consolidate into a backpack. So, on one hand I may have a hard time consolidating, but I'm only doing 2-3 nights, tops.
I just haven't been doing this long enough to be able to spot the top brands, without filtering out the fluff.
Are there any places near you that rent packs, etc? That way you can shake one out before you buy...I know our local EMS does, and if you have a connection to the local university their Outings Club does too.
SteepandCheap has the Klamath up now! Even if its on the large side, it will give me room as I migrate towards a lightweight packing list. Decisions, decisions!
WinterWarlock
05-10-2010, 15:31
SteepandCheap has the Klamath up now! Even if its on the large side, it will give me room as I migrate towards a lightweight packing list. Decisions, decisions!
They have a GREAT return policy....
If you don't have a good feeling for what sized/volume backpack you need for weekend outings with the gear you described you would be putting in it may I suggest you take your gear in a plastic garbage bag to anyone who sells backpacks and get a clearer picture of the size/volume of backpack you require before you start buying something that may not be right for you..
Since you are new to backpacking there is another concern, aside from having a pack that has sufficient volume with perhaps a bit extra space to spare, but yet is not cavernous to the pt. of being TOO much for what you are intending, you want a pack that fits on your body right. No matter what sized volume pack you choose you want one that fits your torso length and hips/waist accurately. You will get that assistance at a reputable outfitter. A reputable knowledgable outfitter will also demonstrate how to adjust and use the various features of various backpacks that I think you will fing helpful. Buying the right backpack is not brain surgery but having someone reputable and knowledgable there to help guide and inform you is really a smart way to approach buying a backpack when you are first starting out with backpacking/hiking. Taking this path may keep you from having a closet of inappropriately sized and intended gear, like I used to have!
Dogwood, those are excellent ideas, and if I had the budget - I would be at REI getting measured and ready to spring a couple hundred dollars to guarantee I get a perfect fit. Not having the luxury, I'm going to have to make do with what I can get.
I know that, once I started going on longer rides, I realized that my department store mountain bike was holding me back. When I was able, and bought a bike at a shop that was sized properly, it made a significant difference.
I've got a PM with a nice, used pack I'm going to try out. Thanks for all the help, guys!
BigHodag
05-11-2010, 13:58
For my upcoming 2-week section hike, I'm using a 3,100 cu inch Outdoor Products Arrowhead pack from Walmart that cost all of $29. Its small size will make you use smaller and lighter equipment because there isn't any spare room. Mine holds spare clothes, hammock system, poncho liner quilt, cook kit (super cat stove, aluminum pot), and food. I lash a pad vertically to the back and stuff my tarp through the verticle compression straps. It weighs about 2 1/4 lbs with aluminum stays, 2 lbs without. (I am modifying the pack to strap my pad and tarp horizontally across the top. I've got a shoe repair shop sewing on some Fast Tab 6's from ITW. Should make my oversized pack cover attach better.)
See the Arrowhead review on my blog for a picture and more info.
While at Walmart this past weekend, I looked at a Coleman internal frame pack that was $60. Much larger than the Arrowhead. It has a bottom compartment for a sleeping bag. The main compartment is plenty big without a sleeping bag and easy to overfill with big, heavy campy-traily stuff. (Been there, have since seen the ultra-Light) There are also better pockets on the sides for water bottles, F/A kit, etc. Didn't weigh it.
Both are hydration capable, but without bladders. Walmart has 2 liter water bladders for $9.