View Full Version : New Outdoor Product Packs
Mtn Scout
03-05-2011, 16:35
was at wally world today and i always swing through camping section. outdoor products have 2 new packs out and i am very impressed. i already have the skyline 8.0 and its awesome for the money. the 2 they have now one is called the gama 8.0 and i cant remember what the other one is but here are some specs on the 2. one is 2300 ci and looks more like a backpack. the other one is 3300 ci and weighs around 2lbs. i took my gregory z50 back in today to compare the 2. overall its almost same size as z pack but its lighter, has 7 pockets, has main zip access, super cool air channel for your back. the best news its 49.99. i am going back tomorrow and getting one. did not know if anyone else has one of these.
stranger
03-06-2011, 06:50
I'm assuming this is either a joke or you are very, very new to backpacking.
I seriously doubt anyone on here uses an Outdoor Products backpack for anything other than going to class or the gym, there is a reason for that.
Educate yourself about products before you make decisions...it will save you alot of money in the long run.
funny story, about 7 years ago i decided i wanted to do an overnight trip at the grand canyon and needed a backpack. figured itd be a one time use thing so i didnt want to spend a lot of money, so i picked up an outdoors products pack for about $100 at sports authority. still using it. it holds stuff and goes on my back, i dont see the need to replace it. its been to montana, its been to yosemite, its been across the white mountains and elsewhere on the AT. would i try and use it for weeks on end? maybe not, but weekend trips its perfectly fine.
Stranger is obviously not a fan of these packs! WoW!
When it comes to gear there really is no wrong answer, only opinions. If you wish to try this pack out, for that price it's no real loss if it doesn't work out for you. There may be better packs on the market, but it's what ever works for you that counts.
I've seen many packs on the trail that I would never even consider carrying. The owners of these packs seemed happy with them, so who am I too say anything about it?
Reality, gear may make things easier, but it's you that makes the hike. Of course you want to have reliable gear. So when trying something new like a pack or tent, go out in an area where you are close enough to bail if it fails on you. Great way to test something out, and still be safe and have a great time. I really enjoy my short gear test hikes. They give me the confidence when I head out on longer hikes that I know I'll enjoy and have what I need that works for me!
Rocket Jones
03-06-2011, 10:26
I use an Outdoor Products Skyline 8 for day hikes and it's fine for the purpose. It's held up nicely too over many miles on many hikes.
harryfred
03-06-2011, 14:47
I have a bunch of Outdoor Products, and Coleman Max stuff I got from Wally World. I have had no problems with any of it except in the Coleman Max tend to be a little over done and end a bit on the heavy side, but just a bit. The Outdoor Products tend to be very basic but work well. I'd say for that price you can't go wrong If it turns out to be a piece of crap right it off to an education. If it works for you smile politely and nod as some one tells you how much better their $300 whatever is:p
To be fair I am slowly replacing some of my gear for lighter more compact better preforming gear, read more expensive. I have a lot of miles/time out there because of cheap and homemade gear. I would not have had, had I waited to afford "The good stuff", and the cheap stuff even what turned out bad taught me more about what works for me so as I buy better gear I get more value.:banana
daddytwosticks
03-06-2011, 15:54
Agree w/Helios and I consider myself semi-educated. My Outdoor Products daypack from WalMart has served me well on several dayhikes. :)
BigHodag
03-06-2011, 19:34
I've been using an Outdoor Products Arrowhead 8.0 backpack that I bought at WalMart for $30. Liked it so well I bought two more, so family members can backpack with me.
I couldn't afford to build three sets of backpacking gear buying top of the line, name brand gear. Gear lists here at WB generally run over $500 and closer to $1000. Thanks to OP, I can build very lightweight backpacking "kits" for less then $200 complete.
I used the Outdoor Products Arrowhead 8.0 backpack for a two week section of the AT last year and it performed well. Met several other hikers using the same pack along the way.
I have also used OP's trekking poles and they have held up well. Good value for $13 each. OP's $9 2-liter hydration bladder is also a good value.
dont be snobs people, you started out somewhere and im sure no hitech hiker gave you a hard time.
thelowend
03-06-2011, 20:53
Yeah... who gives a rats a$$ what gear other people use? If it works it works! Shame on ya for a close minded, insolent post.
BigFoot2002
03-06-2011, 21:25
Great post BigHodag.
vibbertations
03-06-2011, 22:16
I finally threw my Outdoor Products pack out last week. I've had it for 12 or so years. It started out as a school backpack, went into heavy rotation as an overnight/rappelling backpack, back to a school backpack for my roommate in college, to a dayhike pack. I'm no longer in school, I've got a weekend pack, I no longer rappel, and I got a day pack last year so I no longer needed it. Almost had to wipe away a tear when it went to Goodwill! Oh, almost forgot...that pack seen several caves before I finally got a Lost Creek pack which was also way back in the day!
I have an Outdoor Products Saturn External Frame Backpack:http://salestores.com/outdoorp.html that I do not believe are even listed as being manufactured anymore on the Outdoor Products site. I bought it awhile ago and planned to take it on my thru-hike (still planning to). I only paid like $60 dollars for it but it is a large, rugged, and surprisingly comfortable pack. I used it doing practice hikes loaded with my gear (around 35 pounds) and it is very comfortable. I believe it is just under 5000 ci, and even though a little heavy, worth it in my opinion due to it's overall comfort when fully loaded. It can hold a ton of gear, and with easy to access pocket's for frequently used items it makes things easier. The fabric material and zippers are of good quality. The only thing about it I saw that I didn't like is that the frame, (a lighter type of plastic) which is supposed to flex and make it more comfortable, is somewhat inferior in that when I left the pack stored loaded over a long period of time the bottom of the frame where all the weight was coming down on it began to bend and twist out of shape. This is/was the only negative I can really see overall. It does have a lifetime warranty so I guess if I was willing to pay to ship the pack back, they would send a new one (if they have them still) or fix it. But for those that like externals, and for the money in my opinion, this pack is not bad at all.
stranger
03-07-2011, 01:53
Stranger is obviously not a fan of these packs! WoW!
When it comes to gear there really is no wrong answer, only opinions. If you wish to try this pack out, for that price it's no real loss if it doesn't work out for you. There may be better packs on the market, but it's what ever works for you that counts.
I've seen many packs on the trail that I would never even consider carrying. The owners of these packs seemed happy with them, so who am I too say anything about it?
Reality, gear may make things easier, but it's you that makes the hike. Of course you want to have reliable gear. So when trying something new like a pack or tent, go out in an area where you are close enough to bail if it fails on you. Great way to test something out, and still be safe and have a great time. I really enjoy my short gear test hikes. They give me the confidence when I head out on longer hikes that I know I'll enjoy and have what I need that works for me!
That's actually quite incorrect, I have no problem with Outdoor Products, I ran a large pack department for many years which has heaps of Outdoor Products packs, duffles and daypacks. They make basic, but decent quality, stuff for 'recreational' purposes. Long distance hiking is not recreational.
If you are talking about day hiking, or weekend use a few times a year that's another story...but for serious use, it's a bad move, but then again...
...ignorance is bliss
OP made no mention of what they were using it for, so by inference you stated it wasnt good for anything.
and what is long distance? i carried my outdoor products pack for about 100 miles over 5 days once and nothing bad happened, or is that not long enough for it to qualify as being useful for a serious hike? and what exactly will happen if i try to use it for longer than that that i should be so very very weary of?
blackbird04217
03-07-2011, 10:20
A thru-hike is just several back to back day/weekend hikes...
NCarolinaHiker
03-07-2011, 12:29
That's actually quite incorrect, I have no problem with Outdoor Products, I ran a large pack department for many years which has heaps of Outdoor Products packs, duffles and daypacks. They make basic, but decent quality, stuff for 'recreational' purposes. Long distance hiking is not recreational.
If you are talking about day hiking, or weekend use a few times a year that's another story...but for serious use, it's a bad move, but then again...
...ignorance is bliss
Ignorance is bliss, indeed. What a laughable attitude from someone who thinks they know better.
stranger
03-10-2011, 08:47
Heya, by all means, run out and buy your Outdoor Products backpacks :)
And no, I don't 'think' I know better...I do know better. I've forgotten more about packs that most people will every know, rest assured, but it's just my opinion...I'm sure the people defending $50 backpacks with 7 pockets are the ones we should be listening to :eek:
Perhaps a more intelligent response to my post might ask what other alternative pack companies are out there that make basic, decent, low cost packs...because there are many :-?
I wish you all the best of luck with your $50 Outdoor Products backpacks, hope you get what you pay for, watch those zippers, and watch your foam compress.
Just because it doesn't come from REI doesn't mean it won't serve its purpose. Criticizing peoples' gear choices is one of the best ways to alienate yourself from others on the trail. If it works for them and they're happy, let it alone. The only time I give gear advice is when I'm asked for it, otherwise I might seem like a pretentious douche. HYOH.
Well, here's the ruse folks... it is probably sufficient advice for I dare say most that visit this site, that an OP product at Wally World is not the best value. Obviously, its a viable product that can be used. I think the attitude regarding the original post cuts both ways and I think the initial reply to the original post was quite fair... folks that want to praise the OP product and accuse others of being snobbish might consider what other products they can have for the same $50.
NCarolinaHiker
03-10-2011, 10:57
I don't think anybody referred to *mart packs as the grail - but denouncing people for using them is childish. $50 doesn't buy a lot when you're looking for a large volume backpack that you can go pick up, feel, and buy locally pretty much anywhere in the US. I've been fortunate enough to afford high quality gear and I can make the splurge without feeling guilty about it, but I'm not ever going to say another hikers gear is junk because I don't use it or like it myself. If you spend $3000 getting outdoors or $300, what exactly is the difference? Nothing.
I don't think anybody referred to *mart packs as the grail - but denouncing people for using them is childish. $50 doesn't buy a lot when you're looking for a large volume backpack that you can go pick up, feel, and buy locally pretty much anywhere in the US. I've been fortunate enough to afford high quality gear and I can make the splurge without feeling guilty about it, but I'm not ever going to say another hikers gear is junk because I don't use it or like it myself. If you spend $3000 getting outdoors or $300, what exactly is the difference? Nothing.I agree. Obviousely these are low cost packs, and the quality will not be as high grade as the top of the line models that are out there, but for those on a budget who do not want to spend alot or for those who do not have a lot to spend these packs will still enable them to get out there and have fun. And even though they are low cost, Outdoor Products does offer a lifetime warranty on them:http://www.outdoorproducts.com/Warranty/lifetime-warranty-for-backpacks-bags-and-duffles-except-for-rolling-bags-and-rolling-backpacks/3 So for the hiker on a budget, they offer a great alternative to much more expensive brands.
Ladytrekker
03-10-2011, 12:13
I use the outdoor products waterproof bags at Walmart the ones that are green, blue and orange, actually tested them to see if they are waterproof. I paid I think 13 for a pack of three each a different size. The same bag from Sea to Summit is $20+ for one bag.
I also use the big yellow waterproof outdoor products bag for kayaking totally waterproof its equivalent in name brand is 50+ at Walmart it is 10.
I have a daypack that has worked well that is Outdoor Products it is what works for you.
mister krabs
03-10-2011, 12:22
I have the skyline 8.0. I like it and reported on it sometime last year over on bplite. It suits it's purpose as daypack + overnight. I don't think anyone said it was for thru-hiking. It carries fairly well on me as it's longer and narrower than many daypacks. Water bottle and hip belt pockets are nice. The top zipper does suck. I'd prefer a roll top or a flap, but a better zipper would do. Worth the thirty bucks if only to loan to your buddy to get him to go along for an overnight.
Perhaps a more intelligent response to my post might ask what other alternative pack companies are out there that make basic, decent, low cost packs...because there are many :-?
i made an intelligent response to your post. i asked what exactly was wrong with an outdoor products back and what trouble am i likely to have if i tried to use it for something meeting your definition of a "serious hike." you seem to not have an answer.
stranger
03-10-2011, 17:01
i made an intelligent response to your post. i asked what exactly was wrong with an outdoor products back and what trouble am i likely to have if i tried to use it for something meeting your definition of a "serious hike." you seem to not have an answer.
Fair enough...what problems will you have? This is hard to say because what you notice, and what you won't notice is fairly dependent on experience and use of other packs.
The reason why I would not recommend Outdoor Products backpacks for serious use (serious being defined as a hike 300+ miles in length, more than once) is the following:
1. Fit - Outdoor Products makes a very basic pack in general, usually just two frame sizes, and that's about it. One of the key reasons why packs get more expensive is fit, the more sizes and fit options, the more expensive the pack gets. Kinda like comparing shoes that come in 5 sizes to shoes that come in 12, packs are quite the same.
2. Construction - I've seen these packs fall apart from basic use, I'm talking about packs that are used around the town. I've seen stays bust through the top of the pack, I've seen shoulder harnesses rip out, many times, I've seen duffles bags and daypacks do the same.
3. Suspension - in the past I've found their suspensions to be very basic, with often straight, or machine bent stays, with second rate foms. An outdoor products pack will 'collapse' and 'sag' far quicker than something like a Gregory, Osprey, ULA or Granite Gear pack. Their foams lack the integrity of more robust, expensive EVA's
What will happen if you use one? NOTHING, well not right away. The pack isn't going to explode after 112 miles, it's simply going to wear, compress, sag, all resulting in you doing more work for no reason other than the quality of the pack. WIll it work, Of Course!
Grandma Gatewood threw a laundry sack over her shoulder, anything will work, the question is - what do you want from your backpack? What do you want it to do? How do you want it to perform? How long do you want it to last? How well do you want it to fit? Etc...
The most common problem with packs is not the pack, it's the person wearing it. This thread is a perfect example, people go 'I like this pack', OK...how many other packs have you carried? How many miles have you spent in those packs? What is your ability to 'objectively' criticise a pack or review a product? Can you guarantee you are in the right frame size? Can you guarantee you are putting the pack on properly? How do you know if the torso length matches your back? How would you know if the component straps match the 'cant' of your shoulders and hips? How would you know when to bend the stays? Etc...
But No, nothing 'bad' is going to happen other than a potential failure in the field, it's the level of failure that will determine how 'bad' it is. But why take the chance? Why not buy a higher quality product, with a higher stitch count and more robust design?
Finally, denouncing a product is not denouncing the person using it. I have no opinion, good or bad, on the people on this thread, I am simply talking about packs here. If you are offended I have criticised a product you own, or want to own...that's unfortunate. However, let's not get dramatic people!
stranger
03-10-2011, 17:11
Just because it doesn't come from REI doesn't mean it won't serve its purpose. Criticizing peoples' gear choices is one of the best ways to alienate yourself from others on the trail. If it works for them and they're happy, let it alone. The only time I give gear advice is when I'm asked for it, otherwise I might seem like a pretentious douche. HYOH.
Who said anything about products coming from REI?
Use your brain jackass, does it matter where you buy a product? REI sells dozens of different manufacturers, most likely including Outdoor Products, what relevance does your post hold?
i cant even begin to decipher some of these points but i'm willing to concede you're probably right, and if i ever decide to hike more than 300 miles i probably would get something else. i'm not sure how we arrive at 300 miles being the "serious" hike point, but whatever.
stranger
03-10-2011, 17:36
You asked what I considered serious, and I attempted to answer the question, at the end of the day it really doesn't matter now does it?
Read what you like, disregard what you will, it's all good :)
I just don't want someone having a pack fall apart of them in the middle of nowhere...call me crazy
Sierra Echo
03-10-2011, 17:42
I got a pack from walmart and the one of the arm straps broke on the first outing. I called it a bastard (and worse) and moved on with my life and got a granite gear daypack.
I was at wally world today and they are selling feet and body warmers on clearance for $1.50!
Opinions are like . . . well, you know - everyone has one and most of them stink.
Go on some shorter hikes with good friends and don't forget a good sewing kit. Generally speaking you get what you pay for, but not always. You don't need a Ferrari if your only going next door, but you will look really cool and be out lots of money. By all means buy the best you can afford, for what you need. But OP has served me well for what I use them for and I have had to sew up my deuter.
I hope to see you on the trail.
NCarolinaHiker
03-10-2011, 21:26
I'd bet at least 50% of this forum haven't done a "serious hike" then, Stranger. It's pretty clear the lack of truth in your opinion correlates to a lack of lots of other things.
Thanks for your 2 cents, though. Glad to know there's a watch dog approving gear. I'm sure you've helped somebody.. somewhere.. some time.
...Perhaps a more intelligent response to my post might ask what other alternative pack companies are out there that make basic, decent, low cost packs...because there are many :-?
I wish you all the best of luck with your $50 Outdoor Products backpacks, hope you get what you pay for, watch those zippers, and watch your foam compress.
You know all you had to do was to say in your first reply "There are better packs out there for just a little more money" and give a few examples.
Instead you came out of the gate with an arrogant condescending post basically telling the OP (and I am paraphrasing hear) "you must be stupid". Not the best way to influence people, but that's just my opinion.
To the OP:
There are better packs out there for a few dollars more, but I know Boy Scouts that have a lot of miles on their Outdoor Products packs and for the most part they do fine.
If Outdoor Products are what someone can afford, then they should get one, get outside and be happy.
Or they can stay home, be a gear snob and let the people with the cheap packs have all the fun :D
Mtn Scout
03-11-2011, 00:07
FWIW i have 5 packs currently. 2 gregory, coleman, golite, outdoor products. when i made the first post all i was really looking for was someone who had this pack. i have and will never fro 300 miles at one time so therefore i dont have to have a military grade 400 pack. i have carried all these packs on different trips and have likes and dislikes on all of them. heck i could design my own and still find something i did not like. and for someone to say that that you cant get a decent pack for $50 bucks is wrong!! I bought my greg z pack at scratch and dent with a broke buckle for $40
stranger
03-11-2011, 01:02
I'd bet at least 50% of this forum haven't done a "serious hike" then, Stranger. It's pretty clear the lack of truth in your opinion correlates to a lack of lots of other things.
Thanks for your 2 cents, though. Glad to know there's a watch dog approving gear. I'm sure you've helped somebody.. somewhere.. some time.
I was asked what I thought would be considered a serious hike, and I attempted to answer that question, that's all.
It doesn't matter if anyone on the thread has done a 300 mile hike, or a 2000 mile hike for that matter...that's not the point of the thread.
I apologise if my opinion offended anyone on here, but it doesn't change my opinion. Looking back I agree my original post was aggressive, fair enough...it wasn't my intention and was intented to be more funny than aggressive, but it is what it is.
I still hold the view that encouraging someone to go on backpacking trips in something like an Outdoor Products backpack is not the best idea.
First pack I owned was the OP pinnacle. For the $40 bucks or so I paid, it got me easily through many weekend hikes. Eventually a few things began to breakdown after about a year of casual weekend abuse. I did some minor sewing and relegated the bag to my gf on the rare occurrence she joins me on the trail.
I think the bag with some care can last you quite some time and is great for getting friends/family to join you on the trail.