View Full Version : Good Pack Choice? Anyone?
HikerMan36
12-11-2007, 10:30
Looking for any suggestions on a good pack for day hikes or 1-2 overnighters (at most) on the trail. I am not satisfied with the one I purchased and since I am new to this I thought some of the more accomplished trekkers out there could offer some advice to an (at best)
limited experienced rookie.
double j
12-11-2007, 10:35
i have a northface and the front of mine zips off for a daypack but im no vet.
My personal pack is an REI Cruise UL 60 (http://www.rei.com/product/747520). It has about 3600 cubic inches, lightweight, comfortable, adjustable and pretty easy on the wallet. If you have an REI near you, give them a call to see if they rent them out.
Looking for any suggestions on a good pack for day hikes or 1-2 overnighters (at most) on the trail. I am not satisfied with the one I purchased and since I am new to this I thought some of the more accomplished trekkers out there could offer some advice to an (at best)
limited experienced rookie.
I just bought this pack the other day online;
http://www.rei.com/product/747520
I had it sent to my Mom's in South Carolina (no tax). I'll be going there for Xmas. I also used the holiday coupon to save $20, and a $9 dividend. Cost me $110 with shipping after all the discounts.
It may not be my first choice, but the price was right and it will do the job. I plan to carry this on the JMT this summer, and for 90 miles on the Florida Trail next month. :banana
nitewalker
12-11-2007, 10:40
granite gear vapor trail is always a good choice as long as your not over 30lbs in your pack.......
Great minds think alike.Clearly, they do. Ilike the pack. I bought it last year and am very happy with it. It holds everything I need with no difficulty whatsoever and I'm no gram weenie (No offense to those who are!), but not into carrying a heavy pack like I did during my enlistment in the Marines.
I am not satisfied with the one I purchased.....May we ask wht pack you did buy, just out of curiousity's sake?
maxNcathy
12-11-2007, 11:27
Have you checked the backpacks at www.gossamergear.com (http://www.gossamergear.com) ?I bought the G5
I'll second the motion for the REI Cruise UL pack. I have an older model. Decent pack, decent construction, nice features, great price.
Just a Hiker
12-11-2007, 12:05
I will always recommend Osprey Packs. Osprey Packs are high quality and their Customer Service is surpassed by few.
Just Jim
I use an Osprey 65. Love it, but for me not enough padding in straps for loads approaching 40lbs.... which I usually don't have a problem with. Well built and great pocket layout. If you are prone to a sweaty back, you can't beat these for an internal frame!
HikerMan36
12-11-2007, 12:28
May we ask wht pack you did buy, just out of curiousity's sake?
I thought I would go with a combo pack/hydration system (seemed like a good choice for a light pack)because I am a former Marine as well and my days of humping serious weight are over....LOL:). The thing is it turned out to be too small for even minimal gear, a day pack at the very most in my opinion. It was the Camelbak Commander by the way with the 100 oz. reservoir. Is the REI large enough for a sleeping bag or does it have attachments on the bottom for bungee cording like some packs?
i also use the REI UL 60. it's a great pack! as far as yer' sleeping bag goes, i'm sure you could find a way to attach it to the outside but you would need to get a bit creative. input here from others? i just slam my bag or quilt in the bottom of the pack inside a garbage bag.
I bought the first ultralight pack I came across in person to try on. It is the Go-Lite JAM2 large. It is 20oz and 3100ci and I think I can make it work for me even in winter as tend to wear more weight than I pack. My original pack was to heavy at 5 pounds or something crazy like that. There are many many options under 2 pounds with decent volume for around $100.
I'm still kind of amazed that there are so many more poor choices than good choices, but not really. Such is life.
I will always recommend Osprey Packs. Osprey Packs are high quality and their Customer Service is surpassed by few.
I use an Osprey 65. Love it, but for me not enough padding in straps for loads approaching 40lbs.... which I usually don't have a problem with. Well built and great pocket layout. If you are prone to a sweaty back, you can't beat these for an internal frame!I was going to buy the Osprey Atmos 65, but didn't because, as a larger hiker, the waist pad/belt didn't fit me. I was pretty bummed out about it, too. :(
IIs the REI large enough for a sleeping bag or does it have attachments on the bottom for bungee cording like some packs?
i also use the REI UL 60.....i just slam my bag or quilt in the bottom of the pack inside a garbage bag. I do the same thing, just put it in its stuff sack and pop it in a garbage bag in the bottom of my pack.
The Atmos 65 has a bottom compartment for sleeping bags that can be opened without digging into bottom of the bag. Inside is an adjustable divider between the top and bottom compartments.
Golite Ion. REALLY cheap, extremely durable, big enough for 2-3 nights provided you keep it simple. It's quite spartan, but I rigged up some shock cord to carry my pad vertically on the outside of the pack. Plan to add a side pocket over winter break- THEN it will be the perfect pack.
Chaco Taco
12-11-2007, 19:04
Golite Pinnacle. Folds up into an overnighter pack and extends out for a big hike. I love this pack. Holds everything with some space left in it. Got it new for $130. Aslo hold hydration bladder and has no frame, just a thick foam that feel nice on my back with the bladder back there.
Great support. Also great water pounches on side. Each side holds 2 large Nalgene's
Have you checked the backpacks at www.gossamergear.com ?I bought the G5
I wonder why they are discontinuing this pack?
hopefulhiker
12-11-2007, 20:29
For just two day trips you could look for a used Mountain Smith ghost.. A good inexpensive pack for smaller loads..
copythat
12-11-2007, 22:32
golite jam (the original) is a decent pack for a night or two, and light enough for just the day. not sure how it would do with the added bulk of a winter overnight. (unless it was winter in miami, or someplace like that.)