Copper Tail
12-05-2010, 16:42
I purchased a Coleman Max 65 LTR backpack from Wally World spring of '09 to try out. I was there to buy bug spray, not a backpack.
I normally wouldn't recommend buying a backpack from Wal Mart since they usually carry that cheaper Outdoor product...stay far-far away from that product. But I noticed they carry Coleman Max and after studying it for several days, I went back and got it.
It is an internal frame pack. The price was $70 + tax. For the money I have found it to be a great buy. Other competitor packs in the same size range will easily cost two or three times more.
It's a top loader with one large compartment and a separate compartment below that for your sleeping bag which can be accessed from the outside, or inside.
It has a bladder compartment on the inside, which for me I found a little disappointing that it could have been slightly larger depth wise. I use a camelbak military grade bladder my brother gave me. It worked fine in my other pack, but it's a little tight in this one, but works.
It has two smaller side pockets with zippers that are large enough to hold my mess kit and stove, the other side, I hold my fuel and a rope I use to hang food. The pockets are large enough to hold a 16 oz propane bottle and maybe a few small items also.
Under these pockets on either side there is a webbed water bottle pocket.
The back has a double loop system to attach items, a set of straps at the bottom for a tent or sleeping pad. It also has two velcro loops on the back for holding poles, etc.
The lid has a compartment on the inside and also houses a removable rain cover. On the topside of the lid are two straps for a tent, or pad.
The harness padding is nice and thick and quite comfortable on the waist, shoulders and back. The torso straps are adjustable and stay snug.
I've always been an avid day/overnight-er hiker, but recently got into LDH.
If you are like me, new to LDH, and want some gear that will be forgiving to your bank account, I highly recommend that you at least take a good look at it and not be shy to buy it. Even if you're a hard core LDH'er. It would make a good backup and one to have for someone to borrow that you may want to introduce to hiking.
I normally wouldn't recommend buying a backpack from Wal Mart since they usually carry that cheaper Outdoor product...stay far-far away from that product. But I noticed they carry Coleman Max and after studying it for several days, I went back and got it.
It is an internal frame pack. The price was $70 + tax. For the money I have found it to be a great buy. Other competitor packs in the same size range will easily cost two or three times more.
It's a top loader with one large compartment and a separate compartment below that for your sleeping bag which can be accessed from the outside, or inside.
It has a bladder compartment on the inside, which for me I found a little disappointing that it could have been slightly larger depth wise. I use a camelbak military grade bladder my brother gave me. It worked fine in my other pack, but it's a little tight in this one, but works.
It has two smaller side pockets with zippers that are large enough to hold my mess kit and stove, the other side, I hold my fuel and a rope I use to hang food. The pockets are large enough to hold a 16 oz propane bottle and maybe a few small items also.
Under these pockets on either side there is a webbed water bottle pocket.
The back has a double loop system to attach items, a set of straps at the bottom for a tent or sleeping pad. It also has two velcro loops on the back for holding poles, etc.
The lid has a compartment on the inside and also houses a removable rain cover. On the topside of the lid are two straps for a tent, or pad.
The harness padding is nice and thick and quite comfortable on the waist, shoulders and back. The torso straps are adjustable and stay snug.
I've always been an avid day/overnight-er hiker, but recently got into LDH.
If you are like me, new to LDH, and want some gear that will be forgiving to your bank account, I highly recommend that you at least take a good look at it and not be shy to buy it. Even if you're a hard core LDH'er. It would make a good backup and one to have for someone to borrow that you may want to introduce to hiking.