Anyone use "cheap" packs?

[OhCanada]

I've been looking at ultralight packs but I don't get out enough to fork out $200-$300 USD; just trying to lighten my load mainly by taking less.
I bought a second hand Spalding bag for $15, not a brand I'd normally buy but the price was right. This bag is around 3 pounds which is about half the weight of my Kelty bag.

So has anyone gone the cheap bag way rather than the expensive dedicated ultralight brands? People/books often say that with less weight the bags don't need to have heavy fabrics so it would stand that lightweight cheaper bags would last longer than if you overloaded them with traditional weight gear.

[OldGringo]

I picked up an REI flash 45 when it was on clearance. $80... I'm very happy with it. You can't compare it to some of the more expensive offerings. I definitely prefer my ULA's. But I would not hesitate to take it out for a weekend summer trip. It's held up fine...


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[DuneElliot]

A great guide from Gossamer Gear for anyone trying to lighten the load while strapped for cash:

http://gossamergear.com/wp/wp-conten...eap_Henley.pdf

[tarditi]

for people who go UL, they typically "invest" in the expensive bags or MYOG with something like the Ray bag.

I wouldn't pack my expensive UL gear in a cheap $15 bag, but if I had expensive UL gear the bag would be a deliberate, planned, part of the overall packing/carriying strategy.

Carrying less isn't the same thing as UL, necessarily. It's just taking less. I wouldn't want to pack like a day hike to do a week-long section hike just because I was limited by my $15 bag or (hypothetical) $100 budget... that's inviting trouble through being under-prepared.

[PAHiker]

Six Moon Designs Fusion 50 and 65 - 2014 models for $100.00. Quality packs at cheap prices.

[Ktaadn]

I have a Granite Gear Virga. I paid less than $70 for it from the clearance section of their website. It weighs 23.5oz and has been great anytime of year. If you are patient, you can always find a bargain.

[DuneElliot]

Six Moon Designs Fusion 50 and 65 - 2014 models for $100.00. Quality packs at cheap prices.

+1 on this also. But they no longer have the 2014 65L models available, only the 50L

[KidA24]

The backpack is the absolute last place I would skimp. A bad pack will result in hip/leg/back pain while carrying even the lightest of loads. Not what you want if you're planning to walk long distances.

[scope422]

Check Walmart. They have pack called the Arrowhead which is like 2lbs but kind of on the small torso size. I think its a 48L pack. If it fits you its not a bad pack as long as you keep your pack weight kinda light. Its only like $30. I used it for a couple of years before I bought a better pack. I'm no expert, just what I've tried.

[Mags]

Three things not to skim on IMO:

Sleeping bag/quilt
Shoes
Pack

Not that less expensive options are bad, but price should be the last consideration. A more expensive pack is not necessarily better, but if you buy a pack with the price being the main criteria, you may not like the pack in the long run.

The SMD pack is a good bargain right now, handles a lot of weight and is not heavy. You indicated you don't plan to carry much so the 50L pack may fit your need well. A friend of mine hiked the CDT with that model last year.

Believe it or not, the Ozark Trails (Walmart) packs are serviceable for moderate use. High Sierra and Teton Gear is in a similar category.

But they are heavy and $50-$70 depending. If you wait as others suggested, you will finder a better quality pack for not much more money. Look at the other examples people found.

[Shutterbug]

I've been looking at ultralight packs but I don't get out enough to fork out $200-$300 USD; just trying to lighten my load mainly by taking less.
I bought a second hand Spalding bag for $15, not a brand I'd normally buy but the price was right. This bag is around 3 pounds which is about half the weight of my Kelty bag.

So has anyone gone the cheap bag way rather than the expensive dedicated ultralight brands? People/books often say that with less weight the bags don't need to have heavy fabrics so it would stand that lightweight cheaper bags would last longer than if you overloaded them with traditional weight gear.

I often use a Costco pack -- about $35. It is a few oz. heavier than my Golite Pack, but does great for a one or two night backpacking trip.

[yaduck9]

I've been looking at ultralight packs but I don't get out enough to fork out $200-$300 USD; just trying to lighten my load mainly by taking less.
I bought a second hand Spalding bag for $15, not a brand I'd normally buy but the price was right. This bag is around 3 pounds which is about half the weight of my Kelty bag.

So has anyone gone the cheap bag way rather than the expensive dedicated ultralight brands? People/books often say that with less weight the bags don't need to have heavy fabrics so it would stand that lightweight cheaper bags would last longer than if you overloaded them with traditional weight gear.

her are two youtube vids of two different ( good ) guys who had two different ideas concerning equipment. Both made it to Mine, both had fun, both had great attitudes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVoX6mlmdI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq-Rya2AxII

[jcamp]

I have been using a gossamer gear ruckus that I got on sale for less than $40. It's made of really nice Robic material and carries 40L. The side pockets aren't big enough for a nalgene but smart water bottles fit perfectly. It's can't fit my full winter load out but it's perfect for the other 85%of my trips.

[Dogwood]

You're exaggerating or simply need to do more research. Plenty of sub $200 UL packs on the market. I've been using a 20-21 oz 54 L $125-135 ULA Conduit/CDT for 7 yrs. As said look at Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, etc, etc etc. Not every UL pack has to be a $300+ ZP's backpack!!! NOR does an UL backpack need to be made from Cuben Fiber!!!

[Christoph]

While mine isn't considered UL by any means, I did manage to lighten it up quite a bit while still retaining it's strength/integrity. I bought a Kelty Santa Fe 4000 years ago for around $89 on sale. Took it on my thru attempt and learned a few tricks that worked for me on the last few section hikes. I think originally the pack weighs in around 5 pounds. I shaved off 2 full pounds by removing the top cover (I only stored my rain gear in it and now I just cram my rain jacket over my food bag inside and pull the cord shut). And I guess I got lucky because I removed the internal metal frame pieces (3 of them) and when fully loaded on a recent section, noticed absolutely no difference in weight transfer. Now you can get them fairly cheap online, used. This is what worked for me and while I'd say it isn't (wasn't) a cheap pack, I couldn't see myself spending a lot of money on the latest greatest. Of course like Dogwood said, there's plenty of packs under 200 that you don't have to modify like I did. But, this is what works for me and I'll carry Animal (that's his name) on my next attempt.

[OhCanada]

Thanks for the replies. I knew some would promote the dedicated packs as they have already bought them. Those commenting on some of there packs are ones that went inexpensive vs cheap and much of my gear is bought second hand but still brand name.

It is interesting that there seems to be two groups on WB, the brand name folks and the DIY folks. I agree that a failure in the pack that carries your gear is not something you want. Small failures can happen to even brand name gear.

What happened before all this UL gear craze happened? People took what they had and made do ala Grandma Gatewood types. I am not putting one way over the other and really what I need to do is pack and carry my bag and see. The reason for the cheapness is that I could lay out $200 on a bag, I am trying to get gear weight down with what I have rather than those $1,000 gear lists.

[Dogwood]

Three things not to skim on IMO:

Sleeping bag/quilt
Shoes
Pack

Not that less expensive options are bad, but price should be the last consideration. A more expensive pack is not necessarily better, but if you buy a pack with the price being the main criteria, you may not like the pack in the long run.

The SMD pack is a good bargain right now, handles a lot of weight and is not heavy. You indicated you don't plan to carry much so the 50L pack may fit your need well. A friend of mine hiked the CDT with that model last year.

Believe it or not, the Ozark Trails (Walmart) packs are serviceable for moderate use. High Sierra and Teton Gear is in a similar category.

But they are heavy and $50-$70 depending. If you wait as others suggested, you will finder a better quality pack for not much more money. Look at the other examples people found.

Once again solid info. Think about it you're either in your sleeping bag/quilt or in your shoes on a hike how many hrs in a 24 hr day? It pays to get those dialed in. Again, how many hours does a backpacker wear his/hers backpack. It pays to get these all dialed in. Obsessing over these IMHO, especially the footwear/what's on the feet, combined with an adequate but not necessarily stratospheric priced backpack leads to hiking comfort. Get the sleep system down next.

[Uriah]

Small failures can happen to even brand name gear.

Big failures too; I can vouch.

What happened before all this UL gear craze happened? People took what they had and made do...

I realize you're a Cannuck, but making do is not the American Dream! You need to keep up with the Jones's, dammit!

I've made do with less than most here, and yet have hiked more than most here. Beware the experts, you needn't spend much to go backpacking. I think my Wal-Mart Ozark Trail Atka (egads, no!) has close to 7,000 miles on it and counting. At 12 ounces, there's ultralight for you. And "cheap" too, at only $18.72. And with a capacity of 28L, it'll force you to go ultralight.

[Mags]

It is interesting that there seems to be two groups on WB, the brand name folks and the DIY folks. I agree that a failure in the pack that carries your gear is not something you wan

No. Just common sense speaking from experience.

Since I just espoused the utility of $20 wind pants from a Dancing supply company, not sure which category I fall into.

I think my Wal-Mart Ozark Trail Atka (egads, no!) has close to 7,000 miles on it and counting. At 12 ounces, there's ultralight for you. And "cheap" too, at only $18.72. And with a capacity of 28L, it'll force you to go ultralight.

There are always outliers. A 28L pack would not work for most.
I know people who did he AT in $5 shoes, too.... Does not mean I would suggest it for most.

This size pack is probably more realistic for many (50L) and is $50 at Walmart.

Another option is an external frame pack. $25 used. 3 lbs in many cases. And a war horse that lasts.

[Dogwood]

I fall into the category that all options should be explored. Have plenty of DIY pieces and plenty of hoity toity name brand high end pieces. Again. Mags got it right dialing in those three areas IMO. Sometimes that means dropping some do re mi to get it for some. Heck backpacking even after/IF dropping some serious $$$ still isn't all that expensive comparatively to many other sports, activities, etc. For example, have you seen the $$$ fishermen or hunters drop on trips? How about tennis lessons? Even playing football at the high school and above level can get costly overall.