rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Feb 7, 2019 19:29:08 GMT -8
A round of what pack do you use? I am stealing this thread shamelessly from another group I subscribe to and thought it would be good to get some exchange from members new and old. So if you are like me, used up and crusty with experience, limit it to what pack you use the most for backpacking.
Which backpacks do you use?
Why? Which features does your pack have?
How much was your pack?
Is cost a factor in your choice?
What should someone look for in a good pack?
What should someone avoid?
How did you choose what size was best for you?
Where did you buy your pack?
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rangewalker
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Agitate, organize and educate.
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Post by rangewalker on Feb 7, 2019 19:37:22 GMT -8
To answer the question on what backpack I use, I will cover the backpack I use the most, a Gregory Contour 60 (2014). I like Gregory, been a fan since ’79. Although now I am equally partial to Osprey (2-2) for design, durability, and fit for me. Central Rockies, basin and range (US). 3-5 days and 1-2 nights if I have to carry all my water. I bought mine used, very lightly, from a free-lance gear tester, Ray Estrella from the old forums for $150, as he was allowed to do as he was the third to wring it out. In 2014 time it retailed for about $280. I have willingly paid $400+ for my winter pack.
This is the first and only pack I have bought over the web but from a trusted source. Only one I ever bought without a fitting but Gregory has been very consistent in their sizing for me. This was my first multi-compartmented pack. I had been wedded to the big single compartment and head lid but finally tired of having to unload everything to change shorts. I also wanted lighter and smaller than my previous packs but need enough room to swallow a BV 450 bear canister. It is 6000cuCm and I can fit everything for 3-5 days, with tent, bag, kitchen and swag in it except for a z-lite pad but I have the option of stuffing a jacket in the back shove-it pouch and 2 water bottle in the side pockets. Plus zippered access to the main body, a back separate compartment I call the closet, perfect for clothes, hygiene kit and other light stuff. The attached lid is actually a dry bag, great for electronics and cameras. The hip pockets are minimal but still can take multi tool, compass, headlamp, lip balm at the ready. And an attached rain cover that is fairly generous in cut. There is not as much padding as I was used to on the hip belt, but is extra adjustable and I do not miss the extra foam.
My other Gregory is a Flash 40, my “UL” racers pack best suited for when I use an Ursack, day and half trips and 10 pound base weight, like a UL bivy sack and I know I won’t sleep well (grins). And it was from my retirement gift card, so I felt free to experiment. For all other uses, I need a framed pack. My back cannot take a frameless pack more than two nights or three days out.
The biggest piece of advice I would give is get a fitting with a trained sales person. And have some idea of the size you are going to need. And
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texasbb
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Hates chicken
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Post by texasbb on Feb 7, 2019 21:15:55 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? ULA Circuit and Catalyst Why? Which features does your pack have? Fits (a big deal when you have a 24" torso), carries well, has good bottle pockets. Don't remember; it's on the website. Is cost a factor in your choice? Generally, yes, but when you're hard to fit, it's a minor one. What should someone look for in a good pack? Fit, carry, comfort. And good bottle pockets if you haven't drunk the bladder koolaid. Usable hipbelt pockets are priceless. What should someone avoid? Bad fit, bad carry, bad comfort, bad bottle pockets, gimmicks that purport to keep your back cool (like trampolines, sculpted back panels, etc) but really just increase pressure on your hips and shoulders. How did you choose what size was best for you? Tried on every XL and XXL pack I could find, finally found a truly tall one online. Where did you buy your pack? |
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bcpete
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There's cool, and then there's me.
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Post by bcpete on Feb 7, 2019 22:09:44 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?
Mystery Ranch Glacier
Why? Which features does your pack have?
Great pockets & overall design. Very good fit for longer torso, and problem shoulders.
How much was your pack?
Don't recall ... probably around $250usd
Is cost a factor in your choice?
No.
What should someone look for in a good pack?
Fit, and high quality zippers & buckles.
What should someone avoid?
Bad fit, and cheap quality zippers & buckles.
How did you choose what size was best for you?
Experience with what I carry for backpacking in my area.
Where did you buy your pack?
Went direct to the Mystery Ranch factory location (Bozeman, MT) to get a custom fitted hip-belt and shoulder-straps.
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OwenM
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Post by OwenM on Feb 7, 2019 22:20:33 GMT -8
Osprey Exos 38 and 58.
They fit me better than anything else out there, and meet all my criteria(well, not the current version, but the one before).
Cost is not a factor to me, and fit is everything.
What someone should look for, beyond fit, depends on their individual preferences. Personally, I will not use a frameless pack, and prefer not to use one without a suspended mesh back panel.
How did I choose? I visited multiple outdoor stores over the course of many months with my actual gear in a big Rubbermaid tote. Tried pretty much every pack on the market from all the popular brands, plus several smaller ones, in the size range needed to hold that gear before buying the original Exos 46. Later added the 58 for longer trips and use with a bear canister.
The next version of the Exos was an improvement(for me), so I sold my old ones and bought the 38 and 58 I have now.
Avoid? Avoid lending weight to anyone else's opinion or review of a pack unless it is based on issues with the quality of construction or materials. Most reviews center on fit, and are practically meaningless as a result.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Feb 8, 2019 3:15:56 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?
BD Element 60L, just picked up a ULA Photon 35L. Have a small Gossamer Gear pack for dayhikes. Maybe 20-25L or so.
Why? Which features does your pack have?
Top loader, good belt and straps, side straps for compression and trekking poles. Nothing special, really.
How much was your pack?
Element looks like $220, Photon $145. The GG looks like the QuikSak, or a previous iteration of it. $69, now on sale for $48.
Is cost a factor in your choice?
A little.
What should someone look for in a good pack?
Fit, relatively light weight, and whatever features they want but none of the features they don't want. Good luck with that.
What should someone avoid?
Poor fit. Anything that weighs a ton. Anything with useless bells and whistles.
How did you choose what size was best for you?
Typical measurement guides on websites. My back has some exaggerated curves due to hereditary issues, but online guides for sizing seem to work fine for me.
Where did you buy your pack?
All online.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Feb 8, 2019 5:03:38 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?Zpacks Arc Blast, 2014 version. It's missing a few features, and a few ounces, from the current version. Why? Which features does your pack have?- Ultralight - base pack is 16.5 oz, with load lifters, lumbar pad, hip belt pockets, and some cordage added to carry trekking poles and umbrella it's still under 20 oz.
- Waterproof - it's constructed essentially like a cuben fiber dry bag. That saves further weight on carrying a liner or pack cover, and no fumbling around if it starts to rain.
- 52L size - fits everything I need, including a Bearikade Weekender, for extended 3-season trips, but can easily be slimmed down for a one-nighter with bear hang. Having one pack that serves a range of trips saves me money, and closet space, from owning multiple packs. My only other pack is a 18L daypack.
- Trampoline suspension - allows airflow across my back, huge difference to me in staying cool.
- Good side pockets - I can reach back to easily grab a water bottle and, often more challenging, put it back easily.
- Big mesh front pocket - carries most everything that I'll need access to while on the trail or that I don't want inside my pack (stakes, trowel, anything dirty or wet). That way I rarely have to open my pack until camp.
- Comfortable. But it's not cushy, padding on shoulder straps and hip belt is thin and firm. To me it's like driving a Porsche, which is tight and grips the road, vs. driving a Cadillac, which is soft and feels like it is floating around.
- Quality construction. This pack will last. The hybrid fabric has done well for me to get the benefits of cuben fiber/DCF, and the polyester outer has withstood mild abrasion well. Only one minor hole in the pack body fabric so far, easily patched (the mesh front pocket has been chewed up a bit as well).
How much was your pack?About $300. Is cost a factor in your choice?No and yes. I considered the purchase an investment, a pack I could keep and use for a long time, and as such I was willing to spend what it took. Having said that, if it came down to a choice between two packs that seem equal on fit, features, reputation, quality etc, then I would lean to the lower-priced one. What should someone look for in a good pack?+1 to what reuben and others have said. What should someone avoid?+1 to what reuben and others have said. How did you choose what size was best for you?Size as in capacity -- experience with what I was carrying, wanted to carry, and wanted to stop carrying. Size as in fit to my body -- torso length, hip belt size. Where did you buy your pack?Direct from Zpacks online.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,148
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Post by reuben on Feb 8, 2019 5:27:35 GMT -8
How did you choose what size was best for you? Are you asking about size as in liters, or size as in what size fits our bodies? |
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Westy
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Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on Feb 8, 2019 6:26:44 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest and 3400 Windrider 3300 Why? Which features does your pack have? Material: Waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric, Weight 1.98 lbs., 3 external pockets $345.00 Is cost a factor in your choice? Cost is a factor, price is not. Lowest price does not equal lowest cost. What should someone look for in a good pack? Depends What should someone avoid? Depends How did you choose what size was best for you? Purchased three sizes. Kept the one that fit me, kept one that fit my daughter, returned the other one Where did you buy your pack? On-Line from OEM |
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Post by cweston on Feb 8, 2019 6:41:37 GMT -8
My go-to pack is a Go-Lite Quest 65, but it's starting to show a lot of wear, and, of course, Go-Lite no longer exists. (My Trails is focused on a different type of pack.)
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FamilySherpa
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Tangled up in Rhododendron
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Post by FamilySherpa on Feb 8, 2019 8:10:05 GMT -8
A round of what pack do you use? I am stealing this thread shamelessly from another group I subscribe to and thought it would be good to get some exchange from members new and old. So if you are like me, used up and crusty with experience, limit it to what pack you use the most for backpacking. Which backpacks do you use? Why? Which features does your pack have? How much was your pack? Is cost a factor in your choice? What should someone look for in a good pack? What should someone avoid? How did you choose what size was best for you? Where did you buy your pack? Arcteryx Bora 80 for family trips Grantie Gear Vapor Trail for solo trips Why? Which features does your pack have?They both let me carry lots of stuff that i may or may not use, curse, or burn How much was your pack?I don't remember, but I know that i didnt pay the MSRP on either. Is cost a factor in your choice? Yes, to an extent. What should someone look for in a good pack? Comfort under load What should someone avoid? Any feature that might make you think "how is that useful?" One particular pack (years ago) boasted that you could fill it up and throw it in a lake and it would float, keeping the contents dry. How did you choose what size was best for you? Many years ago I was sized using this thing that resembled a drywall square, but since then i've just tried the pack on, placed a load in it, and see how it felt. Where did you buy your pack?The local outdoors store. river sports outfitters. The Vapor Trail was bought on a "pro deal" when I worked there. |
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jazzmom
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a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,059 
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Post by jazzmom on Feb 8, 2019 9:52:55 GMT -8
> Which backpacks do you use?
ULA Circuit
> Why? Which features does your pack have?
I bought the Circuit in 2011. At the time, I was looking for a 'medium' load, 25-30LB range, about 50L volume. Tried a bunch of packs and this fit well, comfortable to carry and use. Light frame, one large compartment, roll-top, exchangeable padded hipbelt, two large water bottle side pockets, one large exterior pocket, zippered hip pockets. Side cinch straps. Weighs 34oz (current Circuits weigh more, I believe.)
> How much was your pack?
$175 (+$13 to ship)
> Is cost a factor in your choice?
Not really.
> What should someone look for in a good pack?
One that fits, holds all your gear comfortably, can handle the weight of your gear.
> What should someone avoid?
I would be careful about buying your pack based on the gear you *want* to have, e.g. buying an "Ultralight" pack when you're not.
> How did you choose what size was best for you?
Measured then tried on what was recommended.
> Where did you buy your pack?
Purchased online from ULA. ULA ended up sending me two other packs plus a different hipbelt before I settled on the combination that fit.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 8, 2019 9:54:34 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?
Kelty Comanche 5500
Why? Which features does your pack have?
Side pockets, adjustable length (spine)
How much was your pack?
I can't remember anymore, but it was reasonable, or I wouldn't have bought it. (I'm cheap)
Is cost a factor in your choice?
YES!
What should someone look for in a good pack?
It needs to fit well and hold all of your gear It should have a quality hip belt
What should someone avoid?
packs that don't fit well, and are too big or too small.
How did you choose what size was best for you?
I used to have a larger pack with the kids were smaller. This one I actually bought for my oldest son, who isn't currently backpacking.
Where did you buy your pack?
Sportsman's warehouse
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markskor
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Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
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Post by markskor on Feb 8, 2019 9:56:45 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? Gregory packs have always worked well for me too...like their fit. I previously hoisted a 75 liter Shasta, but for the last 10 - 15 years have been using a woman's pack - an older model Gregory Deva 60, medium size. (BTW, 6', 225lbs)
Why? Which features does your pack have? Besides a great fit...sturdy suspension...Sleeping bag compartment, compact and well made, solid zippers, two large side pockets (one holds my TT Rainbow - the other for my Klymit LWD - raft), and water bottle holders that actually work/ are easily accessible. How much was your pack? New these were ~ $300 but as many first time backpackers with too much money, use them just once and lose interest...My latest (have two) Deva was ~$100 lightly used off eBay. Is cost a factor in your choice? Never a fan of MSRP.
What should someone look for in a good pack? Fit/ all-day - comfort with all gear/full. Does a bear can fit? Is it well-made, good stitching, with zippers and mesh panels built to last? Can you reach your water bottle and replace it without taking the pack off? What should someone avoid? Too large/ too tall, and most important, one that doesn't fit well. To add, many nowadays are going for the UL scheme - many of these pack's suspensions are way too fragile and will not work if approaching 40 pounds... for 10+ day fishing type adventures.
How did you choose what size was best for you? experience 
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,291
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Post by desert dweller on Feb 8, 2019 10:50:35 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? Gregory Baltoro 65 Why? Which features does your pack have? Quality, color, harness, belt pouches, water bottle holder How much was your pack? Around 180, I believe Is cost a factor in your choice? Yes What should someone look for in a good pack? Material quality. Sleeping bag compartment separate from main compartment. Fit. What should someone avoid? Wrong torso length. Over sized (too much capacity). Thin nylon material. Camo colored packs. How did you choose what size was best for you? I tried it on. Where did you buy your pack? Local outfitter, Summit Hut here in Tucson.  |
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