rangewalker
Trail Wise!
Agitate, organize and educate.
Posts: 1,029
|
Post by rangewalker on Feb 8, 2019 12:29:15 GMT -8
Are you asking about size as in liters, or size as in what size fits our bodies? I was asking about volume. The fitting question has to do with body and pack size. I should have used more clarity. My featured pack is 60Liter, right sized for a canister and extra layers I need for spring and fall in my primary area. I am 5'9" with a 19.5" torso so with most packs I am a medium or medium/large. Long waist and short inseam.
|
|
swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
Posts: 4,886
|
Post by swmtnbackpacker on Feb 8, 2019 13:50:46 GMT -8
The following for overnights up to a week and all sized “tall” for volume, thinking maybe a tad more volume than the official medium volumes below : - 1) MLD Burn 40 L frameless ruck rolltop, 13 mm straps, mostly for trips having an urban component using a 30°F quilt system at most. Once the food is eaten, it compresses down to “commuter” size in busses, carry-on, etc. (18 oz, $200)
- 2) ULA CDT 50L foam “frame” rolltop, 20 mm straps simply going over the top, workhorse for trips needing a little more than # 1 above, like a 20°F quilt, more food, and perhaps a tripod in the future. Compresses fairly well (23 oz as configured, $160)
- 3) Zimmerbuilt ZB2 (65L), 20 mm straps that “Y” at the top to lash stuff if desired, with removable aluminum frame/pad pocket for winter or special trips. Weight varies on how I adjust the suspension $300 custom
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Feb 8, 2019 13:56:36 GMT -8
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. That is priceless! I'm not a gram weenie. SUL packs would never work for me. I really like the Deuter ACT 65+10 that va3pinner recommended and got for $120; maybe from sierra trading post? Great padding for the weight, which is important for me. Hipbelt pockets, large mesh pocket on the back of the pack. Separate sleeping bag compartment. Good bottle pockets. It's not a UL pack but works for me. In winter for backcountry skiing, I use a Lowe Alpine Contour IV I've used since the 80's. But that's a whole different game. I'ts a 7 pound beast that holds 115 liters. Don't get out as much as I did when I was in my 20's to 40's. If I had the coin back in the day, would have shelled out the $$ for a custom pack. Volume is dependent on length of trip, gear carried and the season. One needs a quiver of packs to meet the trip; same as sleeping bags, pads and footwear. It all comes down to what you are doing, how long, when and where.
|
|
|
Post by stevet on Feb 8, 2019 17:02:10 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? McHale SarcChasm
Why? Which features does your pack have? Fits my gear and carries >40lbs comfortably on long treks without resupply
How much was your pack? ~$600
Is cost a factor in your choice? Not really. Fit, carrying capability, size enough to fit my gear, and light enough to be my "go to" pack for 99% of my treks
What should someone look for in a good pack? Fit and fit, and then ability to comfortably carry your kit
What should someone avoid? Anything that does not serve your function
How did you choose what size was best for you? Large enough diameter to carry a bearikade weekender horizontally + the rest of my kit, and then enough "collar" to carry a 2nd cannister should I be out for 2+ weeks without resupply.
Where did you buy your pack? Started with the McHale website. The process includes phone conversations with Dan and trial packs to dial in the fit and size. A process that takes 3+ months
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,939
|
Post by BigLoad on Feb 8, 2019 20:26:24 GMT -8
Ha! I didn't want to break the McHale ice, but I'll take it to another level.
Which backpacks do you use?
McHale S-Sarc P&G, full Spectra.
Why? Which features does your pack have?
Why: Fit, fit, fit. I have no hips, a very small waist, and a long torso. Dan's notes on my measurements had a few exclamation points. Next up was carrying capacity. It can take a normal backpacking load and add three gallons of water without killing me.
The costliest feature was full Spectra with Cuben laminate, which means it's highly sandstone resistant and pretty much waterproof. It also has two bungee-attached hip belt pockets (removable), a second (lighter) lid pocket that I can use instead of the fanny pack version, and about 6" of extra roll-top collar. I can use that for extra volume on the trail, using as a plain roll top without any lid, and most of all, extra volume for non-backpacking stuff when I check it for travel to backpacking locations. That saves me at least $75 a year. Despite all that, it strips down to a fairly compact daypack with the bayonets out.
How much was your pack?
A king's ransom.
Is cost a factor in your choice?
It was a factor in how long I waited to do this. At that price, I wanted to be absolutely certain of what I was asking for.
How did you choose what size was best for you?
Years and trails miles of evaluating my likes and dislikes. Many hours over those years trying on commercial packs. The one that fit me best was an Osprey Aether 70 that had a size large pack bag, medium shoulder harness, and small hip belt. Its hip belt was still a bit too big.
Where did you buy your pack?
As noted above, I started by carefully studying the not-entirely-straightforward web site for weeks. Then came by a lengthy email discussion with Dan McHale, who wanted to understand every part of my decision and to be convinced that I understood the tradeoffs. There was a sample pack fitting, photos sent back after a couple hours hiking under load in the sample pack. Then we did it again with a second one because he didn't like what he saw in the photos. (Shoulder straps not ideally located, hip belt still too big!).
|
|
|
Post by plaidman on Feb 8, 2019 20:57:04 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? Kelty Tioga 5500 Why? I grew up with external frames, beginning with a Universal, then sweet Alpenlite. Internal frames came along after I'd stopped backpacking. When I took it up again, the Alpenlite was too small for me and I still had memories of the old style waist belt chafing my hips. I always liked the feel of the external frame and wasn't convinced that I'd like the internal frame riding on my back. I'd tried a Tioga once previously and really liked it. I also knew I'd be packing with my family, and I needed flexibility to be able to take on extra gear in a pinch when my wife and son were played out. There have been times when I carried the tent, two large bear vaults, all of the cooking stuff and his and hers water bottles. Mind you, that's not sustainable for very long, but it's nice to extend the straps on the top cover all the way, fill up the inside, lash the extra stuff on top easily and securely. And now, my 16 year old can carry some of MY stuff. When I found they were still making Tiogas, I went for it. I've been very happy with it, and it has now accumulated enough miles that I'm a little sentimental about it. Which features does your pack have? LOTS of versatile pockets that are easy to get to. Super cushy waist belt (just like everything else these days). Adjustable frame that fits me (I'm 6'3” 220 lbs.) Good quality zippers. A zipper divider between the upper and lower large compartment allows me to carry my fly rod entirely inside the pack while still having the largest compartments divided. How much was your pack? $170 Is cost a factor in your choice? Not really. What should someone look for in a good pack? Pack your own pack. Personally, I really like how the X frame rides. I like having a bunch of compartments and pockets because it keeps things organized, minimizes rummaging (which I hate). What should someone avoid? I'm not a fan of internal water bladders (Camelbacks). Too much bother. While I do drink more water with them, the bladder isn't as versatile as a big bottle. How did you choose what size was best for you? It's super adjustable and I knew I could stretch it out to fit. Where did you buy your pack? Backcountry.com
|
|
toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
|
Post by toejam on Feb 8, 2019 22:02:52 GMT -8
There are too many questions. Which backpacks do you use?My favorite pack ever - old ugly yellow REI Flash 60: I've had 3 versions of the REI Flash 60 - this is great, the others were o.k. All were on sale from REI on line for around $100. Why? Which features does your pack have?
Good size, compresses when not fully loaded, carries weight well. Like the shovel pocket. Is cost a factor in your choice?
Can't resist a killer deal. Would be willing to pay a lot more but haven't found anything I like better. Not convinced a McHale would be worth it, but I haven't carried one. I'd probably buy a ULA if I ever see one that fits in a shop. How did you choose what size was best for you?
I started with much larger packs and have gotten smaller over the years. I also have a Six Moon Designs Fusion 60 I bought on a whim from their site cuz it was really cheap - good pack for < 30#. I bought a REI Traverse 70 after renting one to climb Mt. Baker. It has a really cushy suspension and great pockets. Decided I'd buy one if I found a good sale, and I did. Will comfortably carry a bear canister, chair, and ukulele with my gear.
|
|
daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 565
|
Post by daveg on Feb 8, 2019 22:49:29 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?GoLite Perspective. It was the predecessor to the GoLite Quest. Mine is 12 years old. The fabric is getting worn. The bottom has several decent size holes which I patched. I should probably find a replacement but it fits so well I just keep using it. Why? Which features does your pack have?Fit !!! I have no hips and the hip belt stays where it should. Carries 40 pounds well when necessary because of food and/or water weight. Side pockets stretchy and big enough for water and fuel bottles. How much was your pack?~$180 Is cost a factor in your choice?Not really -- within limits. (If I were younger my answer would be a definite no.) What should someone look for in a good pack?Fit. Quality construction. Able to carry the expected load well. Large enough for all gear to fit inside. Side pockets stretchy and big enough to carry whatever one is going to carry in them. Stretchy mesh front pocket for wet things. What should someone avoid?Hip belt pockets that prevent adjusting the hip belt fit. Probably only a problem for people with smaller waists or when a lot of weight is lost on a long hike. I prefer shoulder strap pouches to hip belt pockets. How did you choose what size was best for you?Took torso measurement. Then hoped it would work. Lucked out. Where did you buy your pack?Online from GoLite.
|
|
|
Post by tipiwalter on Feb 9, 2019 14:45:13 GMT -8
I'm with Stevet and BigLoad all the way! I pulled 80 days with my first McHale pack in late 2018---over the course of 4 trips---and so far pulled 58 days with his finished product---a Critical Mass pack in red cordura and yellow spectra. Here's the blue Demo pack loaded down for a 20 day trip. (Demo means it's a test pack to get measurements right). I returned the Demo pack and eventually received my finished McHale pack!!
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Feb 9, 2019 23:04:01 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use?
McHale Sarc
Why? Which features does your pack have?
Bayonet frame, pack lid, side pockets, and extended skirt
How much was your pack?
$700
Is cost a factor in your choice?
Yes. I haven't had to buy a pack since. I was purchasing new packs every 2-3 years.
What should someone look for in a good pack?
Simplicity. Only the features you need and a perfect fit.
What should someone avoid?
Too many seams, too large,
How did you choose what size was best for you?
Fitted by Dan, a couple trial runs to ensure it was what I wanted.
Where did you buy your pack?
From Dan directly on his website.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
|
Post by zeke on Feb 10, 2019 7:34:44 GMT -8
Another ULA Circuit user. I copied and adjusted jazzmom’s post because she said all there is to say about the Circuit > 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. Researched a bunch of packs and this fit well, comfortable to carry and use. Light frame, one large compartment, roll-top, two large water bottle side pockets, one large exterior pocket, zippered hip pockets. Side cinch straps. Weighs 34oz > 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? I was not new to pack purchasing. I knew what volume was required to hold my gear inside the pack. I hate stuff on the outside. > Where did you buy your pack? Purchased online from ULA.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2019 11:14:16 GMT -8
Mchale p&g here also for the same reasons others mentioned. Fit is great.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,688
|
Post by rebeccad on Feb 10, 2019 14:01:30 GMT -8
Which backpacks do you use? Last spring I joined Jazzmom and Zeke with the ULA Circuit (in large part due to their enthusiastic recommendations). Until then, I had an Osprey Ariel 60, from 2004, which I really loved but is no longer made (the current version is about 1.5 lbs heavier). I only replaced it because a) it was getting seriously worn out, and b) for some reason the fit was no longer quite right (no, I’m sure my shape hasn’t changed. It must have been the pack). Why? Which features does your pack have? I chose the Circuit (and my husband decided to copy me) because of the light weight and reasonable price. The pack is short on features, which is part of why it is light and affordable—single compartment, roll top, fixed shoulder straps. It has good bottle pockets, a stretchy outer pouch with elastic straps for hanging laundry. Two pockets on the hip belt, which are roomier than I thought at first. I had to learn to deal with the lack of a top pocket, as I was used to keeping a lot of stuff in there for quick access. Turns out most of that stuff didn’t need to be that accessible. Capacity is advertised as 65L, which is probably a bit of a stretch. How much was your pack? We got the pair for about $530, including tax. Is cost a factor in your choice? A little. We could afford to buy what we wanted, but are always keeping an eye on costs. What should someone look for in a good pack? Fit, fit, and fit. Both for your body and your gear. What should someone avoid? Glitz. Bells and whistles. A million pockets and things that add weight. Buying for looks rather than use. Putting too much weight on someone else’s preference (I got a lot of recommendations here when shopping, and I had seen Zeke’s pack in action, so I was influenced—but if the pack hadn’t been comfortable, I would have moved on). How did you choose what size was best for you? I already had a 60L, and it was a good size, so I was looking for similar. Has to have the capacity for a week + in the Sierra, which the Circuit does (managed to fit in gear/food for 10 days, but that was beyond capacity and I would have hated to carry it any farther than we did, which was only a mile or so). Where did you buy your pack? From a little shop in Santa Cruz (I think it was called the Down Shop or something). We hunted for a live retailer so we could try the packs, and the guy there was incredible. He allowed us to load the packs with our own gear and carry them for an hour or so. That influenced our decision, as most of the other candidate packs we’d have had to order on-line without trying, which could run to quite a bit of expense in trying and returning.
Interesting side note: the Circuit comes with 2 kinds of shoulder straps, straight and curved, generally thought of a men’s and women’s. In the end, my husband preferred the curved and I preferred the straight straps. He hangs his camera bag in part from the sternum strap, and the curved shoulder straps didn’t tilt inward when he did that, unlike the straight ones. I have broad shoulders, and found the curved straps cut too close to my neck.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,164
|
Post by reuben on Feb 10, 2019 14:59:24 GMT -8
Capacity is advertised as 65L, which is probably a bit of a stretch. Capacity is listed as 68L. I'm sorely tempted to get one, but I like a top pouch for things like headlamp, pack cover, orange water shoes, big ass knife, and other essentials. What do y'all do about accessing small items like those which might be desirable rather quickly, and for which you (I) don't necessarily want to open the main pack?
|
|
|
Post by JRinGeorgia on Feb 10, 2019 17:06:44 GMT -8
What do y'all do about accessing small items like those which might be desirable rather quickly, and for which you (I) don't necessarily want to open the main pack? I got me some big ass hip belt pockets and pack them with all that diddly stuff. It's great to have all that at my fingertips without even having to take the pack off.
|
|