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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2015 14:04:16 GMT -8
So I am investing in my first quality pack and have it seemingly narrowed down to the new Gregory baltoro 65 or the osprey atmos 65. I tried on both in REI and the baltoro felt great until I tried on the osprey which was just ridiculously comfortable. Any reason why comfort is not the bottom line issue? I hear of suspension mattering but just would like to hear from some more knowledgeable.
Thanks!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2015 17:13:23 GMT -8
When you tried the packs on did you use those weighted pillows or your actual gear?
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Post by dirthurts on Nov 15, 2015 17:22:48 GMT -8
I've always found Gregory packs to be a bit better built, as far as durability and suspension quality.
Osprey makes nice packs, but I've found them lacking in structure for heavier loads. I'm also not a fan of how the Osprey pushes the weight off the back, creating a slightly off balance load (Due to the gap the air suspension creates).
Just my thoughts, but if it feels nice with about 45 pounds in it, you should be fine with it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2015 17:30:32 GMT -8
When you tried the packs on did you use those weighted pillows or your actual gear? They threw about 20lbs in there. I couldn't tell a difference on how they handle the weight, of course I only had each on for about ten minutes. I usually carry around 40 lbs and both are researched in carrying that weight well. Is there something I should be looking/feeling for when thinking of his the pack holds weight? |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 16, 2015 7:02:06 GMT -8
Take your own gear in and see how it fits inside, then carry the pack around the store for 30-45 minutes. Be sure to add in something that represents food weight. Bring a full water bottle and see bow it fits in the pockets, or a full bladder if you prefer to use those. Repeat with the other pack. It'll make a difference. One pack will stand out, one will be obviously less comfortable.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Nov 16, 2015 7:45:03 GMT -8
This - Take your own gear in and see how it fits inside, then carry the pack around the store for 30-45 minutes. Be sure to add in something that represents food weight. Bring a full water bottle and see bow it fits in the pockets, or a full bladder if you prefer to use those. Repeat with the other pack. It'll make a difference. One pack will stand out, one will be obviously less comfortable. I would go so far as to add an extra ten pounds of weight to what you normally carry (so 50 lbs). That's what your pack will feel like five miles down the trail. It's important to pack your actual gear and place the weight items as you normally would carry them within the pack - heaviest items nearest to your back near your shoulder blades. Then you'll have an actual idea of how your pack will fit. Putting in 20 lbs is useless in regards to determining comfort. Comfortable fit (with your gear) is most important, assuming it has been fit correctly. Loosen all straps, tighten the hip belt first so it rides on your iliac crest, tighten shoulder straps so that they just float on your shoulders, adjust your sternum strap so they align correctly and then your load lifter straps so everything doesn't rock back and forth. |
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 16, 2015 8:07:18 GMT -8
I've only been backing for about 8 years and have only purchased 2 packs so this is the kind of advice I love reading. Even though I'm not in the market for a pack this discussion is very helpful.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2015 8:20:11 GMT -8
Wow I really underestimated the try-on stage. Lol. Thanks for all the help, maybe I'll have this all figured out in time for any black Friday sales.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Nov 16, 2015 9:33:49 GMT -8
Gregory Baltoro vs Osprey Atmos - thoughts.
Just to start off, been backpacking for a while now and have tried on everything...(Wish I could afford a McHale but...) -
The thing about Gregory packs, they either fit you and you love them, or they don't and you hate them. I have carried Gregory packs now for the last 25+ years and found they fit me well...all day with weight. Carried a Shasta for a while, then, concerned about the 7 pounds of pack weight, went searching for a way to drop a few pounds.
The Baltoro 65 (IMHO) is a great pack, well made, but still a bit heavy with too many added extras (specifically the detachable lid/with straps and the interior zipper access - both not needed) - as if trying to be all things to all hikers. I do like their all-day Response suspension system, the water-bottle holster set-up, the sleeping bag compartment, and the ability to carry comfortably 40 pounds. Additionally, this pack will give you years of dependable service...(BTW, suggest you carry an extra waist-belt buckle though...long story.) It is still a rather heavy pack.
My long time hiking buddy Mike carries the Atmos 65 - loves it. It is the lighter backpack of the two. He likes it so much he bought two as one is constantly being sent back to Osprey for repair. We do go out for months so heavy seasonal use. When starting out on a typical long Sierra fishing trip (2 weeks of food and a bear can...last time was 42 pounds all up), he complained about the straps. (To be fair, he always complains - a lot - but he growls even more when saddled with that amount of weight.) Once below 35 pounds, the pack seems to work much better for him. There is no easy water bottle access, the back mesh tears easily, and we have stopped a few times off trail to re-sew his suspension. If it fits you, only using the pack for a few weeks a year, and/or not playing Sherpa, this would be a good option.
FWIW, even though male, I really like/ now carry/ have been carrying the last 10 years a woman's Gregory - the older DEVA model 60 - can often be found on eBay for $150 - (I'm 6', and 210 lbs - use the WMedium and it fits like a glove) - BTW, not the newest model as they changed the design a while back and now the newer design is also too heavy. IMHO, consider this older version, at ~ 4+ pounds, still the best Gregory backpack ever made, (maybe best non UL and non Mchale pack?) and still readily available...YMMV.
Bottom line - both backpacks mentioned are what manufacturers believe as state of the art today - latest and greatest - mainstream - but, for me, neither one is the ideal backpack. One has too light a suspension and the other too heavy in weight.
Fit is everything, buy the one that fits you best, but you will not really know for sure until you actually carry one for real on the trail, your gear, doing miles. 45 minutes of aisle hiking helps, but you never know until...
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Nov 16, 2015 9:55:53 GMT -8
but you never know until... ...you've added ten uphill miles and two pounds of sweat to see how it really conforms to your body. |
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Post by ashepabst on Nov 16, 2015 12:10:16 GMT -8
my atmos 50 has never carried weight well over 30 or 35 pounds. otherwise it fits me great... just chiming in to echo markskor's comment about the osprey not carrying heavy loads well.
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Post by Lonewolf on Nov 16, 2015 19:16:51 GMT -8
I've always been the rude sort. I've grabbed gear from around the store and used that instead of taking my own and a reputable/reasonable place won't have any problems with you doing that.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Nov 16, 2015 21:24:34 GMT -8
If it fits, wear it! If it fits and is of high quality buy it! It will be the first of many backpacks! Move out Baltoro, Cover me Atmos!
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