Posted: 5/11/2008 1:03:49 PM EDT
I need to get a pack that can handle 2 nights worth of stuff for the wife and myself. I have a 1800cu in Dakine Blade pack that is kind of my woods survival/BOB (can carry a rifle in the ski carrier quite well and its digi-camo). But I think I need something a bit bigger for real backpacking. But the problem my wife has is that the shoulder straps are usually too wide where they go under the pits and cause her discomfort (went to the REI and tried on a few). Any brands that are better than others? Brands or models to steer clear of? I think I can get Deuter packs through work. I saw them at interbike in 01 and really liked the way they looked.
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internal vs external vs none. both internal and external frame transfer the weight of the pack to your skeletal system via your hip bone.. no frame means your back and shoulders have to bear the weight. a properly fit external frame puts all the weight on your hips from the get go. but its center of gravity is further out, and it has a higher profile. externals offer greater load capability for less money. and your gear does not have to fit inside so there is flexibility there. for heavy heavy loads, for trail hiking, hunting, this is the way to go. internal frame packs properly fit distribute the load approximately 60% on hips, 40% shoulders. With load lifters(straps attached from the top of your shoulder straps to the top of your pack) you can shift that weight distribution around, all the way to 100% on your hips. Internal frame packs become more of an extention of your body, are more low profile and have a better center of gravity. they are very picky when it comes to how you load it(the weight distribution inside), and you are supposed to get everything inside for the most part. the more you want to carry, the more the pack usually costs. for light up to heavy loads, off trail hiking, scrambling, and more extreme trail hiking, this type of pack is the way to go. no frame with a multi day load.. well, can be sadistic..why suffer.. unless you are fanatic ultralighter. are there any packs that are better than others.. yes and no. for the most part, any of the name brands.. gregory, osprey, kelty, north face, deuter, lafuma, arc'teryx, marmot... are all GOOD, QUALITY packs!!!! the BEST one is the one that FITS YOU THE BEST!!! try everything on, have rei or other decent outfitter measure your torso and fit packs to you then load them and wear it around to see how it fits/feels. Dont buy packs blind, try em on somewhere first. also keep in mind.. the "small/medium/large" markings are not referring to how much it carrys, but to the torso lenghts that the packs are designed to fit. your torso length is not a function of how tall you are either. 1-3 days 3000-4000ci is a good size for internal frame pack, 4000-5000ci is a good week size, but is backwards compatable. 6000ci int. frame packs are considered expedition packs. for the most part the only thing that will change for your trips is the ammount of food you have to bring, that is what dictates the pack size. also.. if you your hike requires you to carry a bear canister(sierra nevada hikes)... keep that in mind for buying a pack, they take up a lot of room. |
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There are plenty of "ladies" packs out there and at REI. Your wife doesn't like those either? I'd buy too big since most packs have lots of tightening straps that can compact them down quite a bit. I actually take mine day hiking and find that it makes a great back brace. I seem to have a sore lower back when I don't use a backpack and feel just fine when I do use one.  |
| There are plenty of packs that are designed for women these days. Go to REI or other local outdoor stores and get one fitted for her. I've owned a few Gregory and Arcteryx packs and they are both very good. My wife has an old Deva pack by Gregory. REI's packs are a good value. If you only want a pack for a couple of days and don't do much winter camping get a smaller, lighter pack. |
Definately check out REIs selection. I'm a huge fan of Osprey packs and Osprey makes many great womens packs too. (Produced in the USA, Ouray CO |
| I have the Cabelas Alaskan Guide external frame pack, I use it for hauling out my game mostly.Cabela's Alaskan Guide Ext. frame Pack |
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Having done a lot of backpacking with both an external and internal frame pack I believe internal is the way to go. I waited years before making the transition and once I did I kicked myself for not doing it sooner. Unlike a previous poster I believe the heavier the weight you are going to carry the more an internal frame makes sense. Having the weight closer to your body really helps particularly if you are hiking rugged terrain where the trails may not be in the best of shape. Also I like having all my gear in the pack instead of hanging on the outside. It doesn't catch on every low branch you come to and you are far less likely to lose it. I have an Arc'Teryx Bora 80. The quality of construction is unbeatable and it's not made in China (it's made in Canada). I have a couple of Ospreys to use for day packs and for that their excellent but for heavy loads they don't match up with the Arc'Teryx. Osprey has this gimmick where they can put the hip pads into this machine that helps form fit them to your hips but in my opinion it is of no real help. Having said that I do believe that Osprey has some of the better packs out there. Gregory does too. |
| Before you choose, readTHIS and consider Granite Gear. They offer their packs in two separate adjustable torso lengths, the shoulder straps are available in multiple lengths and widths, and there are several hip belt options. If you follow their instructions, you can get a custom pack fit at production pack prices. I have a Nimbus Ozone, and it's a great pack. It only weighs 3 1/2 pounds with accessories, and I've carried over 65 pounds in it more than once with no complaints. Great packs for the money, IMO. |
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Whatever you decide on, get to a reputable place that fits the pack for you. Load it with some gear and walk around for a few minutes. Not doing this, could make the difference between having a pleasurable time out and a not so pleasant one. Pack fit is essential! |