Posted: 4/1/2007 8:01:05 PM EDT
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Need suggestions on new backpack... It would be mostly a 3-day camping/hiking pack w/ BOB capability... I'm 5'-8", 165lbs, in decent physical condition Suggestions? Thanks, ~Troy |
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Not enough info.  How often do you plan on using it? How old are you? (Is suspension important to you?) How much gear do you carry? ect... If you're a good packer and don't need a lot of suspension, you could go with a GoLite. It weighs next to nothing. But it is top enter only. If you need multiple access points, sleeping bag compartment, side pouches, ect, you'll have to look at something else. BTW, all of those things add weight. I've seen cheap packs fail out on the trail. |
I actually prefer external frame if possible... only because that is all I have ever had... |
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Golite make some good no frills minimalist packs like the Gust Lifetime warranty, 1 lb 4 oz. ETA, I have a Goltie Breeze for summer trips, or my wife carries it when she goes. |
great resource... Thanks, |
Gust is probably on the small side... It would work sometimes, but I can always pack lite in a larger pack, and just in case i need the space, it is available... |
| I've got a Granite Gear (www.granitegear.com) Nimbus Ozone. It is a very flexible 3 lb, 3800 ci (IIRC) back with an awesome suspension--particularly for its weight. There are also different kinds and sizes of hipbelts and shoulder straps, so you can get a custom fit without the custom price. Check out the manual. Definitely worth a look, but not particularly "tacticool"... |
not worried about that... looks like something I may consider... All the info so far has lead me to packs in the 3750 cubic inch range... |
| I missed your post about preferring externals, above. Kelty's 50th Anniversary external and Dana Designs externals have a loyal following. Unfortunately, IIRC, they have both been discontinued. |
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I've used a few packs from ultimate direction. Almost as light as golite, but a little heavier cloth. However, I don't really like any of them. Each one had a dimension or strap that just didn't fit right. I now use my ultimate direction packs as GHB's, they are good, just not my best. I've switched to the golite (mentioned above) using their team pack for longer 2-7 days) and their 24 for shorter stuff. As mentioned, most of their packs are top load, which might influence your decision. No molle gear, but lots of straps and attachment points, and good blending in with sheeple, although I'd not pick the orange color if you are blending in. My really big dumptruck pack is a mountainsmith, but it's pretty heavy compared to the previous list. 5400 + 2000 ci, plus oxygen tank holders.
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Personally, I have a MMR with a scout piggyback + cargo chair and a few of their sinch strap kits, and a claymore pocket or two. They really do feel lighter than they are loaded, not light, but the weight rides better. Basically its my hunting/camping setup. Camp goes in the MMR, Patrol/Recon goes in the scout. The sinch straps keep the load tight wether packing lite or heavy. Cargo chair really works, exellent for carreing out game(or carreing in water/tools/whatever). Claymore pockets are great "doalls" and the dock and lock system kicks ass. Best of all, if you break it, they'll fix it or replace it, no questions asked. my .02 (edit) also I did upgrade to the new XTL lid, and like it too (it and a claymore make a great casual carry setup with good volume) |
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alot depends on your budget, what style your looking at and your experiance level and way of camping. IMHO a new "hiker" should go with an external framed pack. At least till they learn how to pack a load. Yes there is more to it than just shoving shit in it. The externals area lil more forgiving in this area. IMHO also for 3-4 days you will want at least a 3500ci pack. again if your a newb, a small pack will give you issues.A good cheap pack is the med alice. while under 3000ci it has the frame you can attach stuff to. Next step up from that would be a basic Jansport or Kelty external frame. I wouldnt go off a get a "3 day assualt" style pack just yet. If you pack over 30lbs you'll have issues with most as they do not have a suspension system, and arent designed to carry that sort of load. And ive yet to see a 1st timer pack under 30lbs their 1st go at it. As for kifaru- if you wanna drop a load of cash, all the power to you.. they are not the end all of packs like some here think they are, and for backpacking there are alot better options put there. You also want to make sure you get a pack that is sized to your torso. You dont wear size 6 shoes when your a 12 do you? You'll also wanna load it up and hike with it before hand,or just load it up and go( bad idea IMHO) YMMV...... |
Sage advice and that's why I always recommend a simple surplus ALICE for those starting out. If you're serious about using it few times a month and actually use it, Kifaru is top notch (and top dollar). But, I will say there's no reason to buy a $300+ pack to just throw it in the closet and say you're prepared to bug out. I'd go down and pick up a used medium ALICE with frame for really cheap, load it up with what you think you need, take it on several hikes and some camping trips, figure out what your really need, and if you're really serious, start saving for a good pack such as Kifaru, Arc'Teyrx, etc. Also, you need to figure out how much weight you plan to carry. Once you get in the 30+ pound category, you really need to start thinking about a pack with a decent hip belt to properly balance and carry the load for any substantial distances. Kifaru's packs are sort of a hybrid in that they're much more than just an internal frame. I have an EMR, Scout, Pointman and I'm using a Zulu in Iraq right now. These packs are bombproof...I've broken two ALICE frames and blew-out one Large ALICE in my career, and I consider ALICE packs to be one of the most robust, joe-proof packs out there (not very comfortable after a few miles though). Kifaru just works for me, plus their mid-sized packs such as the Zulu or Pointman (or XCR that you mentioned) can compress or expand remarkably well to adjust to your loads such as increases in insulation materials for cooler weather. Also, as Protus mentioned about correct sizing and the importance, Kifaru does a great job at sizing your pack (their packs have adjustable suspension). Again, hike, hike, hike. Even if you do a 3-4 mile walk once a week...get out and carry whatever pack you decide on. ROCK6 |