Need some backpack recommendations

[dan1775]

You might consider a surplus medium ALICE pack and frame. I upgraded mine with side-release buckles and Tactical Tailor straps and belt. Cheap, bombproof (for the price anyway, although it isn't Marine-proof), and the outside pockets are quite handy. I didn't love it when Uncle Sam thrust it upon me, but I have grown pretty fond of it.

I also have Kifaru, which are incredible packs. Your $200 might come close to getting you a used Zulu, which is just about perfect for a 48-hour loadout. The Express gets rave reviews, although I have no firsthand experience with it. Might be a bit smaller than you need.

You might also look on the hunting side of Kifaru as well, if you don't need/want the modularity (and consequent weight) of the military packs.

[tacdrivrnc]

don't know how I overlooked this thread...
go with the Osprey Atmos 65...prices look to be around $200 to $250 depending on where you look. And you might find last years model at various places online for a little less.
I have a Aether 60 that I got soon after they first came out and have put many miles on it. I own a few packs and this is always my go-to pack for 3-season backpacking.
Plus, Osprey has a lifetime guaranty on their packs...can't beat that!

As for packing...with the 65 liter you can still fit a 20 degree bag in the bottom...good for late fall/early spring camping, and hold some extra food or layers up top.

As mentioned earlier, try to keep you big three items under 10 pounds: pack, sleeping bag, tent. At about 3 1/2 pounds, the Osprey should work well. A good 20 degree bag should be around 2 to 3 pounds, with summer weight 40 degree bags between a 1/2 to 2 pounds. The for a solo tent you can find a few options for around 3 pounds. MSR and Big Agnes make some good 3 pound tents. For the room I'd say either a Big Agnes Fly Creek Ultralight 2 (more room than the UL 1), or a cheaper option is the MSR Hubba (or a Zoid if you can still find one).
Also, getting into backpacking is not cheap...you'll have $1k in gear before you know it...you can easily spend 600 on the big three. But, it's all in the initial investment. If you maintain and store the gear properly, you should at least get 10 to 15 or more years of use from it.

[theblackknight]

You might consider a surplus medium ALICE pack and frame. I upgraded mine with side-release buckles and Tactical Tailor straps and belt. Cheap, bombproof (for the price anyway, although it isn't Marine-proof), and the outside pockets are quite handy. I didn't love it when Uncle Sam thrust it upon me, but I have grown pretty fond of it.

There is a reason peope still use them to ruck with on thier own time.

[TommyG]

My favorite pack in that size range is an ancient Dana Designs Bomb Pack. I don't think they can be had any more. Dana was absorbed by Marmot and the packs don't seem as nice.

Find a climbing/pack shop that will let you try them on with weight in them and walk around a bit. Something that looks and feels good empty in the store might really suck for you after a few miles with a load in it. Everyone is built differently and packs are all built and cut a little different. The frame packs/rucks mentioned already have been serving people well for a lot of years and should not be overlooked either. Turn your inner gear weenie loose and go look at/try a ton of em. You will find one that feels best for you.

[Grayling14]

I have been an avid backpacker for over 25 years, and what Tortuga said is spot-on, pack fit is very individualisitc . . . meaning what works for one person may not be best for the next person, even if they are the same size.
My recommendations would be:
1) Research pack types, sizes, uses. REI.com and Backpacker.com have good general info on their sites, but so do many other suppliers.
2) E-mail your questions to customer service reps at sites where you are looking at packs, many, (although not all), are knowledgable on their products and are willing to help.
3) Talk to a knowledgable/competent salesperson at a quality outdoor store if you have one within driving distance of you, and get fitted for a pack that fits your physique.
4) Try to buy from an outfit that will let you return the pack if you find out after a trip or two that it is not what you want (REI has an excellent return policy).
5) Trying on a loaded pack in the store is a good first step, but being on the trail for 5, 10, 15 miles is the true test, and you won't really know until you get there.
6) As most of us here know from experience, HOW the pack is loaded will help determine whether it rides well, or not.
Hope this helps somewhat, and good luck.

[docsherm]

If you are looking for a good durable pack that will last I say take the plunge and get a KIFARU Pack. For what you are talking about needing I would suggest getting the Express (non-MOLLE). It is not too big yet you can carry a lot of gear in it. If you find that you need more room add a few pouches to it. If you get it in Coyote with a non-MOLLE belt it does not even look too military. I used that same pack in Africa a few years ago on a deployment. It is a very comfortable system and will take a beating and keeps going. I have had my Express for almost 5 years now and it is great. I also have a Zulu, Scout, Marauder, 2 E&E packs and several pouches to add to them. These products are top notch. Yes they are a little pricy, but you get what you pay for and a lot more.

Kifaru Express
https://kifaru.net/express.html

[CarbonCycles]

Little more input than the advice given above.

Find a reputable shop that has experienced employees. Good packs are modular in that you can swap out the hip belt, tune the stays in the frame (if so equipped) to suit your body, etc. A good shop will take the time (sometimes hours) to find a pack that suits your needs and then tailor it to your body.

As someone mentioned, everyone will give their own personal recommendation, but packs such as the original Dana Designs (now Mystery Ranch), Osprey, etc. use quality components and material that will not leave you stranded on an extended hike out in the middle of nowhere. Finally, pick a pack that is LARGER THAN YOU THINK. It's easy to compress down a larger pack than it is to try to overstretch a smaller pack....granted a smaller pack forces you to really think what you need to bring but certain creature comforts just win out.

[jsebens]

Little more input than the advice given above.

Find a reputable shop that has experienced employees. Good packs are modular in that you can swap out the hip belt, tune the stays in the frame (if so equipped) to suit your body, etc. A good shop will take the time (sometimes hours) to find a pack that suits your needs and then tailor it to your body.

As someone mentioned, everyone will give their own personal recommendation, but packs such as the original Dana Designs (now Mystery Ranch), Osprey, etc. use quality components and material that will not leave you stranded on an extended hike out in the middle of nowhere. Finally, pick a pack that is LARGER THAN YOU THINK. It's easy to compress down a larger pack than it is to try to overstretch a smaller pack....granted a smaller pack forces you to really think what you need to bring but certain creature comforts just win out.

This is all great advice; I'd add one thing. Buying a larger pack than you need will usually lead you to trying to fill it. Don't make this mistake. Either pack by weight (not volume), or if you can't make yourself stop filling it to capacity, buy a smaller pack to force you to pack smaller. It's similar to the "MOLLE Complex" that makes guys load every inch of their rigs with pouches.

[rjacobs]

I still havent bought anything simply because I havent had the money(have had a month of 2 steps forward 3 steps back financially). I really liked the Osprey packs I tried out at REI and will 95% end up with one of them. REI has their big anniversary sale this week and the Osprey Aether 70 is on sale for 200 plus a 20% off members only coupon. I really dont think I need/want a 70 liter pack, but its a damn good price at $160.

[91Bravo]

I have spent considerable time carrying packs long distances over the past 50 years. The advice above is generally good except

1. Don't get an old ALICE pack. We called them "kidney killers" back in the late 60's but they were the best the Army had in those days. Today I have spinal compression disease perhaps caused by carrying to much weight in them.

2. I come down on the get a "big enough" pack for your longest, coldest trip. Too small forces you to tie gear on the outside which inevitably falls off or off balances the pack. Foam pads or sleeping bags tied on the outside get wet in rain or snow as well.

Other than that I like Lowe packs.