Need some backpack recommendations

[Hammer27]

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.

This isn't such a bad idea. They're cheap and not half bad with aftermarket straps and hip belts. Also, as you move up to bigger packs or want something different, there are a bunch of larger/more advanced rucks on the market that are made for the ALICE system. So you could basically keep the same frame and straps set up and just be switching packs. Let's not forget that if you bend a frame, damage a strap (though this would be pretty tough), etc. they're pretty easy to replace.

[eo500]

I can vouch for getting properly fitted as each manufacturer has different models, and a pack that is perfect for one person may not work at all for another. I bought a pack online that a friend of mine swore by, and it was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever strapped on. I tried to have a local shop fit it by bending the internal supports and adjusting the belt but it still sucked. My buddy ended up with a spare pack and I bought a different pack locally after I had it fitted properly.

Also spend some serious time considering the size of pack you want to get. Remember that having a giant pack often means that you will be tempted to carry more than you really need. Of course if you are going to be using it for two week outings, then you really do need a large pack. While you can underpack a large pack, it usually won't carry as well as a smaller pack that is packed tight.

[xanderzuk]

Ok so in 2009 I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (2,178 miles).It took six months (March 29th - October 6). I had never been "hiking" before the trip, and so my knowledge of light weight was really relegated to what normal people (or lets just call them amateur hikers) thought of as being light. Boy was I in for a lesson.

Here's how far I walked:


Here's me in the White Mountains:


Anyway, your load out for a two day trip really shouldn't weight more than 15-20 lbs.

I've compiled a list for you of what I think is the best gear for just about all situations/durations.

PM me if you'd like to know more.

Gear List:
So starting out with that pack (1lb 1oz.) http://www.ula-equipment.com/cdt.asp

Tent - these things are extremely durable (1lb 12.5 oz) http://tarptent.com/moment.html

Sleeping Bag - not sure if you use down, but these are the absolute best (2 lbs) http://www.westernmountaineering.com...s&ContentId=21

Sleeping Pad - not as light as some but thick and comfy and insulated so warm (1 lb 8oz)
http://bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/...sulatedAirCore

Stove - mega hot burner, went the whole trail with me (1.9 oz yes you read that correctly)
http://www.snowpeak.com/stoves/backp...e-gst-120.html

Gas Canister for stove - (6.4 oz) http://www.snowpeak.com/stoves/acces...d-gp-110g.html

Cookware - (4.8 oz) http://www.snowpeak.com/cookware/bac...-scs-005t.html

Water Purification - I ditched the filter and only use drops (2 oz) http://aquamira.com/consumer/aquamir...reatment-drops

Platypus 2 Liter - personally I think they're better than Camelbak (3.6 oz) http://cascadedesigns.com/platypus/h.../hoser/product

Rain/Wind Shell - (10 oz) http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDe...mc=169&t=&lat=


Ok, so I didn't include any kind of cold weather gear, socks etc. Food and water depends on how long you're going and what you want so I obviously didn't include that weight as it will vary. This is a base weight only load out, but for all of the essentials which I pretty much covered you're only at 8lbs 2.2 oz if I did my math correctly. Which means that for the recommended weight of 25lbs for that specific pack, you still have an extra 16.5 lbs of food and additional clothes, camera, knife, bazooka lol whatever you want to carry.

Anyway a little food for thought. Hope you enjoy some of the stuff.

[rjacobs]

Anyway, your load out for a two day trip really shouldn't weight more than 15-20 lbs.

I've compiled a list for you of what I think is the best gear for just about all situations/durations.

PM me if you'd like to know more.

Gear List:
So starting out with that pack (1lb 1oz.) http://www.ula-equipment.com/cdt.asp

Tent - these things are extremely durable (1lb 12.5 oz) http://tarptent.com/moment.html

Sleeping Bag - not sure if you use down, but these are the absolute best (2 lbs) http://www.westernmountaineering.com...s&ContentId=21

Sleeping Pad - not as light as some but thick and comfy and insulated so warm (1 lb 8oz)
http://bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/...sulatedAirCore

Stove - mega hot burner, went the whole trail with me (1.9 oz yes you read that correctly)
http://www.snowpeak.com/stoves/backp...e-gst-120.html

Gas Canister for stove - (6.4 oz) http://www.snowpeak.com/stoves/acces...d-gp-110g.html

Cookware - (4.8 oz) http://www.snowpeak.com/cookware/bac...-scs-005t.html

Water Purification - I ditched the filter and only use drops (2 oz) http://aquamira.com/consumer/aquamir...reatment-drops

Platypus 2 Liter - personally I think they're better than Camelbak (3.6 oz) http://cascadedesigns.com/platypus/h.../hoser/product

Rain/Wind Shell - (10 oz) http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDe...mc=169&t=&lat=


Ok, so I didn't include any kind of cold weather gear, socks etc. Food and water depends on how long you're going and what you want so I obviously didn't include that weight as it will vary. This is a base weight only load out, but for all of the essentials which I pretty much covered you're only at 8lbs 2.2 oz if I did my math correctly. Which means that for the recommended weight of 25lbs for that specific pack, you still have an extra 16.5 lbs of food and additional clothes, camera, knife, bazooka lol whatever you want to carry.

Anyway a little food for thought. Hope you enjoy some of the stuff.

Excellent list of stuff. I will check it all out.

[8200rpm]

Check out the gregory "reality" It's a great medium duty pack.

GREGORY is AWESOME.

The suspension system makes or breaks the pack. Gregory really does an EXCELLENT job of putting the load right against your hips rather than pulling on your shoulders.

I did two trips to the summit of Mt. Whitney (14,500' ASL) with Gregory packs. Once with a Shasta and the second time with a Reality. In my backpacking days, I did a lot of homework on packs, and I would definitely recommend Gregory.



I know the "tacti-poser" crowd just buys any Chinese-made book bag adorned with digicam, MOLLE and covered with a bunch of useless pockets. If you want to hate your trip and have a sore back and shoulders, these are perfect.

[RWK]

I did two trips to the summit of Mt. Whitney (14,500' ASL) with Gregory packs. Once with a Shasta and the second time with a Reality.

Neither of which is available from Gregory. Anything in their current catalog that's comparable?

[rjacobs]

xanderzuk: Do you have any experience with the Circuit pack from Ula? I like the fact that it has a little more padding for the back which to me looks like it may be a bit more comfortable than the pack you listed.

[xanderzuk]

I personally would avoid Gregory. Their packs are relatively heavy, and I witnessed about half a dozen have their plastic hip support shear off during my thru hike.

They will still function when the plastic shears, just not as well.

The upside is they have great customer service.

[xanderzuk]

xanderzuk: Do you have any experience with the Circuit pack from Ula? I like the fact that it has a little more padding for the back which to me looks like it may be a bit more comfortable than the pack you listed.

I do have experience with it, and I can tell you unequivocally without a doubt that you will love it - much more support yet still light weight. Another one you might take a look at is the El Camino; depending on your loadout a panel loader can be very convenient. I haven't used it yet but my friend has, so ill ask him his thoughts.

[rjacobs]

I do have experience with it, and I can tell you unequivocally without a doubt that you will love it - much more support yet still light weight. Another one you might take a look at is the El Camino; depending on your loadout a panel loader can be very convenient. I haven't used it yet but my friend has, so ill ask him his thoughts.

I will take a peak at it. The Epic also looks cool in that it is more a frame only and you use dry bags in it and then adjust the straps to hold the bag.

I think the Circuit would work well for me though.