Types of packs

“I am a beginning backpacker, I need a good pack for week long trips, but yet able to go for more extended periods if needs be. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be a good pack? I know Gregory has a great reputation, even so what models would suit my needs the most?....Thanks”

“That's a tough question...
but you're luckey because you came to a tough crowd. I use a Gregory Reality which accommodates my gear for just about all of my hikes with lots of room to spare, except in the deep of winter. I recommend that pack!”

“Gregorys are awesome. I've never owned one, but their repuation is very good. I've hiked with a few Gregory owners and they speak very highly of them.

Bottom line though, is finding a pack that fits you right. A pack that is comfortable for one person, may feel like dookie for another.”

“Gregory packs are huge if you carry a lot, or longer trips”

“In Gregory's line the Shasta is a good all around pack. It can carry heavy loads when you need to and shrink to carry less when you don't. It's pretty basic with no pockets and built well enough to last a long time.”

“I got my son a Shasta some years ago and it is a heavy, but very reliable, well made and comfortable pack.”

“And if you really want a big pack that can carry insane loads and yet shrink to a summit pack, check out McHale's Critical Mass packs with the bayonet frame. They aren't inexpensive, but unlike anything you'll find off the shelf since it's custom made. They start at around $575.”

“bnjopickr, I currently use a Gregory Shasta and you can't beat the comfort, or the reliability. However, pedxing is right. It ways in at 6 1/2 lbs. For that reason I just ordered a Golite Trek. Same size + or -, but weighs in at 2 lbs 8 ozs.

Golite Trek”

“I'm with Geezer. A friend of mine has a Golite Gust, and loves it! I just wish they'd think about us smaller torsoed people, and make one to fit me!

I have a Kelty Coyote 4500. Depending on your size, this one too, holds a great deal of stuff. Not too expensive: $130.00 at REI. It adjusts from a size 13 to a 17 (I think) and it only weighs in at 4.3 pounds. Make sure you have your pack fitted to you. I had a different one before, and it cut off my circulation near my arm pit on the left side. I was numb there for several days afterwards.

Good luck in your search!”

“By the way, that would be "weighs in" not "ways in". It's getting pretty late for us old geezrs.”

“Probably more than you need but Dana's terraplane LW is on sale at northernmountain.com for a real good price.”

“How much weight were you planning on carrying in this pack? Week long trips in what season?”

“Gregory Shasta. There is no doubt that the Gregory packs are on the heavy side; HOWEVER, the exceptional "carry" comfort of the Gregory makes what's IN your pack seem very light indeed. Also, Gregory packs are pretty much bombproof in design. Should last long enough to frustrate most gear freaks by keeping them out of the latest goodies. Check out the latest Backpacker magazine for verification (or commercial endorsement) of the Shasta.”

“Thanks for all the suggestions! It helps out a lot. richb...I live in East TN in the heart of the mountains, the hiking is abundant and I would like to hike as much as possible in all seasons.”

“I've got an Osprey Motherload in excellent shape that I could sell you. I think it expands to 7000 ci.

Motherload”

“Do the Gregory.
That's what I'd do for a real long trip.
How long will you be out? Planning on a long AT trip?”

“Well, I don't know what the winter conditions are like for that part of the country, but to use an ultralight pack you're probably going to be totally commited to the ultralight concept. The majority of these packs will not carry heavier loads well since they are not designed for them, especially the frameless packs. McHale makes a pack called the Subpop that he claims can carry 40 lbs., weighs 2.5 lbs., cost$250 and since you can order it with whatever volume you want it may suit your needs. I never tried a Subpop, but I have tried his larger packs and they can carry more than I can even lift. This is where I would look first to find an ultralight pack that will carry a decent load since Dan's packs have a reputation for doing what he says they can do.”

“I recommend the Gregory Reality.”

“I swore that's what this thread was gonna be about.”

“Some of the packs that I have seen and would recommend are Arc'Teryx, Mountainsmith, Osprey, Gregory, Dana Design.”

“Rat Packs

”

“”

“screw it!”

“Find something that fits well.

I use a Dana Terraplane sometimes, but its big and weighs 7+ pounds.

Big packs can allow you to bring too much stuff.

Somewhere between 3500 and 4500 cubic inches is a good limit.”

“Yup. Something in the 5000 ci range. You can always add side paniers to most packs to increase capacity if you take a longer trip. Head to your local outfitter and try on some LOADED packs.”

“I have a new Lowe Alpine Contour Classic 5500 and my wife has the Kelty Red Cloud 5500. There were no mentions of these two. Although they are of excellent quality and both weigh in at over 6# each.
How does the Gregory compare to these two ??
Just a wondering while the subject is up for discussion.”

“I have a Gregory Robson pro that I like very much despite the weight. THe problem is it fits worse and worse lately. I heard somewhere about the delrin (a type of polymer) stays losing shape, but that's not possible with delrin, seeing as I've had to work with the crud for years.
Anyone else ever heard of this problem? I'd really hate to give up the pack.”

“All the above. When choosing my Bpack, it came down to the Greg Shasta and the Arc Teryx Bora 95. I went the Bora 95. It had a betters suspensions system and more padded and secure hip belt. That fit my body better. And that is key in deciding which pack to purchase. As the above posts have said. You must try them on with weight and walk around the store. Because what fits my body, may or may not feel right on yours. And a poor fitting pack can cause a great trip to be a painful, miserable trip.”

“Who werez it that said Gregory packs are 1) huge, and 2) on the heavy side??? Huh...Who Wuz it???

My size-M Reality is less than 4000 cu in, and weighs in at just over 4lbs. Huge, I think not, I never even fill it. On the heavy side, I think not again, it's in the middle of the road, and you cannot deny that...and it has never felt like a burden with over 30lbs of weight much like what I've heard from alot of "lighter weight" packs.

I stand by Gregory Packs.
And right now I'm sitting by one.”