Backpack selection help

“Z-pak? Point me in the direction?”

“http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=38471251&memberId=12500226

I have it, and I'll rave about it all day long if you let me, best weekend pack there is.”

“Bison, that looks like a nice pack and I could probably swing the extra. I noticed there is no torso length listed but three sizes listed. Is it fully adjustable in all sizes? so rave a little, i need to me sold :)”

“what about hydration. Do you use a hydration system with it? It didn't mention that in features?”

“Yes I have a Dromlite that I use for hydration, there's a sleeve for it.

Here's there fit guidelines-

14” – 15 1/2” XS
15 1/2” – 17 1/2” SM
17 1/2” – 19 1/2” MD
19 1/2” – 21 1/2” LG

From the site -

http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=50”

“Ok, excuse my ignorance here..does that have a hose on it? How do you drink from that while hiking?”

“Conversion kit...”

“b4 you swing for the Z pack look at the Trek pack by Golite http://www.golitestore.com/store/NS_proddetail.asp?number=PA5005”

“Thanks, Ewker that looks like a heck of a pack too. and lighter! Decisions decisions”

“Indiana John - that Mountainsmith pack looks very similar to my Mountainsmith Chimera which I've had for a year now and love!

Gemini, there's a women's specific model on that Kelty pack, I believe. I have 3 Kelty packs, a Cherokee, a Continental Divide, and a Redwing - they've all been good packs...”

“That GoLite does look nice, depends on what you're into. No stay and no framesheet, it isn't goin' on my back.”

“Bison do you know what the load limit is on the Z-pak. I noticed the Trek has a load limit of 30 pounds.”

“I wouldn't put more than about 35 lbs in the Z, I haven't seen the GoLite in person, but I can't imagine I'd put anything more than 25 in a frameless pack.”

“I have a Kelty Trekker (external frame) that I have used for many years with no problems until last trip where the thread came loose at the corner of one pocket (quick fix).

Cottonsocks has the women's Kelty Tornado and it has not complained about it. (Although she says #&%!$ me about everything else)”

“I'm trying to stay around 25 but at time I like to pack a little heavier. I may go with the Z just for that reason.”

“I have never owned a kelty,


Gemini
6:46:23 PM

really? I thought you did. what pack did you use in Rhode Island? the yellow and black one?”

“Most Keltys come with lifetime warranty. No questions asked. I had a waist belt come loose once. fixed it on the trail and then sent it in and they fixed it no problem. Actually they cleaned the pack too..came back looking new.”

“IJ, I have seen the Trek packed full of stuff. I know dhutch has a Golite pack but can't remember if it is the Trek or not.”

“Ok i went back to her drooling thread and copied what she said

" I used my first Trek pack for 1 1/2 years. It's still usable but has a bit of fray on the one side hip belt. Keep in mind that I had a tendancy to overstuff it (bottle of winer here and there...)"
last edited: 2/18/05 3:03:52 PM”

“Oh, yeah, Kelty has excellent customer service! They replaced a tent pole and fixed a hole in my fly for free after my car camping tent, a Kelty Trail Dome 4, blew away in a freak windstorm (I had it staked down well, but I think a tornado blew through my campsite while I was gone hiking...)”

“I have a GoLite Gust. 20oz, no stays, just a rucksack, but I find it comfortable with <35# in it. No mesh pockets, but I carry a water bottle in my cargo pocket. I suppose I could put my camelback in the foam sleeve, but I never have yet.”

“I ain't touching Bear Crossing's late post! lol”

“IJ, check out ebay for the Gregory Z pack

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36111&item=5168015918&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW”

“What about the G pack? its on super sale at campmor right now

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=32396235”

“do you have to register your pack at Kelty for the warrantY? I didn't know I could do that when I bought the pack...”

“I think I like the Z pack better, but dang the G sure is cheap.”

“I about decided to just get a Rokk pack for the kids trips. I started this thread asking a ton of questions and I think I'll just wind up with a cheap, simple pack.”

“My G pack started to tear at the shoulder strap, and I only had 28 pds in it. I'm sending it back for repair/replacement.
I like my go-lite trecker better.”

“yikes! thanks for the tip Crazypace. There may be a good reason its on sale”

“Well I decided on teh Z-pack. Found it on sale for $140 so I got the rain cover too.”

“My initial report on the Z-pack is that it's awesome. Did a three-day 28-mile hike and had no complaints. The thing rides great.. compared to past packs its felt like I was hiking with a daypack. I didn't have a scale to weigh my load, but I don't think i had it maxed out. Plenty of room left inside. Featured I really like are the side access zipper, contoured shoulder supports, large mesh front pocket is great for stuffing in layers as you take them off...and the zippered front pocket is nice for easy access. The pack is nicely contoured and the system of sopport straps make it a breaze to adjust for a great fit. Also has the chimney ventilation on the back. I do recommend getting the hydration system with it as there are no mesh side pockets for water bottles. At this point I can think of no complaints.”

“What'd I tell ya? Z-pack, best short-haul pack ever.”