Packs

“I am in the need for a new pack. I usually go on six 2-4 night trips a year along with a once a year 5-8 night trip. I have several packs in mind, including the Gregoey Palaside that I can get for around $215 @ work and the Dana Design Terraplane LTW which the cheapest I have seen is $360. Any one have thoughts on these packs or think there is another I should consider instead?”

“Some here like the Osprey Aether packs.

There is an Aether 75 on ebay right now.”

“I have a Gregory Palisades pack. I use that one for 3+ day trips. Holds a lot of #&%!$!

It is a heavy pack empty at close to 7 pounds. But it is very comfortable.”

“I have a Gregory Reality. A Peak, a Kelty, and a Camp Trail external. My Gregory is awesome. The others have become loners.”

“I love my osprey ariel 60 (women's version of the aether) pack. it's light and it holds lots of gear. you can always buy an additional smaller osprey Excessory pack that you sort of hook on. I have one, but really haven't used it yet.

the aether or ariel 75 should be good for 7 days I think. I have never really packed for 7 days winter hiking. that would be alot of gear.”

“If you think you will be keeping your total packweight below 40 lbs. consider the ULA P-2. You can find some threads about it using the thread search engine.”

“I use a Expedition pack most of the time.
GRANITE GEAR--- CIRRUS, 7000 cu in.
or MOUNTAINSMITH 6500 cu in.

I do have small packs like LOWE contour
All of the packs you mention are worthy.
I have been backpacking for more than 25 years and if you count the military time then 29 years plus some. I have alot of packs
I love them all. Packs have come along ways so much out there now and hard to make up your mind like a kid in TOYS R US.

GOOD LUCK FRIG”

“A Jack Wolfskin Trailhead III. I love it way more than my Rokk Flatiron, but the flatiron is a great pack at $70.00.

Sierra Trading Post always has great deals on packs and now there is a new coupon code out that gets you 10% off any orders over $100.00.”

“I'm going to thru hike with a Walmart shopping bag. Lightest pack around and the price can't be beat...not much of a warranty tho.”

“I've been very happy with my TerraQuest.”

“The Terraplane LTW is still more weight than I want, but some swear by it.

You can get a great deal on a 2002 LTW model at (if you take an extra small):

http://www.northernmountain.com/NMSMain.asp?Option=Detail&ID=DANDESTerraplaneLTW02&Dept=BB&Cat=BB0&SubCat='BB02'&ClearLast=Yes
last edited: 1/08/05 7:44:49 PM”

“I still love my old Camp Trails Wilderness pack. I have the "smaller torso" version, but i have carried a good enough load to keep me in for a week. It's internal frame, and has a lot of outside pockets which work great for me, in organizing stuff. Thinking of getting a new external frame to try on those longer trips, so i can hike standing taller!”

“To echo Phil, I would checkout a ULA P-2. Great pack and AMAZING customer service. I actually called them today and spoke with Brian (the owner and guy who made my pack 2-3 years ago) he still rmembered me and my wife.As soon as I said my name he said "oh yeah, your wife is Joy". Get that service from a pack made in Asia.”

“DADA don't just go and buy a pack because it is popular with other folks. Spend a weekend going to different outfitters...take all yor #&%!$ in a duffle bag....try the packs on and load them with the stuff you usually take and see which one YOU fall in love with. I own many packs,I have owned many very high end names and the one that I keep coming back to is one that nobody has ever heard of.MEI is the company”

“Great advice from Spam!”

“Hey, thanks for the info, Spam! I want to check out the MEI packs, myself. I agree. People sure spend a lot of money buying for the brand, or what is currently popular.”

“I once about 7 years ago bought a Vortex 5500 at an online auction other than Ebay. I bought it for two reasons.. it was a steal and had great reviews from the BP rag. I opened it when it came in, tried it on, put it back in the box and sold it on Ebay 6 days later for 90.00 more than I paid for it.It was purdy but I didn't like it at all.I guess it turned out okay cause I made a few bucks!!!”

“I did a search for MEI and found very minimal stuff. If anyone finds a good site, please post it.”

“The ULA is my next pack purchase. Great volume to weight ratio. I also love the options. Which ones did you and Joy go with, Birch? Anything you would have changed?”

“Mountain Equipment Inc. I think!

Did some research and either they have gone out of business or the name has changed to IME
last edited: 1/08/05 8:57:15 PM”

“Currahee,

I chose the top lid (removable),dry bag top closure (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)large mesh pouch with elastic draw cord,internal hydration bladder pocket, internal stash pocket, heavy duty fabric, integral rain cover, custom embroidery (trail name) and two hip belt pockets (HIGLY RECOMMENDED).”