Better pack

“I am looking for some experienced knowledge.

Basically, between the REI Morning Star 75 and the Lowe Alpine Appalachian 65 which is a better pack. The technical differences are few, but little things like padding, comfort, support, do differ. Does anyone have any insight?

Links to each:
REI Morning Star 75
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47690736&parent_category_rn=4500572&vcat=REI_SEARCH

Lowe Alpine Appalachian 65
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=37105800”

“I had a Lowe Alpine pack for years. It was bomb proof, comfortable and I loved it. It served me well.

Is it possible to get both packs, load them up and try 'em on? If so I'd do it. They both look like good packs. You should compare them on, with a load and see which is more comfortable. It'd be easier to make your choice being able to play with the zippers, feel the fabric, see how easy they are to load, etc.”

“I've got a Lowe Alpine, but its a size or two smaller than that one. But, its a really good pack, carries comfortably and seems pretty durable.

Like sass said, if you can't go load some weight and try them on its a crap shoot. If your mail ordering, you should just make sure you can return it.”

“I mailed ordered the REI pack last night with it being on sale. I just got a notice that the Lowe Alpine pack went on sale at another store as well. They would both be through mail order since I am a ways out from any outdoor store worth anything.

I figure, when I get the REI pack I will load it up, if I have any doubts I will order the Lowe Alpine and compare them, only thing is I loose the close to $30 in shipping both to me and one back... but if it is needed then it is.

Thanks for your advice. It is so hard to get straight answers from companies; since REI is partial to their brand many times they dont mention others, and since other stores dont carry REI they either are partial to the Lowe Alpine, or just dont know enough to endorse it. Thanks again. I will post my opinions on the REI pack when I get it next week.

I have been told more than once 'no matter what pack you buy there is always going to be something better about the other(s) you were thinking about'

Does anyone have an REI pack out of curiousity?
last edited: 5/12/05 10:37:38 AM”

“I have a couple of REI daypacks. They seem very sturdy and have worked out well. Don't have a regular Backpack though.

My hubby (Thinkbubelz) has a different LoweAlpine Pack It's been stuffed to the max, but he's found it to be comfortable and it's worked well for him. :-) Of course, we are relatively new to backpacking, so the only thing we can do is to compare his pack to mine (a Kelty Haiku). Mine is is much lighter because of the material it is made of...
although the fabric for his pack seems like it would wear better in the long run...”

“Try 'em both on. Put your gear in them and walk around, try some inclines and up steps, and then reverse them. They are both solid packs... go with what fits you the best.”

“If the fit should be about equal, nab the REI while its on sale. 50 dollars cheaper and six ounces lighter is more than a mere tie breaker.”

“I ordered the REI pack last night (early this morning). It was on sale for just under a hundred and the sale ends this weekend. I was told the Lowe Alpine pack would be on sale, but the pack they were talking about is about 1,000 ci bigger than I need (pushing 6,000), but still would have only been $89 new. I will put the REI through a nice bit of testing, if it doesnt work then I spend the extra. I appreciate all the advice, it does help, esspecially when you are trying to justify what money to spend and all. Thank you.”

“thisguy22-- doesn't REI have the "incredible return" policy? you might be able to bring it back and get something else entirely... (and not lose what you spent on your pack.)”

“REI basically says anything you buy and are not happy with you get a full return or exchange value of (excluding shipping I'm assuming).

Its good to have such a policy, only problem is with this is really one of the few packs that fits the function, size, and has features I like. (Like I said the Lowe Alpine is about $50-60 more)”