I need to buy a backpack--> plz help

“I am new to backpacking and need to buy practically everything.

So I headed to REI last night--for 2 hours!

Tried on 3 packs with 35lbs and 1 with no weight:

Kelty Coyote: Felt good but seemed a little cheap: on sale for only $109.99 org. $150

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48000508&parent_category_rn=4500572&saleMode=1

REI Mars Pack '06: Felt good except the straps around my shoulders kind of dug into my chest and armpits a little to much.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48034748&parent_category_rn=4500572

Gregory Baltoro: Straps on shoulders felt better but the ones around the waist were really think and kind of felt like the insides were digging into me.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47980847&parent_category_rn=4500572

Osprey Crescent 110: This is the only one that he didnt load with weight b/c he just wanted me to feel the difference in quality and price. This pack felt really good, but once again, there was no weight and I only had it on for like 10 minutes. Way to big for me though...6,500 cu. in.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47880445&parent_category_rn=4500572#specs

I went to the one in Niles and he said the Oakbrook store is way bigger and would have a bigger selection. 2 guys I talked to, one was helping me but had to take care of something else so he send another guy to help me, both did not want to measure me for some reason. They said measurements arent as important as how the pack actually feels.

They are having a huge Labor Day sale so let me know if you see something that I should definitely pick up. I heard one employee telling someone about Big Agnes pads and how good they were...but I dont know which one he was talking about...all I know is that it went inside your sleeping bag.”

“get one with two shoulder straps and one hip belt”

“My Son has used the coyote for over 8 years...he is HARD on equipment....so I am pretty impressed.”

“OSPREY IS THE BEST!!!!!!!

Aether 70 is a great pack for long trips and the Atmos 50 is a great pack for weekenders. All osprey products have a lifetime garentee and they have great customer service and their prices are reasonable. They're amazing products. I love the shist out of my Osprey packs.”

“Kelty is ok, it's kind of what everyone seems to get as their first pack. Kelty is introduction equipment, but I recommend Osprey, hands down. Gregory is decent, but I think their packs are uncomfortable, they have good customer service though.”

“The Coyote is a little heavier than I'd like for the capacity. I say try a few more on at the larger store and if nothing feels as good as the Coyote go for it. If another feels as good or better, then consider price, quality, features and weight.

As XL's post indicates has been around for a while. His son isn't the only one who's found it to be a solid bag.”

“I'd go with the Gregory. No matter what pack you buy it's going to feel like it's digging. If a pack is all cushy and comfy when ya put it on it will not go the distance. A good pack takes some breaking in. I've had Gregorys and they are bomb proof and once it's broken in feels like it was personaly made made for me.”

“Thanks for all the feedback”

“my Osprey Atmos 50 feels great even with 30 lbs loaded into it. Ospreys will go the distance.”

“I was referring to when ya put it on in the store the first time. Besides, you're super human.”

“Don't totally rule out the external frames either. They may be a pound heavier, but if you find one that fits well it will be worth it, unless you plan on going ultra light from the get-go.”

“wasnt planning on going ultra light”

“The Osprey Atmos 50 weighs 2.5 lbs and the Aether 70 about 4 lbs.

I have a Kelty Coyote too and it was my first pack. It is roomy and durable, I can't complain. It wasn't too expensive either, but it does weigh 7.5 lbs. I use it on trips where I need to carry a lot, mainly winter trips.

No I am hoping I can use my Aether 70 for winter trips.”

“here you go, the Aether 70



not a bad price on backcountry.com. chances are they will have a labor day sale too.
Linkage: http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/osprey-aether-70.php

the Atmos 50 (smaller lighter pack, good for weekend trips or 1-2 nights)



linkage: http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/OS202

again, not a bad price.

In my opinion, the two best packs on the market right now.
last edited: 8/25/06 5:11:17 PM”

“Chad -

Here is another option:
http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.htm

I was a devoted external frame guy until I went off trail a few times with my top heavy Camptrails McKinley (5.5 lbs) and took some tumbles. I did some research and got an internal frame ULA P2 (no longer available, but essentially the same as the Catalyst).

I would recommend the Catalyst if you do any off-trail or scrambles and are going to stay under 37 lbs. I would also recommend getting all the options. You will still be under 3 lbs with a comfortable pack. The pockets in the hip straps rock! I always carry a bear canister...no problemo.

Sadly, the website says they are not going to be filling orders until sometime in November because the owner is on a big trip or something.

I doubt I will ever go back to an external frame. For a week long outing with food, bear canister, fishing gear, and 3L of water I go out at 43 lbs (The compression straps slip a little until I get the weight down to 37 or so).

Regarding your torso length, I think it is important to know what it is and find someone who knows what they are doing. Gregory, for example, teaches fitting differently than most other pack systems.

If you were in Phoenix I would send you to my son at the Sport Chalet there.”

“FYI:
”

“Cool stuff on the catalyst! Almost makes me want my P2 to die so I can get one...almost. My P2 rocks and if the catalyst is similar it'll be good.

I also love lowe alpine, moderate pricing, indestructable the only draw back is that most are a touch heavier.”

“I'm with ENS, Osprey is a great pack. I have the ULA and love how it feels and fits, BUT I am hard on my backpacks so I already have some deep cuts. It's a ultralight backpack, so you'll have to consider that.

Def. check out the Osprey in more details.”

“Make sure you can bring it back after you have taken it home and filled it with your stuff. 15kg in sand bags feels different to 15kg of gear spread through the bag.

I'd go the Aether 70. It's a "dream on" pack over here, retails for around $1000AUD

You now realize that you are on the way to buying 10 packs like the rest of us.

one for day walks
one for extended walks
one for overnight walks in winter
one for overnight walks in summer
one for that mate that never has anything
one cos it looked good in the shop and it was so cheap
one for travelling
one for carrying the groceries
one for you get the idea...”

“I have an EMS 4500. Never used. You can have it for $75”

“The Oakbrook store is superior to the Niles store.

As for packs, I give another vote for Osprey. Great pack for the money.”

“Somehow I get the feeling that ENS likes Osprey, lol. So do I. The Atmos 50 was the pack I used on most of my thru hike and it was great. Tough enough, light and great support from the manufacturer. A smaller pack also helps you make hard choices about carrying gear. There's only so much you can stuff inside. That being said, I was able to carry all my needed items and a few of my "wants". It also has great circulation/ventilation along the back, a big plus for hiking in warm weather.”

“The Atmos 50 isnt as big as I'd like...I'm trying to get closer to 4000 cu. in. I think.

The guy at REI was hyping about Arc'teryx.

Thanks for everyones input. I'm going to try and get out to the Oakbrook store soon.”

“$70?”

“bearmagnet: Everything says that it's a womens pack?
EMS Women's Summit 4500 Backpack”

“That was in his androgynous (sp) days.”

“Fit,fit and fit- like shoes ,the best brand is of no help when it doesn't fit.”

“No. It's a Mens. Ca1997. $65?”

“$25?”

“$64.50”

“$25.50?”

“$64.75”

“$25.25”