What makes a good Backpack?

“Can anyone tell me what I need to look for in a good 4-7 day backpack? I'm looking to upgrade, but i don't want to spend more then around $250 on it? I was thinking of Osprey Aether 85. what do you guys think?”

“Bump...I don't have any experience with large packs...anyone else out there have any experience??”

“Osprey makes a fine pack.

Be sure that it is is big enough for what you want to carry. 5000/Cu in is border line for Winter use for example. Make sure your sleeping bag will fit in the compartment.

A good fit will make all the difference in the world....be sure who sets it up knows what they are doing. Load the pack with at least the same weight you might be carrying and walk around in it...not just for 5 min, but for 30+min at least. You fit the person, not the gender. I have put women in mens packs (with some swapping of parts) because they had a longer torso than the "womens" pack. Everyones body is a little different, just because a Gregory fits me really well, doesn't mean it will fit you well.

My partner noted once that for every pound of pack weight, they seem to carry about 10 pounds comfortably. Not exactly scientific, but pretty close in my experience.
last edited: 11/05/06 6:36:08 PM”

“There are tons of good packs out there.

Steve points to the most important considerations:

1) does it fit what you want/need to put in it?
2) How does it feel on you? There is no subsititute for carrying around a properly adjusted pack with a load which is close to what you plan to carry and seeing how it feels.

After that, you can worry about the weight of the pack, features, and brand reputation. There are some trade offs. Lighter weight materials can cost more. Having convenient compartments for organizing things costs money and weighs more.

Osprey Aethyr is a good series, with a great rep.”

“I have the Osprey Aether 70 and I love it. It is the pack I prefer to use on extended hikes.”

“My Aether is great - and customer service and repairs are excellent. There was a design flaw in mine and they fixed it better than new and had it sent back quickly.”

“Comfortable to wear. Roomy enough to carry your stuff and still be comfortable. Have a frame that will support the load and still be comfortable. And also, if I haven't mentioned it already it should be comfortable.”

“Thanks for the info guys!”

“If you can get an old Dana, those rock as well. I still break out my Astralplane for the long hauls...”

“I'm not sure why all the Osprey hype, but they are a trendy choice. Not really any lighter than the other big luxury packs. People love them but I've read several accounts where they had to be sent in for repair. I wanted to buy one for the prestige but I liked a Gregory and the REI Mars I bought better. The Mars is a great large pack that compresses nicely for small loads. Gregory makes great packs - heavy but comfortable.”

“toejam, I just think that Osprey is reasonably priced for its features. I've looked at several gregory packs online, but they all seem a little expensive. Is there any specific model I should consider? How do you like the REI mars and how long have you had it?”

“Usually lots of TLC, with a little discipline now and again and a shot of scotch a day keeps the doctor away.

If you want your backpack to be really good you have to fill it with the necessities (I'll let you decide what those are) and carry it around at least 3 times a month, preferably in some rural/mountainuous setting. It will really appreciate that and show you lots of goodness............what?”

“I say a good old Camptrails with all the pockets.

Actually, I like my Gregory Shasta. The Dana Astaplane is nice, but I would not want to fill that puppy and hike with it. It is comfortable, but you will look at that thing and start thinking you can put your 4 D size Mag lite in there.”

“For some of us it needs good and thick padding on the shoulder straps and on the waist band. If you spend the money for those, you will likely have a bag that is comfortable to carry. My Jansport Alaska 114, about 7-pounds in weight, rides beautifully. The extra weight is worth the comfort. I seldom have to do any re-adjustment. I just throw it on my back and go, go, go!

At this time of the year, don't be in a rush. Look for the close-out and other sales. Bargains are out there, or will be soon.
last edited: 11/09/06 3:10:45 PM”

“Gregory packs are pricey but the suspension system is great. The Shasta prolly has the best rep of all their packs due to its simplicity. The others have more bells, whistles and weight. I liked the Baltoro. The REI Mars is over-loaded with bells and whistles but it's super comfortable and compresses really well. I got it last spring and have been on three trips. It's a little less money.

I'm not nearly as anal about pack weight as most of my friends, so I may not be a good source. But try a bunch on with lots of weight in them and get what feels good.”

“This past summer I took an Aether 85 on a 12 day section of the John Muir Trail. It was great! The Garcia Bear Cannister fits perfectly and the sleeping bag compartment is big enough to hold your bag (compressed) and clothing. I found that it works best if you put your water bladder in one of the external side pockets and your tent poles in the other. The really beautiful thing about this pack is the 4 lb 12 oz weight in a relatively large pack.

MtnSteve is right though - For winter backpacking I stick with the Gregory Whitney!”

“The Osprey's are good.

Do you really want an 85? The problem with big packs is that you tend to carry a lot more then you really need. Your weight also goes up with a larger pack as well. My summer pack is 2 pounds while my winter pack is 8 so the first 6 pounds is just the pack.(I no longer bother using it)

Unless your a pack mule Id suggest running thruogh some Ultra light techniques first and see if you really want the bigger pack. Id also fill your current pack with a few bricks and day-hike so you know what your really planning to carry around.

If this is a winter pack you might also consider useing a sled instead. I am sure there are several people here who can help with any load issues you may want to address first.”

“I use the Kelty Cloud. I can get about 5200 in it when it has all of the pouches on.

I think the only thing that will limit you on the pack, is cash. I highly suggest the pack I use, but it is pricey. It has the memory foam on the hip belt and shoulder straps, but it takes a second to get used to the clip system.”

“If you are NOT an ultralight expert then the Osprey Aether 85 is the perfect pack. I admit that I am really impressed by how little you ultralight guys get by with. I met a JMT through-hiker on the JMT carrying 22 lbs TOTAL. But - He was only carrying a tarp, no stove or fuel, no bear cannister, and his sleeping bag was only rated at 32 degF. Some of us still like standalone tents, bear cannisters, etc. I am trying though. For instance, last year (summer 05) I took an 8 day trip and I was carrying nearly 60lbs...this past summer I was on a 12 day trip with less than 40lbs (including 10 lbs of food in one stretch)”

“I use the Aether 75 - carried it on a 6 day trip with room to spare in it (summer though) I use it on winter trips out here in CO with pleanty of space inside. Very comfortable pack for me.”

“I usually run around 30 during the summer and 40 winter unless Im lugging a bottle :D”

“what do you guys think of this one? i was thinking of passing the website on to my daughter to see if she was interested in it.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=226&memberId=12500226&productId=39206127

anybody got one of these?”

“Good price but extrememly heavy for the small volume. A 4# pack should be larger or a 3600 ci pack should be lighter. Take your pick.”

“Exactly what he said. I have a 3600 pack made by Granite Gear that only weighs 2 pounds.”

“I'm going for the Gregory Z55......$189.00”

“ok guys, thank you, i wouldn't have known that!”

“look at the ula catalyst....43oz-4600cu in-225$.”

“Q What makes a good backpack?

A The kind thats carried by your sherpa!”