I need backpack advice!

“I am 49 and have been a pretty avid hiker for years. However, I have not done any backpacking in almost 30 years. So, I am completely out of date on what the industry standard in backpacks is these days. I will be going on a 4-day summit climb on Rainier in June. We are using RMI Guides and they recommend the Gregory Palisades for the climb. The pack needs to be about 5000 cubic inches. I also want to make sure that I get a pack that will be the least abusive to my back as I have had some back issues in the past (lower back). I would be grateful for any general advice on what pack to buy for the trip. I'd like to keep the price under $300. Any recommendations on good places to buy on the web would be welcome also. Thanks for your help. Shane.”

“I like the Osprey packs. I bought an Osprey Aether 70 for the Rainier climb.”

“Campmor.com has good prices and selection. I order from them a lot and have never had a problem. And shipping is a flat rate of $6.95 per order.”

“I'm a fan of the Gregory packs. The Palisade would be an excellent choice. I have carried a Gregory for many, many years, hauling more weight then I would like to admit. I love the fit.

Having said that....fitting a pack is a little like finding a girlfriend...what works for one guy, doesn't necessary work for another. Everyone is built a little different.

What ever pack you choose, I recommend you try and get it locally so you can try it on and have it properly fitted.

If you must resort to the net, be sure they have a good return policy.”

“Granite Gear makes a solid, comfortable pack.”

“Hey Shane,
Faced the same dilema 10 years ago when planning for the Long Trail in VT. Ended up at "Expensive Mountain Stuff" (EMS) and tried out an EMS 5000. Still have it, still like it. Not even sure if that model is still made but EMS stores are everywhere so you can always get service if there is a problem. Great suspension system and no problems with back after carrying 58 lbs. for 15 days. and 260+ miles at age 45.”

“Osprey packs rule!”

“Oh my goodys! Elevendy kubik theengs is a VERRY BIG pakpak!

It prolly dos not madder what kind of pakpak you get if it is that big like a pak mewl pakpak! BOL!

(o... are you a mewl bwt? It is ok if you are a mewl like Blakky and Witey cuz they are my frends bwt. In nother werds I got goood frends that are mewls and mewls are ok peepel!)”

“Shane meet Sarabelle the typing dog.”

“Belle's busy "smellin a stinky" on the floor - prolly where a lady bug laid dead several years ago.

She wants to know if you are Shane Dog?
(I told her "no", but she insists - reminding me that I don't have "sex stray" vision. Can't much argue with that...”

“Shane what's your torso size for the right price I might sell ya my Pallisades. Its a size medium.”

“Sarabelle's already met Shane. He thinks she's a cutie. About 40" long with tail. Silky red hair 62lbs and about 2 1/2 feet tall. :-)

I don't think it's the same Shane though.”

“I gotta go with MTN...I finally broke down and got a Gregory Acadia....feels pretty good, I will be doing the full test this weekend.”

“Thanks for all of your responses (even the Typing Dog). I would still be grateful for further advice. It looks like I can't go wrong with the Palisades from Gregory. But, what are the comparable backpacks from the other companies (Like Arc'teryx, Osprey, etc.)? Flasher: I measured myself using the information from the REI website and it looks like I'm 19 inches (please, spare me the jokes), which translates to a medium. I certainly would be interested in your Palisades (for the right price in the right condition). Thanks again everyone.

Shane
College Station, Texas”

“Wun werds:
Wehaha Pakpak!”

“Product:
Osprey Aether 85 Pack $279.00
5,200 cu. in. / 85 liters
Fits torso 18 - 20.5 inches
Fits waist/hips 30 - 34
Average weight 4 lbs. 12 oz.

Gregory Palisade Pack $299.00
5,100 cu. in. / 84 liters
17.5 - 19.5 inches
inches 28 - 34 inches
6 lbs. 7 oz.

I bought the medium size Osprey Aether 85
But, I am not going to Mt. Rainier
I cannot tell you how it works, because I just got it. I mostly bought it for the voulme and weight.”

“Kelty packs
Red Cloud 5000 short torso $149.99
fits 13"-19"torso
5000 cu. in. $149.99
weight 5 lb13 oz
Red Cloud 5600
fits 16"22" torso
5600 cu. in.
weight 6 lb. 1 oz.
prices are from Campmor. I have the 5600 and love it. That pack has a pocket for everything, including a fleece pocket for glasses. The top of the pack can be removed and used as a fanny pack. It's a bit heavy, but well constructed and very durable.”

“Lowe, Arcteryx, Gregory, REI, all good. I'd stay away from kelty, a once renowned brand that now stands for quality about like the brand Chevy Citation stands for quality. If they fit you and are the right capacity, they'll all be fine. I like my Arcteryx Bora 65, and have used it on climbs of Shasta and Rainier, where gear must be carried to a high camp. As light a pack as possible from Camp Muir to the summit will be most appreciated, but it ends up being about all your gear except your sleeping bag and pad. The Arcteryx is heavy duty, and also a bit heavy when empty.”

“One thats equipped with a Sherpa”