Internal Backpacks

“Need to get a new one to replace my EMS 5500. Looking for a place to put my 3 ltr camelback, and a daypack option.
What I really need is one that is very padded hip belt - I get rasberries.

Going to Campmor to start my search tomorrow. Any suggestions??”

“Check Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus too.”

“yeah - does ramseys bend the stays? EMS dosent.”

“I don't know. That's not needed with many packs/people.

I have a Gregory. This is their position on stay bending:

Why doesn't Gregory advocate stay bending?
Wayne Gregory invented stay bending, and the art of making the stay contour to your back shape. At Gregory we build most packs in four frame sizes. Each frame size has a corresponding stay length that is anatomically sized to fit that person's torso shape. After 23 years of fitting people's backs, Wayne has found that his stay shape fits the vast majority of his customers when they are in the correct frame size. Usually, when someone has a problem, it means they are in the wrong size pack, not that the stay shape needs to be changed. Remember, most manufacturers advocate stay bending because they only make packs in one size. Of course the shape changes between various torso lengths and therefore the stay will need to be modified, which is frequently anything but exact. Over the years, Wayne found that when his customers stopped by his small shop to discuss fit issues, and specifically the stays' shape, they had bent them to a point that would make a chiropractor cringe. This is what sent him on his 23 year quest to develop the ideal stay shapes.”

“Good buy at STP.”

“Many previous threads on this m&m. If you are looking for comfort, you can't do any better than Dana Design. EMS has them. Campmor sometimes has them (and sometimes has great deals only at the store). I have a Bridger and a Terraplane. The hipbelt on the Terraplane is just awesome. I have never felt a more comfortable hipbelt. Bad news; however, comfort comes with a price tag.

Go get fitted. Bring your gear in stuff sacks (the best), or get the shop to weight it. Walk around in it. Walk up and down stairs with it. See if you can rent first.”

“I rented out my external first before buying that one,
the EMS one was given to me.
Can you really get away with not getting the stays bent? - in that case I will go thru the internet.”

“I bought the Arc'teryx Kamsin (sp?). Great pack, wonderful hip belt! I think it's about 4,500 ci and it has a convertable lid with a slot for a hydration bag. REI outlet has been having them and larger packs on and off for the last few months.”

“You know, your right, m&m. I hadn't really thought about that problem. I don't know if they'll bend the stays for renting or even just for trying on. And that is an important fit factor. You can always ask if they have demo models.

IMHO you cannot go wrong with the Terraplane. Northern Mountain Supply (the net) usually has very good deals. You will have to find a local shop that will bend the stays to fit.

I had a difficult time at one of my local shops when I bought my Bridger. I finally convinced them that I was putting their kids (and most of the sales people) through college and that they should not only fit me, as a valued customer, but probably should be sending me Christmas cards as well.

The stay fitting is a very good question. You can only ask. Good luck.”

“Personally, I go for simplicity. No adjustable frame, a pack sold in sizes. My Karrimor has been going strong for over 20 years. Also, I prefer a top loader as I cannot trust load-bearing zippers.

Kleetn's Sierra Trading Post link and Berghaus pack would be ideal for me and very similar to what I have now. I've seen a lot of Berhaus gear and it's all been excellent. I have also had nothing but excellent service from Sierra Trading Post. Just my 2 cents' worth.”

“I got my Gregory off the internet and thought I did well at something like 20% off retail. About a month later I found it significantly cheaper at Ramsey.”

“ok - thanks guys - printing this out, bringing all my brochures - going to Campmor tomorrow

Thanks”