Ok,
So I've been narrowing my search down to used to save money( I figure/hope if I tried the same brand packs in the shops this will work out OK)...Been wondering, how much is a one-two year used pack worth on the market?.

Happily I've figured out more of what I want:

- Something lighter ( my pack that I'm using ( windypass North face) seems to weight 5 lbs according to online sources) So a pack that weights no more then 3 lbs would be nice.

- Something with decent pockets( I love the waist strap pockets and organization. I don't really care for carting about a tall sack that needs to be emptied to find something.

- Possibly a smaller pack. If I have more pockets,my pack size can easily go down.

- If the used pack really doesn't work out, hopefully I can resell it without losing funds because it's already used.

- Something in the range of 35-50 liters. I was told my current pack is 50 liters.

Your thread title appears to be asking the cost of such a used pack. The only good answer is: it will vary considerably, depending on what the pack cost when new, how much it has been used, and the current owner's idea of what the pack "should" cost.

Just keep your eye on the 'For Sale Forum' on this site, on ebay and Craigslist and similar resources for used gear. You'll certainly find something out there for you.

Yes, except it really helps to know prices when shopping for used items. For instance, if you don't know/have a clear price range set it's very easy to get ripped off on ebay.

The problem is that a fair price could be anywhere from $5 to $200. It depends on what pack you are looking at. What you are asking is like asking how much is a used car worth. An abused beater could be worth $100 and a used Mercedes could be worth $15,000.

I would check discount web sites first before buying used. For example, Sierra Trading Post. Also, every web dealer (see the sponsors on this site- left side of screen) have lots of sales. My impression is that people usually want too much for used gear. I just got a Kelty pack (I only wanted the frame) at the REI garage sale for $20. I also would not buy a used pack without seeing it, touching it and trying it on.

When I want a pack, used, I just look at the retail, and then see if the one I find used is discounted to a point I like. If I'm shopping for new, I use a sight called spadeout.com to find and compare prices. If you just want something lighter, I'm seeing women's GoLite packs on closeout everywhere online.

A rule of thumb I have used for buying anything from the internet is 30% for new items. This applies to camera gear, scuba gear, computers, and now hiking gear. If I can't get 30% below the local dealers prices, I will buy local and watch for their sales, hopefully 20-25% off. I would think used should start at 50% off for something that is basically in new condition and go down from there.

I think Scotty's estimate is pretty accurate. Used gear-half or less is my benchmark.

Prices tend to be less on Craigslist than what things sell for on eBay. Auctions often drive the price up when someone really wants something. I've seen things sell for more than retail, which makes no sense at all. I let someone know that one time-they had no idea they'd paid too much because they were in Europe.

I saw a company selling brand name sleeping bags for way above retail, so be sure to check the manufacturer's site before bidding on anything.

Check out Craigslist Reader-it is a free program that will search every Craigslist city on the planet for you or just the ones you want. I've found several things that way, including a nearly new pair of ski boots at about 1/3 retail, including shipping. Craigslist warns about dealing with out of town buyers because of scams, but if you are upfront about what you are doing and pay promptly with PayPal like I have done, people are less suspicious.

Check the classifieds here, if you've belonged long enough to post there. Members often sell gear they don't need or want for one reason or another.

btw, a $15K Mercedes is a beater in many cases.