Need help buying new pack

Posted by: mvill

Need help buying new pack - 03/29/10 11:19 AM

I don't want to spend more than $70 and I will be going on 2-3 day hikes and I am 6'1" and about 200lb( male). I don't mind large packs but don't want to go over 80 liters. There is a Lowe ALPINE Kanga Himal SE 80+10 in new condition on craigslist for $70 or there are some on amazon called TETON fox 75+10 and the TETON scout 3400, also NEBO Sports Wilderness 60, and a
High Peak Kathmandu 70 + 10. Which would you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/High-Peak-Kathmand...4281&sr=8-1

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/spo/1663491776.html

http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Scout3400-I...4328&sr=8-1

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/NEBO-Sports-Wilderness-60-Backpack/3036381/product.html

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Fox-75-10-Mars-Red-Backpack/496056/product.html

Which one?
Posted by: ChrisFol

Re: Need help buying new pack - 03/29/10 11:30 AM

I have zero experience with any of those packs. However by your own criteria the Lowe Alpine Kanga Himel and Teton Fox should not be listed as they both exceed your 80L limit.

NB: Your hight and weight have little to do with pack sizing-- it is your torso length that will determine the pack size that you will need. There are lots of articles out there detailing how to fit a pack.
Posted by: lori

Re: Need help buying new pack - 03/29/10 11:31 AM

The only real criteria for any pack: it should fit you and hold all your gear while remaining comfortable. If at some point your gear has to include a bear canister that would be a good thing to test as well.

Have the outfitter measure you for the pack, and if the pack comes in your size range try it on with weight in it - ideally your gear but some places won't let you do this. Learn to adjust the pack properly (hip belt first, shoulder straps, then load lifters it the pack has them).

If you don't have all your gear yet... wait til you do. Nothing so miserable as trying to get all that nice new gear in a pack that is clearly not going to work.

Can't recommend any of those packs - brand doesn't matter in packs, really. What works for you is all that matters. I've never had or even seen any of those.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Need help buying new pack - 03/29/10 06:06 PM

If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles on gear selection listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. It's a good place to start for ideas on pack-fitting and selection, including how to measure that all-important torso length. Note--get someone else to measure your torso length for you; when I tried to do it myself I had up to 2 inches difference each time I tried! Please note that it's best to get the pack last, after you've acquired your other gear. That way you know your pack's volume will fit the gear you want to put into it and that the pack's suspension will support the weight you'll end up carrying.

Since we're all built differently, pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit. After you've bought a pack, load it up with your gear and the equivalent in weight/volume of several days food and hike several hours around the house (or around the neighborhood in good weather), taking care to keep the pack clean so you can return it if it doesn't work for you.

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to low-budget alternatives.
Posted by: Ambersdad

Re: Need help buying new pack - 03/30/10 06:33 AM

Some good advice here. After a 20 yr or so hiatus from backpacking, bought a backpack in Nov. I did a little bit of research online to get an idea of what I liked and what would hold my 0 degree winter bag.

Then I went to our local Backwoods and tried a couple to see how they fit. From that I made my selection and ordered the pack. I consider it my winter pack and will probably buy a little smaller and lighter one for summer use.