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#109967 - 01/23/09 07:59 PM Backpack Help!!!
NightForce Offline
member

Registered: 01/19/09
Posts: 41
Loc: MD, USA
I've now been looking for a decent (being the key word) day/weekend pack. I've been looking at the Kelty Redwing 2650 or the JanSport Air Odyssey II. Not sure on torso size etc., I'm 5'10' 185#±. I'm a pocket/gadget kinda guy and tend to pack more than I need. I'm also looking for something that is grab and go so it would be packed for quick access, i.e. last minute holiday for a day boating trip, etc.

I don't even know the "big names" for this type of gear so some guidance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

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#109970 - 01/23/09 08:34 PM Re: Backpack Help!!! [Re: NightForce]
sabre11004 Offline
member

Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 513
Loc: Tennessee
Not that it is a great place to shop but Amazon has every pack that you could imagine. You can go through what they have and then go to an outfitter and try it on for size. If you like it, you can always go back to Amazon and order it. Amazon should also save you a little money compared to your average gear store..I will guess here but I think that Amazon has over 500 packs to chose from. Also, you may want to look at the ones in particular that have "reviews" from previous customers to sort of get a feel for what they thought after actually purchasing the pack...Hope that will help you out....sabre11004...

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there !!!!!
_________________________
The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there 1!!!!!

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#109981 - 01/24/09 12:44 AM Re: Backpack Help!!! [Re: NightForce]
MattnID Offline
member

Registered: 06/02/07
Posts: 317
Loc: Idaho
Well, I own a Kelty Redwing 3100 and I like it for short trips most of the time. Used to be my main pack for a short while. It fits well for me and I'm 5' 7". You should however take just a few hours and store hop to try a few on to make sure they fit okay before you go and actually buy the thing.

Other than that, not knowing exactly how much you "overpack," that's the best I can throw at you at the moment.
_________________________
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.-Aristotle

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#109984 - 01/24/09 01:38 AM Re: Backpack Help!!! [Re: NightForce]
Wolfeye Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/07
Posts: 413
Loc: Seattle, WA
Small packs with pockets huh? The two manufacturers that come to mind are REI and ULA. The REI pack I'm thinking of was called the Flash, and it might still be around. ULA makes a number of packs, and they all can have waistbelt pockets and plenty of external mesh pockets: http://www.ula-equipment.com/index.htm

If you ever need something waterproof, you might look up these: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/browse/Storage%20Systems/Back%20Sacks.html

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#109986 - 01/24/09 01:48 AM Re: Backpack Help!!! [Re: MattnID]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Go to a good local hiking/climbing gear store if you can find one, or to the nearest REI or EMS, get properly fitted and try on a lot of different packs with 25-30 lbs. weight in them. If nothing else, this will teach you how to fit a pack, what size you need and just how a comfortable pack will feel. Don't order by mail/internet until you have done this. If you don't buy a pack at the store (and you may want to consider your purchase before doing so), then buy a little something to help reimburse the store for their time. (At least your conscience will feel better.)

One problem with a pack that's bigger than what you need is that it does tempt you to take a bunch of extra stuff, which adds to the pack weight. Also, for most packs, it's hard to have a pack load properly balanced when it's under-filled, although a good network of compression straps can remedy this problem.

Go to the home page of this website (see "TLB Home" to the left) for articles on shopping for a pack (lefthand column) and many other important backpacking advice.

While REI is liable to try to sell you a 6-7 lb. pack (don't succumb!), their info on pack fitting on their website is excellent:
Finding your torso and hip size
Adjusting the pack

Assuming you aren't ready to go lightweight at this point, look at Osprey packs. They are pricey but, for many people, extremely comfortable. I almost bought one myself, but wanted a lighter pack. (Osprey has come out with a couple of lighter models this year, under 3 lbs.--if they'd had them three years ago, I'd have bought one.) My son has an Osprey Aether 85--he's a surfer so carries his wet suit (very heavy when wet) plus acting as a Sherpa for his kids, so he needs a large, very supportive pack. However, pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit--get what works for you.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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