I have been thinking of getting a new pack even though my current one is just fine. I think its in part that the snow is melting up here in northern Maine and I'm using the internet way to much right now:P But anyhow, could I better this pack for 150-175ish. Need about the same size maybe a little smaller. I probably will keep the Skyline, but just wanted to hear what is out there now and what people thought of it.

-Nick

Not sure what's available in that price range that would be a similar size. How much weight do you typically carry? Do you currently fill the pack every trip, or would a smaller volume (say, 60 liters) work just as well?

A quick check found these on REI outlet:

http://www.rei.com/product/782944
http://www.rei.com/product/797929
http://www.rei.com/product/812249
http://www.rei.com/product/812762

All fit your price range, and are similar in volume, but I don't know if they fit your torso size, style, weight-bearing, and features requirements. The good thing is that REI is great about letting you return stuff if it doesn't fit right - and, as you know, fit is the primary consideration in finding a pack.

Trower, 35years ago when I started Hiking,Dad and I had Wilderness Experience packs. Wilderness Experience as I was always told, Became Lowe? I can tell you this the Wilderness Experience Packs and also a couple years later Lowe Syn Sleeping bag stood the test of time! I have since looked at a few Lowe Packs but when I see the posted weight,I turn the other way. I am sure it is still very durable mountaineering Gear! I have yet to find any ultralight? I am curious to try the Granite Gear Blaze AC 60! Not Ultralight but Light I would say?

Kent, Yes, my recollection also that Wilderness Experience was bought out and merged, and Lowe sounds familiar. Long time ago, though, I think. But for the record, I have a Lowe "Contour Mountain", 970 grams (just under two pounds) that I csrried from Georgia to Main a few years ago, plus probably at least another thousand km, and it's still in "like new" shape. At the time I bought it (probably around 1996 or 98, I think) it was one of the popular light-weight packs mentioned in discussions on this board (which was why I bought it). Weight is still not bad. Don't use it anymore because I went to Ron Bell (MLD -- I really like his work, his savey with fabrics and his designs), and had him make me one that would hold my gear for a 500 grams less. (Since the Lowe is still in good shape, I guess that makes me officially a "gram weenie" Best, jcp

Hey thanks for the insights guys. That Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 really intrigues me! I mostly have the pack I do now, as I got it cheep, its crazy durable, fits me well, and is big enough for extended trips. I was just curious as to what people think of this style pack, aka how disliked it was.

I think this year I will probably just use the Lowe and maybe get the Blaze AC next year

If the pack works for you, and it seems that it does, all the opinions of others aren't worth a plugged nickel...