Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#191767 - 09/01/15 07:57 PM Need help selecting a backpack
kandre Offline
newbie

Registered: 09/01/15
Posts: 2
Hi there,

I am looking for a backpack that I can use for a number of different activities. I am located in Calgary, Alberta, so I have access to the Rockies, most of my use will be for overnight trips however I want something that I can use on longer trips as well such as the Skyline trail in Jasper.

I am also looking at going ski touring and backcountry skiing in the near future so a backpack that would work for that as well would be awesome but is entirely optional.

I currently have tried on the Gregory Z65 and I thought it was fantastic, right now I am just looking for some other possibilities.

I am 19, 5'10" and physically fit if that is at all relevant.

Thank you!


Edited by kandre (09/01/15 08:09 PM)

Top
#191771 - 09/01/15 09:00 PM Re: Need help selecting a backpack [Re: kandre]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Check the articles on the home page of this site, left hand column. There are several on the selection and fitting of backpacks.

It's best to get the rest of your gear first and take it with you when shopping for a backpack. Be sure to include the approximate weight/volume of a week's food (or the longest period you expect to be out) plus a day's water.

The most important aspects of a pack are fit, fit and fit. The pack must fit your body (the important measure is torso length, not weight, height, or age), fit your gear, and be comfortable for you with your gear packed inside. Pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit.

For what you want, you need a pack that can be compressed to fit a smaller load than what you'd take for, say, winter outings. However, it's more likely that you'll end up being more satisfied with two packs, one for your summer load and the other for winter.

There are many lighter weight options, still supportive, than the brand you've mentioned.

At the top of this Backcountry Beginners section is a very useful "sticky" post from phat, one of our longtime members who lives in Edmonton and therefore encounters the same conditions you'll be facing.


Edited by OregonMouse (09/01/15 09:02 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#191772 - 09/01/15 10:35 PM Re: Need help selecting a backpack [Re: OregonMouse]
kandre Offline
newbie

Registered: 09/01/15
Posts: 2
I thought that would be the case, two separate bags is probably how it will workout then.

I'm not really sure where to start looking for packs other than at the local MEC, so all brands I really know come from there or are Osprey, can you suggest something else to look at? Obviously I will go to try one on at a brick and mortar but I'm mostly just looking for a direction to go in.

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 170 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum