Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
Instead of a couple of gallons of water, take your gear, including food and water for a typical trip.


Better idea!

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
One thing: if you spend a couple of hours loading gear into and out of packs, and find one you like: buy it at that store, don't go home and order it online just to save $5 or $10 in sales tax. Treat the local vendor (whether it's a small independent or a big-box like REI) the way you'd want to be treated.


X2! Doing right by your neighborhood shops buys you allies!

Also, is this a permanent move to a new pack, or are you just gearing up for one 3-7 night trip as your first paragraph indicates?
If the latter, rental is the most economic option. No sense in splurging 200 bucks for a one-trip rig.
If the former, make sure it's a product you're happy to live with (and out of).


Edited by Robotmoose (05/01/13 08:21 AM)
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