backpack suggestions

[indiedog]

My input here may be totally useless as our product availability is different to yours. However here are my thoughts.

First determine the capacity range you need. If you are going to be in tight scrubby country you don't want anything hanging off your pack. It should all be inside so as not to get caught up. IMHO, anything above "daypack" size MUST have a good waist harness. A few hours of load on your shoulders will confirm this. Sounds to me like around 50 litres is what you want. (I think it's around 64ci to a litre) So the next and most important thing is the harness. If the store won't load the pack up for you and help you fit it correctly, then they aren't serious about selling packs. It's always impressive what you can learn from someone who knows their stuff in a good store.

One Planet are an aussie maker and the harness is the absolute best I have ever used. Lots of adjustment and shaped to fit. I've had the Strezlecki for several years and taken it from local hikes to Nepal and back and it's still like new. If they don't have them over there, just fly over here and pick one up!

[James86004]

Fascinating info here. I still use my 15 year old Mountainsmith Bugaboo. It is really comfortable for me, but it is pretty much a one compartment pack. The newer packs have definitely progressed in the load organization department. I went into a couple of stores looking at new ones, and if anything, selecting a pack has gotten way more complicated.

[lamontagne]

you could head down to your local small retailer and get it there. Not a better or worse option, just another option. Nothing wrong with supporting the local dealer!

I've driven to Prescott on multiple occations to buy things REI doesn't carry.

I'm a buyer for a very large outdoor store. We sell packs from Osprey, Gregory, Arc'teryx, Kelty, Mountainsmith, Dueter, and The North Face.

My personal preference (after 12 years of using their entire line) are the Arc'teryx packs. I just picked up an Arro 22 as my new day hauler and that thing is Defender 110 tough.

If you work at/for the store I'm thinking of, why dont you stock more Arc'teryx packs? It took me forever to find a Bora 65 (mens, medium) and I am looking for a daypack now too because I love that pack so much.

To the OP, have you tried on an Arc'teryx?

If you do, you wont look back!

[zukrider]

gregory z series. 35 or 55 are good packs. i have recently been eyeing the noth face terra 60 as well. good luck in the search, but, if you find one you love, buy 2 cause youll never find it again.

$.02

[Mr. Leary]

Having good luck with my new Whitney 95. A little big for short trips, however.

[hillbillyjake]

i have a red wing 3100. i've had probably #20 in it and find it comfortable. but, it fits me well which i think is the key. also, i bought this pack at cabelas about 2 months ago for $30. so even if doesn't work for me i'm not out much. good luck with your search

[roamingaz]

So far I have settled on a Badlands 2200 , though expensive they have the best warrenty and can haul alot of weight if needed.
I will pack it up and see if it holds all my gear and still be comfortable.