Hi everyone, I am new to backpacking and especially going for long trips. I am planning a 3-4 days trip. Can you give me some suggestions for a good backpack please? I searched for some in the net but man there is an ocean of them..... I am very confused!! Please help.... thank you so much, Rajeev.
This REI website has some good articles. As noted in the article, start with determining the size based on number of nights you'll usually spend out. Then allot some time to go try some on (filled with weight). Don't be shy about wearing the weighted pack for 10-15 min and walking around the store (up and down stairs if they have them). Comfort first! Features and style second. Also don't be afraid to spend money on the right pack.
2 years ago I upgraded my 20 year old Mountainsmith Frostfire to an REI Mars pack and I've been very happy with it. New packs are much more comfortable and loaded with nice conveniences...
Assuming that you have access to an REI or EMS, it's worth a drive - even with $4 gas - to go in and get fitted before buying. I agree with Scott's priorities - comfort and fit come first. You can get around a bag not having zippered pockets or water-bottle holsters, but if your bag is digging into your shoulders and hips 2 days into a 4-day trip, that's trouble. In addition to helping select the right model for you, the folks at REI / EMS can help get the harness system adjusted to suit your specific build.
For the money, it's almost impossible to beat the REI packs. I've had a couple - very comfortable, very well built, economical, and I think they're more functional than most.
I'll third the suggestion to get properly fitted for a pack. The two pieces of gear that will ruin a backpacking trip the quickest are ill fitting packs or boots. Though you didn't ask, I highly recommend that you splurge for a pair of boots that fit comfortably and offer enough support.
As for packs, I used to be a Dana Designs guy until he started Works @ Mystery Ranch. Hands down the most comfortable and durable pack I've worn. I've used Lowe Alpine, Osprey, Dana Design, and REI for backpacking. They are not cheap but you do get what you pay for with them. The other cool thing is that they can do some minor customizing, like adding a tripod holder.
I liked my Dana - but it was a monster. The more I could cram into it, of course, the heavier it got.
The most comfortable pack is a light pack.
I really like the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, and its cousin, the Alpine Vapor. Light, comfy, and limits you to the essentials. I sold all my other big packs and use this one exclusively now.
Another vote for trying before you buy.
I'm a big fan of Osprey brand packs because they're lightweight, rugged and their headquarters are here in my town.
Posted by bill meikle on June 22, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I have an REI pack and love it and I second the advice above, get the right size! Its better in my opinion to get the right pack and then modify it to hold your camera gear or whatever than to buy a camera pack and try to make it flexible in its use.
Also keep in mind that when determining pack size based on number of nights out, we photographers typically carry a little more weight and bulk than the non-photog backpacker, so make sure to buy one with enough room for how many nights out you want to spend, plus some extra room for your gear.
Scott, Bret, John, Bill, Jay, Rick and Todd you guys are awesome!! Thank you so much for the helpful info. I surely have access to a REI store... I will go and try them on... Rick you are right about $4 gas price and how it is holding me back from a lot of things.... thanks again.... I appreciate your replies... regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Scott Borger on June 22, 2008 at 11:33 PM
In my opinion, Osprey makes the most comfortable packs around (with the exception of custom built packs like McHale). However, they cost a bit more. Keep in mind that the comfort level of a pack also depends on how you distribute the weight and how you cinch down the many straps. The size will depend more on what you bring than how many days you'll be gone. If you plan on bringing a sleeping bag, I highly recommend getting a pack with a separate zipper for the sleeping bag compartment (on the bottom of the bag). It will save you the hassle of emptying the contents of you bag when you're looking for something inside. If you can only buy one bag, buy one that is a little bit big (with respect to volume, not size). You can always cinch down the extra material if you need to.
Like Scott, I've used a Mountainsmith Frostfire for the last 15 years. I have the big one, 7200cuin or 120 liters. Great for hauling tons of stuff, but no dividers, no organization and not so great when not full. It did serve me well for many year though and for me it fit well and was comforatble.
My wife bought me an 80L Gregory Palisade for Christmas. I've now completed 2 trips with it and I hope to have many more by the end of summer. The first was a winter overnight with the 4X5, its related gear, 35mm digital body for metering and trail snapshots and winter gear. Luckily my dad went with me and hauled the tent and cookset in his sled. We were able to travel about 2.5 miles before we lost the trail in wrecker deep snow. The pack passed with flying colors. I returned home from my second trip with this pack, an overnighter to Macey Lakes this afternoon. This trip was a solo one, so I had tent sleeping bag/pad, cookset and camera gear (and fly fishing gear). Without the 4X5 gear, the pack would have been about 45 pounds. It was 8 miles and 2500 vertical feet from Horn Creek trailhead to Macey Lake. In both cases the pack weighed 65 pounds, and in both cases it was comfortable for a pack of that weight. I had no bruising and no discomfort related to the pack fit.
As for pack size, it depends on alot of factors. As a photographer, you'll be carrying extra gear and extra weight compared to a normal backpacker. For a 3-4day capacity, I'd suggest you look at a 75-90 liter pack with a frame capable of supporting a 65 pound load. Then try to keep your other gear as light and small as possible. I'd also suggest that you get fitted and try the packs on with weight. It should be more than you need if shooting 35mm, and there is a slight weight penalty with a pack of that level, but its worth it to have the flexibility and comfort.
I'd strongly suggest choosing a pack that has some sort of side or top panel loading zipper so that you can easily access the entire contents of the pack. As opposed to a top loader where you have to dig through from the top. This eliminates constant frustration, as the thing you're looking for is inevitably hidden deep in the pack.
Also, look for a pack where the shoulder straps (not the pads but the actual weight-bearing straps) attach to the frame as high as possible above the shoulders. This helps distribute the weight and keeps the pack from pulling backwards off your back.
Jack's got some more good points. Most of the newer pack designs like my Palisade or the Osprey Argon have zippers that allow you to reach the interior of the pack without opening the top. Its a small thing, but a big improvement on my old pack.
You guys are awesome!!! Mel, Jack and Scott....advice from you are greatly appreciated, I know you all are pros of highcountry backpacking... thank you very much. I will be off from work tomorrow and will be visiting REI store for some idea keeping in mind the things you have mentioned above... thanks again, Rajeev
Posted by Kalin Wilson on June 23, 2008 at 3:27 PM
I'll second the Osprey recommendation. I bought a Gregory Palisade off ebay but I didn't like the way it rode on my hips, didn't have the support I wanted. I ended up going to an Osprey Cresent and really like the custom hip pads, and the way it carries a load. Access to all of the compartments is great too.
It really pays to get to RIE or somewhere that you can see the packs, try them on with a load, etc. But loading with sand bags in a store is still no substitute for what your actual load will be.
All of the suggestions so far are great. Price is always a factor, but in the end I decided my back was worth the extra $$ for the Osprey. That's not to say other packs won't suit you well, just be careful about compromising, it can make a long hike miserable.
Also, like others have said, reserve 15-30lbs for camera gear depending on your outfit.
Good luck and have fun!
Another Osprey vote here. I'm still using my 17 year old Osprey. It's holding up amazingly well. I look forward to trying to new custom molding someday soon.
If you can swing the $$, I'd certainly consider the custom McHale pack.
Jesse and Kalin, thank you for your time and suggestions. Kalin... I just saw your website...your trip reports are inspiring. Jesse... I am a big fan of your work and meaningful tips....regards, Rajeev.
Discussion
16 replies2 years ago I upgraded my 20 year old Mountainsmith Frostfire to an REI Mars pack and I've been very happy with it. New packs are much more comfortable and loaded with nice conveniences...
For the money, it's almost impossible to beat the REI packs. I've had a couple - very comfortable, very well built, economical, and I think they're more functional than most.
As for packs, I used to be a Dana Designs guy until he started Works @ Mystery Ranch. Hands down the most comfortable and durable pack I've worn. I've used Lowe Alpine, Osprey, Dana Design, and REI for backpacking. They are not cheap but you do get what you pay for with them. The other cool thing is that they can do some minor customizing, like adding a tripod holder.
The most comfortable pack is a light pack.
I really like the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, and its cousin, the Alpine Vapor. Light, comfy, and limits you to the essentials. I sold all my other big packs and use this one exclusively now.
I'm a big fan of Osprey brand packs because they're lightweight, rugged and their headquarters are here in my town.
My wife bought me an 80L Gregory Palisade for Christmas. I've now completed 2 trips with it and I hope to have many more by the end of summer. The first was a winter overnight with the 4X5, its related gear, 35mm digital body for metering and trail snapshots and winter gear. Luckily my dad went with me and hauled the tent and cookset in his sled. We were able to travel about 2.5 miles before we lost the trail in wrecker deep snow. The pack passed with flying colors. I returned home from my second trip with this pack, an overnighter to Macey Lakes this afternoon. This trip was a solo one, so I had tent sleeping bag/pad, cookset and camera gear (and fly fishing gear). Without the 4X5 gear, the pack would have been about 45 pounds. It was 8 miles and 2500 vertical feet from Horn Creek trailhead to Macey Lake. In both cases the pack weighed 65 pounds, and in both cases it was comfortable for a pack of that weight. I had no bruising and no discomfort related to the pack fit.
As for pack size, it depends on alot of factors. As a photographer, you'll be carrying extra gear and extra weight compared to a normal backpacker. For a 3-4day capacity, I'd suggest you look at a 75-90 liter pack with a frame capable of supporting a 65 pound load. Then try to keep your other gear as light and small as possible. I'd also suggest that you get fitted and try the packs on with weight. It should be more than you need if shooting 35mm, and there is a slight weight penalty with a pack of that level, but its worth it to have the flexibility and comfort.
Mel-
Also, look for a pack where the shoulder straps (not the pads but the actual weight-bearing straps) attach to the frame as high as possible above the shoulders. This helps distribute the weight and keeps the pack from pulling backwards off your back.
It really pays to get to RIE or somewhere that you can see the packs, try them on with a load, etc. But loading with sand bags in a store is still no substitute for what your actual load will be.
All of the suggestions so far are great. Price is always a factor, but in the end I decided my back was worth the extra $$ for the Osprey. That's not to say other packs won't suit you well, just be careful about compromising, it can make a long hike miserable.
Also, like others have said, reserve 15-30lbs for camera gear depending on your outfit.
Good luck and have fun!
If you can swing the $$, I'd certainly consider the custom McHale pack.