1-3 Day Backpack Recommendations

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KnifeFury

Joined
Sep 21, 2006
Messages
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I wanted to see if I could get some advice here. I currently have a Northface daypack, not sure on the volume (size) exactly but I know with two young boys it is not large enough to carry all the gear even on a day hike! So of course I was looking for something bigger!

I have seen a lot of folks discussing Maxpedition on the forum here but am not sure where you can see them in person (I checked the website and there was nowhere close), of course there are REI’s everywhere to check out the Northface gear.

Based on some websearching, I am interested in checking out the below:
(1) Northface - Solaris 40
(2) Northface - Skareb 40
(3) Maxpedition - CONDOR-II
(4) Maxpedition - VULTURE-II
(5) SPEC OPS - T.H.E.® PACK

Does anyone have any experience / reviews of any of these?
Any other recommendations besides these?

Thanks for the help.
 
I have the Vulture II and the Original Condor.
Condor I was a decent pack. It was made sturdy and could hold a lot of weight without buckling, it had an organizer in the front pocket, and it was cool to look at. It's Molle straps were not so well thought out and the hydration pouch was a pain the arse to open, I think I only opened it once.

Vulture II is what I would call a step up. It has a well thought out hydration pouch with a sealable hole at the top for hydration hoses. The front pocket has a diagonal zipper and it can carry a decent amount. The second pocket has an organizer in it and its carrying capacity is greater, the third pocket has the greatest capacity with a zippered pouch. The pack has much better thought out and more molle straps which i was able to mount knife sheaths, items that require three columns of straps, and a multitude of other items. The back of the pack is padded, the shoulder straps are well thought out, the kidney pads/straps are comfortable and work, but there is no pack frame (internal or external).

Overall its a good pack, just not that great for long marches/hikes (that exceed 12 hours) due to not having a frame.

Have you looked into " bugout gear" backpacks by sandpiper http://www.pipergear.com/
I've used the long range bugout bag for a few years. It will hold everything you need to bugout with for an extended period of time. It has a great front pocket organizer, with many built in small pockets on the inside and out that hold a multitude of gear, and has a good hydration pocket. The shoulder straps are good, the kidney pad/straps is so/so, internal frame is good, and the molle straps while limited are top notch.

On any of these packs look for a different place to buy them then the maker's website
 
Thanks Sapper76. Interesting comments on the Frames, since I have never owned one with a frame. Before I pick one I might have to try to find a place to try one on.
 
Love my THE Pack. My only grumble was the placement of the sternum strap- such a big down side. :P It took about three seconds with the seam ripper to open up the ends of the straps, unthread them from the buckles, and move them down. :)
 
If you've only used sporting packs before, I'd urge you try on some of those military style packs before you seriously consider them. While the organizational and modular capabilities are wonderful, you may be surprised by the weight and comfort disadvantages versus a good civilian sporting-style pack. You might find some of those military style packs to try on at a local police supply store. For myself, I've found a good civilian pack works best for most civilian uses.
 
Joe Talmadge said:
If you've only used sporting packs before, I'd urge you try on some of those military style packs before you seriously consider them. While the organizational and modular capabilities are wonderful, you may be surprised by the weight and comfort disadvantages versus a good civilian sporting-style pack. You might find some of those military style packs to try on at a local police supply store. For myself, I've found a good civilian pack works best for most civilian uses.
Click to expand...

Just curious, by civilian, what brands are you leaning towards?

I am hesitant to buy anything without trying it on. I'll have to try REI and some other local sporting good stores to look at more of the sport backs, but I do like the idea of the molle straps to aid in flexibility of hanging things from the pack.

The Maxpedition website has a retail store locator but the only close store it lists, I am not sure exists anymore (cannot find it in yahoo maps nor does the address make any sense).
 
I got a Deuter from SierraTradingPost.com for $65. I has a metal frame which holds the pack away from my back for cool comfort. ;)

I think I got my $65 worth.

Look for something in the 30L to 40L range. Bigger and they are too heavy for comfort for most people (dedicated hikers won't flinch at 50 pounds but, weekend warriors are hard pressed to carry 35 all day). Look for an Internal frame to keep the hard gear from digging into your back.
 
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