Another backpack question or two....

longbow50

longbow50

Joined
Jul 12, 2002
Messages
3,291
OK, now that I got the boots outta the way, I'm going to be doing my homework on backpacks and whether or not I want to go a bit heavier and larger, or if I want to go with less bulk.

I want to replace my current largest pack, which is my avatar, a German mountain ranger backpack, which runs around 2200ci, according to the measurements of mine packed, ready to go.

The reason is that I now have a tent and unfortunately it won't fit into the pack. I could probably strap it outside with the pad, but is this something I really want to do?

So.... long thread made shorter, my first decision is whether to carry an internal framed pack, or an external framed pack. I've done some reading on the subject and the internal framed pack was said to be best for off trail movement, because it holds the gear closer to the body and an external framed pack carries better and is best used on trails. Since I'm likely to leave a main trail and follow a trail left by the local resident deer and other critters, I have thought that the internal framed pack would be best, but second thoughts that I've got a tricky lower back enters into it, so I thought that maybe sticking to the trails and the external would be best.

On the other hand, maybe I should go with less weight and bulk. Stuffing fewer items into my current pack, or even going smaller and keeping the weight to 15-20# or so.

How bout some help here. Do you have experience with both types of packs? Do you have a preference in styles? Do you prefer to go the less weight and bulk route? Any and all replies welcome and thanks for your help and recommendations here.

Bill
 
Google "ultralight or lightweight backpacking", and you will come up with lots of resources for lots of different kinds of gear. If you want to go hardcore ultralight, you can find a pack, sleeping bag, tent, and ground pad with a total weight of 12 pounds! I'm a travel light and fast kind of guy myself. Be carefull though, you are headed into tree hugger territory.......

I have friends who won't use any pack that doesn't have an external frame...because they don't like having a sweaty back...
 
I have used both and internal is def. the way to go. It seems to fit better on my back and doesnt feel like I have some sort of big shell on my back. You can probably go to your local store and try a few on just to get a feel for them.

I would recommend looking at gregory,mountainsmith, or Arcteryx packs I have used them all and loved each one. One thing to consider is the packs weight most people dont bother to look but all the extra bells and whistles that come with packs add up the pounds.
 
I would vote for osprey packs. They mostly have internal frames and come in all sizes. They are fairly light packs but are still durable. The atmos line has tent straps on the outside of the pack is is 2300 cc. That sounds like what your looking for.
 
Buy the December issue of Backpacker magazine. They have several articles on going lighter, and a couple of packs recommended.

Codger
 
Go with something you can count on in hard use. None of the light loafer gear is durable when TSHTF. That said there is quality lighter stuff.

Skam
 
you could probably go with a internal frame pack that's a little bigger than what you have now that would weigh 4 lbs, maybe less, and probably carry the weight a little better (more on the hips). go to a store where you can try one on with some weighted pillows in it and see how it feels. osprey aether is a good model to check out.
 
Thanks all for your responses. I'll take a look at the Backpackers mag, as well as hit the REI down the road from us and try a bunch of them on. Make a list and get the reviews read. That should give me a good idea of what features I'll want the pack to have.

If I can keep the weight of the pack down to 3#, that'd put pack, bag (3#) and tent (4.25#) at under 11# and adding everything else that I'll be carrying, weight will be just over 26#.
 
If you want a great, solid pack, look at Kifaru. I have a Siwash and it's great. If you want ultralight, see Golite.com I have and used to use a Granite Gear Vapor Trail. It's ultralight and a good pack, but my heavier Kifaru is far more comfortable in the 30 lb. range, which is where I find myself for longer trips. What I'm saying is that a heavier pack can sometimes be less tiring and easier to carry than a lighter one. I used the word "ultralight" a little loosely. REAL ultralight is in the 6 lb. range, fully loaded. I have a friend who did the entire PCT (2650 miles) with 6 lbs. He was out for 98 days with just that and food resupply every 5-6 days. He did this at 54 yrs old. I'm not into that kind of backpacking. I need 25 to 30 lbs and with fishing gear or enough ammo, never need to resupply. Not a tree-hugger, I guess. Anyway, whatever you decide, keep in mind, you definitely get what you pay for.

For tents, Hilleberg is my strong recommendation. I prefer a "tunnel shape" tent, as it's better in windy conditions. Get double walled. Good luck, it's a fun and challenging journey,

Pete
 
A Tree Hugger Is A Person Who Likes And Tries To Preserve Trees. An 'anti' Is A Person Who Is Against Hunting. If You Mean You Have Something Against Trees, Then You Are Correct In Your Terminology.

Doc - A Tree Hugger!
 
I have an internal frame, and the only problems i run into are from bad packing. If you over-pack an internal frame, their shape will distort, ruining your trip unless you fix it. When packed correctly, they are quite comfortable. External frames have more places to attach stuff, but if you want everything to be on the inside, go with an internal. Just MAKE SURE its shape will still fit you once everything is in it.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
A Tree Hugger Is A Person Who Likes And Tries To Preserve Trees. An 'anti' Is A Person Who Is Against Hunting. If You Mean You Have Something Against Trees, Then You Are Correct In Your Terminology.

Doc - A Tree Hugger!
Click to expand...

Ditto on being a tree hugger Doc.........

Also a hunter, fisher and till the ground on occassion. Participation in Nature requires us to be mindful of it's condition and to preserve it the best that we can for the future generations.
 
longbow50 said:
Ditto on being a tree hugger Doc.........

Also a hunter, fisher and till the ground on occassion. Participation in Nature requires us to be mindful of it's condition and to preserve it the best that we can for the future generations.
Click to expand...

Well said, longbow.

Doc
 
If you fly, or use transport other than your own personal means, an external frame is very vulnerable to abuse.
 
Bumppo said:
If you fly, or use transport other than your own personal means, an external frame is very vulnerable to abuse.
Click to expand...

Good tip, thanks. Not that I've flown since they banned everything that I carry in my pockets.
 
You wanted opinions on packs and I gave mine. The more opinions you get, the more you can form your own idea as to what you want or need. As far as "tree-hugger" goes, that is slang in the circles that I frequent for an uninformed, anti-establishment pseudo-conservationist who is out of touch with the realities of nature and want to preserve nature from an emotional standpoint as opposed to an informed, scientific and biological point of view. I am as concerned with preserving our natural resources as anyone is. Responsible logging and forestry operations will secure our woodlands for future generations. Our National Forest system was constructed to provide a never ending resource of lumber as a measure in protecting our economy. The by-product and additional benefit is properly managed and vast natural areas for us all to enjoy and experience nature. Responsible wildlife management helps to guarantee the survival of wildlife populations for future generations. Cases in point, the grizzly bear, and the grey wolf. I threw in the "tree-hugger" comment, as the aforementioned type of "conservationist" is usually also anti-hunting. You guys are so focused on picking apart the verbage in someone's thread, that you sometimes forget to thank them for their input, which you requested. Good luck with the pack and with your backpacking adventures.

Pete
 
Well said AV8R. I love trees, nature, and clean air. But like AV8R said, we use the term "tree hugger" to differentiate between us and those who think with emotions and feel with their brain (when it comes to vegetation anyway).

It goes without saying that I don;t know those who termed themselves "tree huggers", but after reading many posts and just taking a wild-ash guess, I would think that, nature lovers that they are, they wouldn;t fit into my definition of a "tree hugger".

This of course is based on what I think the term means, so of course it varies with each of us.

You already know this Longbow, but anyway: If you get an external frame pack, you'll still be able to shoot off the trails, it just won;t be quite as comfortable. I know with my external frame, the bending and twisting done when we're not on a trail brings the frame into full view: it's uncomfortable. Not to mention it doesn;t hug the body well and can snag and snare on things.
 
AV8R said:
You wanted opinions on packs and I gave mine. The more opinions you get, the more you can form your own idea as to what you want or need. As far as "tree-hugger" goes, that is slang in the circles that I frequent for an uninformed, anti-establishment pseudo-conservationist who is out of touch with the realities of nature and want to preserve nature from an emotional standpoint as opposed to an informed, scientific and biological point of view. I am as concerned with preserving our natural resources as anyone is. Responsible logging and forestry operations will secure our woodlands for future generations. Our National Forest system was constructed to provide a never ending resource of lumber as a measure in protecting our economy. The by-product and additional benefit is properly managed and vast natural areas for us all to enjoy and experience nature. Responsible wildlife management helps to guarantee the survival of wildlife populations for future generations. Cases in point, the grizzly bear, and the grey wolf. I threw in the "tree-hugger" comment, as the aforementioned type of "conservationist" is usually also anti-hunting. You guys are so focused on picking apart the verbage in someone's thread, that you sometimes forget to thank them for their input, which you requested. Good luck with the pack and with your backpacking adventures.

Pete
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Very well said. I'm not focused on picking apart verbage in anybody's thread, I guess it's a sensitive issue for me because of long standing issues relating to trying to save a natural area from the greed-ridden goals of local developers. (after a 50 year fight [collectively] greed, once again, won out - a very recent outcome).

The area in question was a 1600 acre tract that ran for about 3 miles from the local escarpment to Lake Ontario. The unneeded (at the time) expressway effectively wiped out about 80 -90% of the natural area. Personally, it removed my harvesting areas of Indian Hemp, Wood Nettle, Jerusalem Artichoke, and a myriad of other things. The recent pictures I posted of various multi use wild plants were taken in what's left of the area.

For the record, I didn't request your input, but I'm happy for it. I apologize if you took my comments as a personal attack, it wasn't intended to be. That was not the first time that I took exception to the term, so in the future, I will try to sit on my hands when I see it used.

Doc - still a tree hugger.
 
I went on two major backpacking trips which were both 3 weeks long, and I loved my external frame pack, now of course we were mostly on the trail (I'm sure some of you will get at me for that). I was very pleased with my pack, some of my friends had their internal frame packs and they looked wobly and seemed to be less capable of tying stuff on the outside of them. I know the term is internal, but it helps sometimes to tie stuff outside of the pack. My external did just fine as I was able to tie lots of stuff that wouldn't have fit into my friends internal packs. Now if you are trying to pack light, I would go for a small internal, but you mentioned having a large tent on hand, so I thought I'd mention my external pack. Good luck choosing, J.
 
Ditto what Doc had to say. My statements here are for all those that read here, not just those involved in this, or any other thread that I have, or will post in. So, please do not take what I say as an attack. I appreciate every response, no matter if I agree with it or not, because this is a very diverse group of people and I think that even though we have differing ideals and temperament, I believe that the one thing that those here are pretty much together on, is the love of the outdoors and the related skills that are requred to live or survive there.
 
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