Another backpack question or two....

Don't apoligize for your statement AV8R,ask anyone who hunts what a Tree Hugger is and they will tell you it's an anti hunter.That is almost a universal term that denotes someone who is anti hunting.Perhaps some on here that are so sensitive would be better off calling themselves nature lovers or conservationists to avoid the confusion.
 
JCJR is right, no one should have to apologize for anything written here. I remember the first time I ever read or heard the term *tree hugger*. It was an employee of a logging company, refering to a small group of people that were trying to halt the clear cutting of an old growth Redwood forest many years ago. I had no clue that it refered to anti-hunters. Learn something new everyday and that's a good thing.
 
That's where the "tree hugger" term originated. Had nothing to do with hunting. They were physically protesting clear cut logging. Same mindset against hunting most of the time with these types. Anyway, guys, no apologies needed by any of us. As Longbow put it, we all have a common interest and that's why we're here. Put us all around a camp fire and we'd all get along just fine. Except, of course, the guy with the external frame backpack, because he'd still be back somewhere on the trail. Okay! Just kidding!

Pete
 
AV8R said:
Except, of course, the guy with the external frame backpack, because he'd still be back somewhere on the trail. Okay! Just kidding!

Pete
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Oh, it's on now! Me and my Jansport Ranier will be back on the trial picking up the internal frame packs that were cast aside from discomfort! ;)

Good posts folks, glad we can all get along so smoothly.
 
I like both internal and external frames. They both have their place.

I have like 4 difft backpacks (for trips) and depending on the weather and season I take one or the other.

If it is going to rain or snow I like to use one of my two external frames because I need to carry extra clothes and maybe an extra tarp If I'm hiking with a group so we have a communal congregating place.

If it is very warm, and there's a lot of water around I try to go with the smaller ones.

I hate having a too small pack on the other hand being FORCED into paring back stuff because your pack is small is a good thing, while the gear seems to expand to fill however large a pack you bring:eek:
 
Thanks for you input..

I went over to REI and spent 2 hours looking through their packs and taking up the time of their on duty pack guy. I tried on Gregory, Osprey, REI, Kelty (they didn't have a Moraine for me to see) and a couple of others that I didn't bother writing down and none of them fit me well at all. I'll return when someone else is on duty and maybe I'll have better luck. Actually, the only pack that I liked was the Kelty Redwing 3100, but I'm not sure that's it's enough pack for what I want to carry. Though stuffed with 25#, it sure felt good.
 
Longbow make sure to go to Mel Cotton's. They have a much better selection of x-frame back packs. I use both but for miles on the trail I much prefer an x-frame. It is much cooler and I think will take more weight. You are welcome to use my packs and give em a try.
 
2dogs said:
Longbow make sure to go to Mel Cotton's. They have a much better selection of x-frame back packs. I use both but for miles on the trail I much prefer an x-frame. It is much cooler and I think will take more weight. You are welcome to use my packs and give em a try.
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2dogs, thanks for your kind offer. Where is Mel Cottons? Is this online, or here on the central coast?
 
MC is in San Jose. OK maybe the address is Santa Clara I never know where the city limits are. IIRC it is on the corner of Race St and... dang I don't remember the cross. Maybe South Bascom. The phone book should tell you. Beware this could result in a significant use of plastic. :D
 
Longbow:

I love REI. But, couldn't use them for a pack. Nothing they offered really did it for me. On-line is really tough, too, because you can't try it on. Kifaru is good because they offer a money back, no questions asked 30 day deal. Even better, I absolutely believe that if something like a Siwash doesn't fit right for whatever reason, they will make it fit. There's adjustment everywhere and they can modify the frame. Downside is, it takes about 6 weeks to get the pack in the first place and if you need to go back and forth, it'll chew up time and shipping costs. 2 others to look at. Arcteryx is good stuff and a lot of people like them. Mystery Ranch (Dana Gleason) is a legend and they will definitely make you happy. My strong suggestion is to forget REI when it comes to packs and call Mystery Ranch for starters and just talk with the person for a while 100% up front about all your concerns. You could do the same with Kifaru and could even talk with Patrick Smith. He's a nice guy. And don't buy anything. Let it sit overnight and if you're still hot on it the next day, order one. Worst case scenario is you'll learn a few things about packs.

Pete
 
Thanks Pete, good advice and well appreciated. Unfortunately they are out of my budget.

Wanting to try on as many as I can, but unless the hired help can properly fit me, I'm outta luck until I find someone that can and for right now, REI is the only shop in the area that I can look to. Traveling out of our immediate area takes time and being the chief cook, baby sitter and bottle washer in our home these days, that's not something that I have a lot of. Not complaining because it's a joy most of the time. :D

Once I find a pack that will work, I will try and pick one up on sale, or one that is previously owned and litely used, but would prefer a new pack for the warranty or guarantees offered at time of sale.

Again, thanks for the suggestion.

Bill
 
I hear ya.....I'm in the same boat and like you said, it's a good thing......

Pete
 
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