Backpack recommendation

WLJ4163

WLJ4163

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Jun 9, 2006
Messages
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Can anyone recommend a lower priced, rugged backpack for one and two night trips with my sons? Also what company is reliable for the purchase?
Thanks, Bill
 
can you define "lower priced" a bit more please? Also, I take it you are looking for a true backpacking pack, ie something to handle >30lbs. How "tactical" do you want it to be or to look? Is color a big issue?
 
I don't own one but the Kelty Redwing 3100 seems to get really good reviews.
 
A Surplus Alice pack (medium is what I use) works well and is rugged. Kelty, Alps Mountaineering, Golite and others make some good packs for good money if you are looking for more of a backpacking pack.
 
+1 on the redwing 3100, the flow through side pockets are great for axes, larger knives, saws, i had a shotgun broken down in there last trip.
 
+1 for mil surp Alice medium or MOLLE packs.
also check clearance racks for last year's Camelbacks at Cabela's/Gander/Scheels/Bass pro and Eddie Bauer's house brand packs. (I picked up a 2800 CID pack for $20 at EB last fall because they were changing camo patterns)
 
The Alice system is fairly uncomfortable...just be advised.

Are you going to be carrying the gear for all three of you? It will make a BIG difference. Generaly a pack with 3-4K ci. is enough for 1 person for a weekend, even a little more if your gear selection is good and you pack carefully.

However if you are the pack mule carrying everything for you and your sons...you are going to need a far larger pack. With a very ggo suspension to allow you to carry the load as comfortably and securely as possible.

It would help if you have the kids carry at least part of the food and or gear. Osprey has some excellent offerings that aren't too out of sight price wise from several suppliers. Do an internet search and you can get em for a decent price.
 
forgot to mention earlier - check Target for lower end Kelty packs - that way you can size the pack to the child.
 
check out campmor.com in their hot deals, they have some good deals going on, i picked up a kelty coyote for 80bucks...might be a bit bigger then what your looking for.but it was to good of a deal to pass up on.
 
Another vote for the Kelty 3100. I have the smaller version (Redtail?) and it's a great pack for the price. Probably the best at that pricepoint.
 
Make sure that whatever pack you select is comfortable FOR YOU. What works for me may not work for someone else. Try on as many as you can (with weight in them) before buying.

If you do decide to buy from REI, you can return it regardless of reason, or length of time after the purchase.
 
hatidua said:
If you do decide to buy from REI, you can return it regardless of reason, or length of time after the purchase.
Click to expand...
Great point! This is one reason I purchased from REI.

They said, "If you don't like it - return it."
I replied, "Ok. I'll go home and wear it around the block and return it before the end of the month if it doesn't fit well."
They said, "No. Go take it backpacking for the rest of the year and if you still find you don't like then bring it back."

I purchased this one immediately:
http://www.rei.com/product/809317
 
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