I am looking at buying a 3-5 day backpack. I saw the Jack Wolfskin's Trailhead II in the Backpackers Gear Guide. I was wondering if anyone has experiance with this bag or alternat suggestings. Also the local stores don't sell this so i would have to order it online. How do you get a good fitting pack online? I am 6'4 if that changes any of your oppinions on me selecting that bag
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Backpacks
- Thread starter Double
- Start date
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- Jan 2, 2001
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- 28
As you are in Canada I can recommend Mountain Equipment Coop. I have been very happy with all my purchases from MEC. www.mec.ca Good Luck
Jeff in MB
Jeff in MB
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
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- 6,104
This might interest you:
http://www.outdoorreview.com/reviews/Backpacks_Internal_Frame/
Personally, I've got a Dana Design Astralplane Overkill. Bigger than I really ever need, but it is the BOMB! Dana's full-size packs come in multiple sizes (per model), and there are even multiple size straps, belts, pads, for a custom fit (for instance, I have a medium bag, large straps, small belt).
http://www.outdoorreview.com/reviews/Backpacks_Internal_Frame/
Personally, I've got a Dana Design Astralplane Overkill. Bigger than I really ever need, but it is the BOMB! Dana's full-size packs come in multiple sizes (per model), and there are even multiple size straps, belts, pads, for a custom fit (for instance, I have a medium bag, large straps, small belt).
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2001
- Messages
- 28
Hi Double,
I guess that the biggest question is what do you intend to use the ruck for? There are differences that are more or less important depending on the activity that you are planning. I have a number of rucks that I got from MEC over the years. I think that if I purchased another ruck, my wife would kill me!
Jeff
I guess that the biggest question is what do you intend to use the ruck for? There are differences that are more or less important depending on the activity that you are planning. I have a number of rucks that I got from MEC over the years. I think that if I purchased another ruck, my wife would kill me!
Jeff
I entend on using the bag for 3-5day hikes. I want it to be able to carry all the stuff i need and a would appreciate one that fits very good and is very comfortable. I am want to start getting into backpacking so for the most part it will be trails or at least easy grond. No serious bushwacking or mountain climbing(for now i can always buy a new bag later).I am not that neat of packer so i want something possibly a little larger then i may need. Any help would be nice.
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2000
- Messages
- 554
IMHO there is only one way to buy a ruck and that is to try it on preferrably with it loaded with a similar amount of weight that you will be carrying.
Find something you like and know it fits and then shop for the best price.
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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
Find something you like and know it fits and then shop for the best price.
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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2001
- Messages
- 28
I can't disagree with rnpollard. Trying a ruck is the best way to figure out which one is best. If you get a chance, go to a city that has an MEC (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa) and try the different rucks. You can also rent different rucks from them and test them out over a weekend before you decide what to purchase. Take your time and get the best ruck that you can afford that way you are not looking to purchase another in a years time. The serratus line is very good. Made in Canada and has a full adjustable system to fit your torso.
You might be able to find someone in the local area as well that could help. Local hiking club or the like. Good luck, let me know if I can help out.
Jeff
You might be able to find someone in the local area as well that could help. Local hiking club or the like. Good luck, let me know if I can help out.
Jeff
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2000
- Messages
- 554
In my experience if you go to a good shop that specializes in this type of gear they will ask you how you are going to use the ruck. If you tell them 3-5 day hikes in the summer that will give them an idea if you say 3-5 day hikes in the winter or fall they will have other ideas.
Even if you don't get the wieght exactly right you will be light years ahead of looking at a picture or asking someone else what feels good.
I also agree that borrowing or renting equipment is a really good idea.
Good luck.
Rick
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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
Even if you don't get the wieght exactly right you will be light years ahead of looking at a picture or asking someone else what feels good.
I also agree that borrowing or renting equipment is a really good idea.
Good luck.
Rick
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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2000
- Messages
- 1,363
Back length, hip padding that distributes weight to the hips and ventilation to the back are the main points to look for. Most good packs address these areas well with plenty of adjustments. The quality of the webbing straps and buckles is a good indication of the overall construction. Price usually reflects the costs of materials used.
Fit is one thing but how you pack a modern bergan is as important. Heavier items need to be kept close to the back and near to the centre of gravity. I prefer a larger sack full of air than a densely packed one (except if I'm climbing where size matters). Often I don't put my sleeping bag in its compression sack as it fills the bergan nicely and stops anything moving. Have plenty of room for your clothing that you have stripped off whilst working.
Gizmos and spare/clean clothes are soon binned with the kitchen sink. You will have more fun if you pack light. Who cares if you end up a little smelly
I also prefer not too garish colours as I like to fit into my surroundings.
Fit is one thing but how you pack a modern bergan is as important. Heavier items need to be kept close to the back and near to the centre of gravity. I prefer a larger sack full of air than a densely packed one (except if I'm climbing where size matters). Often I don't put my sleeping bag in its compression sack as it fills the bergan nicely and stops anything moving. Have plenty of room for your clothing that you have stripped off whilst working.
Gizmos and spare/clean clothes are soon binned with the kitchen sink. You will have more fun if you pack light. Who cares if you end up a little smelly
I also prefer not too garish colours as I like to fit into my surroundings.
Not sure where you are in Saskatchewan, but your local library will certainly have some sort of hiking/backpacking "how to" book. This would be a good place to start, or alternatively, you could search the web. There are tons of great sites that tell you how, what and where to pack your gear.
My advice is to read as much as you can, try on as many different kinds of packs as you can....then decide how much you want to spend and pick the best fitting pack in that price range....
PS..real men eat wheat...go Riders!!!
My advice is to read as much as you can, try on as many different kinds of packs as you can....then decide how much you want to spend and pick the best fitting pack in that price range....
PS..real men eat wheat...go Riders!!!
I haven't tried them but I was looking over some Dana Design backpacks this past summer, tried a few on, and I was really impressed. Very nice stuff.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2000
- Messages
- 57
Here is a link to a 5-day pack test backpacker recently conducted. http://www.backpacker.com/article/0,2646,1715,00.html It mentions the Wolfskin Trailhead and six other packs under $250 suitable for a 5-day. The price range addressed eliminates both Arcteryx and Dana Design, two brands that often come up when you ask for the best.
I currently have a Dana Bomb Pack that has kept me very happy. Dana offers, on average, 4 5 sizes of frames, harnesses and belts with each of its larger models. With these options, you can truly fit the pack to your exact frame. Their attention to detail is very apparent. Strong stitching and abundant bartacks result in a product that is sure to last. Their hipbelts, for me, are some of the most supportive I have played with (next to Gregory). Mountain Gear sells Dana online (as well as Arc'teryx and Gregory)and their staff is really helpful. http://www.mgear.com/
My first pack was a Lowe Alpine Contour III, and it is still serving me well after seven years. It can be had these days for about $150. Its durability has been good and its load carrying ability okay, but still far below that of my Dana. It is one of the most rented packs you will see on the trail. Outfitters like them because they are a decent pack, at a good price, that will fit just about anyone. If you are looking for a starter pack, this may be it.
As for Jack Wolfskin, about six or so years ago, they were known for being a steal. They sold a moderately high quality product for a low-end price. The one complaint they were getting is that their packs were not that adjustable and didn't fit certain people. They may have since worked this out.
My thoughts say you get what you pay for. If you buy a Jack Wolfskin or Lowe Alpine now,and really put it to work, you will want something better in about five years. If you want something that will never fight you on the trail, and will probably outlast you, I recommend a Dana. If you continue to ask around, the three names that will come up constantly are Dana Designs, Arcteryx and Gregory.
Sorry for being long winded. I get excited about backpacks.
Switchback
[This message has been edited by switchback (edited 02-20-2001).]
I currently have a Dana Bomb Pack that has kept me very happy. Dana offers, on average, 4 5 sizes of frames, harnesses and belts with each of its larger models. With these options, you can truly fit the pack to your exact frame. Their attention to detail is very apparent. Strong stitching and abundant bartacks result in a product that is sure to last. Their hipbelts, for me, are some of the most supportive I have played with (next to Gregory). Mountain Gear sells Dana online (as well as Arc'teryx and Gregory)and their staff is really helpful. http://www.mgear.com/
My first pack was a Lowe Alpine Contour III, and it is still serving me well after seven years. It can be had these days for about $150. Its durability has been good and its load carrying ability okay, but still far below that of my Dana. It is one of the most rented packs you will see on the trail. Outfitters like them because they are a decent pack, at a good price, that will fit just about anyone. If you are looking for a starter pack, this may be it.
As for Jack Wolfskin, about six or so years ago, they were known for being a steal. They sold a moderately high quality product for a low-end price. The one complaint they were getting is that their packs were not that adjustable and didn't fit certain people. They may have since worked this out.
My thoughts say you get what you pay for. If you buy a Jack Wolfskin or Lowe Alpine now,and really put it to work, you will want something better in about five years. If you want something that will never fight you on the trail, and will probably outlast you, I recommend a Dana. If you continue to ask around, the three names that will come up constantly are Dana Designs, Arcteryx and Gregory.
Sorry for being long winded. I get excited about backpacks.
Switchback
[This message has been edited by switchback (edited 02-20-2001).]
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2001
- Messages
- 71
In the logical order of progression....
1. you start carrying all you think you need.HEAVY
2. you carry what you used plus some extra just in case. LIGHTER BUT STILL HEAVY.
3. You reexamine and see what you only actually use and figure out what items have multiple use to go even lighter.
4. You have arrived at a pck weight between 10 and 20lbs without food and water.
then put it all in a 13 ounce pack, the GVP.
Standard is $70.00 Custom $120.00
I love this pack, you will too.
try: http://www.gvpgear.com/
Good luck
1. you start carrying all you think you need.HEAVY
2. you carry what you used plus some extra just in case. LIGHTER BUT STILL HEAVY.
3. You reexamine and see what you only actually use and figure out what items have multiple use to go even lighter.
4. You have arrived at a pck weight between 10 and 20lbs without food and water.
then put it all in a 13 ounce pack, the GVP.
Standard is $70.00 Custom $120.00
I love this pack, you will too.
try: http://www.gvpgear.com/
Good luck
The G4 pack looks really interesting. I couldn't find any information on the site as to what cloth was used for it's construction. Also, I'm curious as to just how waterproof the pack is and the maximum load it can carry. I'm familiar with the Mountainsmith Mountainlite. I know the G4 is lighter but at 3 lbs 14 oz, the Mountainlite ain't bad, and it has a very comfy belt and shoulder straps. It's also made out of top of the line material.
The G4 is a lot cheaper and lighter but what am I giving up? How rugged is the G4?
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
The G4 is a lot cheaper and lighter but what am I giving up? How rugged is the G4?
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM