Backpacks

saturnine138

saturnine138

Joined
Dec 15, 2005
Messages
241
I'm going on a trip to Dominica for my Tropical Ecology course, and I'm in search of a new backpack. At the moment all I've got is a small messenger bag and a large external frame pack, both too big or too small. I was thinking of picking this up:
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/410.html
I like the way it looks, and it's extremely durable. I prefer canvas and leather to synthetics for a variety of reasons. It's a little heavy, but the longest hikes are only about six hours, so I can handle it. I'll be needing it to hold some rope(it's a very mountainous area), rain gear, first aid kit, a notebook, various equipment for my research project(small mammal traps, DBH Tape, a knife), and some water.

If anyone has any suggestions regarding this bag, or a better one, I'd appreciate it.
 
For short trips I use a Eagle 3-day assult pack. Molle loops on the outside makes it easy to store your rope. ( I usully keep my rope in a seperate bag hanging on the outside).

Don't know about canvas and leather tho as I have never used one.
 
saturnine138 said:
I'm going on a trip to Dominica for my Tropical Ecology course, and I'm in search of a new backpack. At the moment all I've got is a small messenger bag and a large external frame pack, both too big or too small.
Click to expand...

If you want bombproof packs, check out Arcteryx or Mystery Ranch (neighter is cheap). I'm an ultralight freak, so GoLite packs are more my speed. Hauling the traps, I would opt for the touger bombproof rigs. Check out rope bags, made just for hauling climbing hardware and rope. Vaude is a brand that is being distributed in the US again and I like their packs a lot.

Cotton and leather won't work well in the tropics in wet weather. If you get a canvas pack wet, it will weigh three times as much and the local beasties and fungus will eat it. Those leather straps will eat YOU when they are wet with rain or sweat.

Bon voyage!
 
Another choice is the german ranger pack about $10. I didnt do any long hikes with it yet but its very well build pack. and for $10 you can have two. I think it should be about 2,800cc pack.
 
Frost River packs are great though I don't own one. Yet. The mil surplus alice pack is cheap and durable though it is nylon. I had a Swiss rifle pack for a short time a couple years ago that I bought it from Cheaper Than Dirt. It was very heavy and the leather straps were dry and cracked so I got rid of it.

http://frostriver.com/
 
Here check this site. The pack is alll the way on the bottom. Most of the packs there are heavy duty. The only problem is that some of them are not very comfy for long hikes. I guess none is as good for longer hikes as the newer ones that are made for backpacking. If you take a canvas pack i think it would be a good idea if you treat it with "minx wax" im not sure on the spelling but that stuff works great. Even for heavy cotton shirts to keep you sort of dry with some light rain.

Sasha
 
Go to REI and talk to them about where you are going and what you are looking for in a pack. They will suggest some different models and when you choose the one you want they will fit it for you. They are great people and their products are excellent.
 
Ugh. If you're a glutton for punishment, go ahead and go with the Swiss ruck in the link you provided. Then again, some folks enjoy physical pain :D .

Har har! All joking aside, if that's what you're into, then by all means, go for it. If you like the canvas and leather packs, check out Duluth Pack: http://www.duluthpack.com/ They have some nifty looking backpacks, even a waxed canvas model: http://www.duluthpack.com/product_detail.aspx?product=Rambler - Waxed Canvas

Modern packs made from synthetic materials may not convey the romantic image of bonefide wilderness adventure, but I'll tell you this: They are certainly COMFORTABLE! Provided the pack fits properly, of course. There have been many advances in pack suspension systems, even in the last 15 years.

I recommend that whatever you get, you try it on with somewhat of a load before you use it in the field. If you buy the pack online, make sure you understand the merchant's return policy.

The good thing with modern packs is these days you don't have to look very hard to find something decent. As DaleW mentioned, Arcteryx or Mystery Ranch are top notch, but you pay for it. My old Dana Design (founder now runs Mystery Ranch) Bighorn fits me like a glove, and even when grossly overstuffed is comfy to carry. Osprey is another brand I have experience with and can recommend. REI stores are a good place to shop and try things out. The REI brand packs are usually pretty decent, and more affordable than other brands I've mentioned.

Good luck with your pack quest, and have fun on your adventure!



oh, and ibKifaru! :D
 
One advantage of getting stuff at REI, if you're a member (cost $15 once), they have a bomber return policy with no time limit. Seam on a pack splits 10 years down the road, you can take it in and swap for a new one or store credit.

There are a lot of packs nowadays that are partway in between a daypack and a frame pack. Generally they're tricked-out frameless packs with nice hip belts. One step up, and you get to the lightweight frame pack that has 2,250 - 3,000 in^3 capacity.
 
I gotta advise checking sportsmans guide or cheaper than dirt if you are set on surplus style they probably have it cheaper. I know sportsmansguide has medium alice with frame for around 30$ as well as some interesting molle packs that could provide you with nice compartmentalization.
 
sasha said:
Another choice is the german ranger pack about $10. I didnt do any long hikes with it yet but its very well build pack. and for $10 you can have two. I think it should be about 2,800cc pack.
Click to expand...

They are nice packs. They are advertised at 2100 cubic inches, I believe some folks have come up with slightly diffirent calculations too. I would recommend one for the price. Mine came from Brigade Quartermasters (www.actiongear.com) item GMR02 for $14.99. I got free shipping to boot. You can use coupon code CPN-MTNFS for free shipping through 1/31/2007. Chances are they'll do the same offer again:) (with a diffirent code).
 
I second EmsRescueGuy about Sportsmans Guide and CheaperThanDirt, they're always worth a look. Campingsurvival also has the ALICE stuff, and a couple different mini-ALICE-type packs, http://www.campingsurvival.com/alpacbac.html I really like the canvas mini-ALICE I bought from them; I compared the downsides of the material to the cost and I'm OK with it. (keep in mind, I live and work in Wisconsin, not Dominica!) It's as sturdy and well-constructed as any I've handled or used. The straps definitely need a piece of sleeping-mat foam or something for cushion, though... maybe a piece to line the back, too. And I want a pair of straps or something on the bottom to hold a bedroll... but I'm the type that just has to tinker around with everything.

I've found even the medium ALICE pack is about as big as I want to lug around for any period of time. Frankly, there's not much you could carry, that you couldn't fit in there. Unless you're carrying a week's worth of clothes. The large one ... roughly the same size as my first apartment. With either, the frame is worth every penny and ounce, I can't imagine humping one without a frame. I'm thinking if you want a pack that big, the lightweight guys will steer you to better gear than the big ALICE packs and probably most other surplus stuff.

saturnine138, for your purposes, don't overlook the regular commercial backpacks/bookbags sold in every department store. You have to be choosy and watch for a deal, but there are some out there that work great for a daytrip or weekend's worth of personal stuff, with little pockets and organizers and whatnot, to boot. I've had good luck with Jansport and Spalding brands.
 
I've decided against the one I mentioned earlier, due to the wet weather. I'm thinking of getting this one:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...productId=47856726&parent_category_rn=4500509
But unfortunately there arent any REI stores around so I'll have to order it online. It looks pretty durable and a bit more tolerant to wet conditions, the reviews I found for it all said it was pretty good. My mind isnt made up yet though, I'm going to EMS and Sports Authority tomorrow, and I'll see what they've got there. Keep the suggestions coming guys.
 
Synthetics are the best choice.

You generally get what you pay for, 6 hrs is no big thing 6 days you'd better spend some money. Until then its ok to be a granola romatic.


Skam
 
saturnine138 said:
I've decided against the one I mentioned earlier, due to the wet weather. I'm thinking of getting this one:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...productId=47856726&parent_category_rn=4500509
But unfortunately there arent any REI stores around so I'll have to order it online. It looks pretty durable and a bit more tolerant to wet conditions, the reviews I found for it all said it was pretty good. My mind isnt made up yet though, I'm going to EMS and Sports Authority tomorrow, and I'll see what they've got there. Keep the suggestions coming guys.
Click to expand...

Very Nice Choice, and a good price, I may think about this one myself
 
EmsRescueGuy said:
Very Nice Choice, and a good price, I may think about this one myself
Click to expand...

I agree. You could buy lighter, but I'll bet the REI is bomb-proof-- most of their packs are and ditto on their warranty and service. I'll bet you don't use your frame pack after getting it -- I could do a summer overnight with this one. It has a lot of pockets too-- great for travel. Remember to order a bladder (or two) at the same time and save on the shipping.

If you guys want a good small BOB or PSK pack, the REI Flash is very cool. It's like a stuff sack with pack straps, but it does really carry stuff. It's a deal for $20.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top