Best back packs?

A real light weight pair of hiking boots would be the next topic...

I'm getting all my questions answered!

Thanks for your time guys, as well as the replies. :D
 
even though they are a horible color, look at the nike air tallacs. very light and have gore-tex xcr....of course you are gonna "pay" for 'em...but then again you may not want/need gore-tex, and if you have wide feet, nikes are most likely not the best for you.
 
yea dont get nike if you have wide feet

i have had 3 pairs of hiking boots i can remember one i think the name was asolo, i got them in a pinch up in maine. they turned out to be very good boots if you see that brand i would take a look at them. and i have had two pairs of timderlands. if you want a middle of the road, not that expensive, pair that will last you, i would get a pair of timberlands. i dont know what you think light is so you would need to try them on.

something else to think about is to get something good to waterproof them. they might tell you they are waterproof but it is always better to do it yourself, i find.
 
My pack is a Granite Gear "Vapor Trail." It's a great packfor what I'm looking for which is lightweight. I like to keep my packweight >30 lbs for a 3-4 day trip. My old pack (Jansport Rockies) was very heavy; 5+ lbs by itself. The Vapor Trail is under 2 lbs. I cut 3 lbs off my packweight right there!
http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/vapor_trail/index.html

Got rid of the tent and now I use a tarp. I've been using a plastic one but recently got a sylnylon tarp that weighs under 1 lb. Compare that to the old tent that weighed 3+ lbs and I cut off another 2 lbs.

As for sleeping bag, that's my next upgrade. I'm getting rid of my current bag (North Face). I want this:
http://www.nunatakusa.com/Sleeping_Bag_Arc_Alpinist_Sleeping_Bag.htm
But it's kinda pricey so I'll probably go with this:
http://www.fanaticfringe.com/page6.html
 
If you are going to be hiking with a pack, you may want to get a pair of boots that are rated for the type of backpacking you will be doing. I tried a few of the medium priced, lite weight hikers and I ended up with a pair of Vasque Zephyrs (not cheap). Wore them around the house for a couple of days and then on a 7 mile hike. Didn't get a hot spot and havn't in the 30 months I've owned them. They offer me good support for my arches, which I need while hiking with any weight in my pack.
 
I'll take a peak at the Vasques

I'm hoping the total load we be in the mid 20 pound range when its all said and done.
 
grant4353 said:
no get moccassins, you can feel the earth, walk more quietly and be more aware.

Kinda hard on the footsies on concrete though. I have been pondering a pair for going as close to bare foot as you can while walking the garden. A pair of reef flip flops have been serving me well so far for this purpose! :D
 
For good deals on hiking/camping gear, try www.campmor.com or www.sierratradingpost.com Both have top-end names and some good sale prices.

You get what you pay for in a backpack. Like others have said, I'd stick to the names that have stood up over time: Gregory, Dana Designs, Lowe Alpine, Kelty, L.L. Bean, etc. These manufacturers tend to stand behind their products, and they offer excellent customer support.

I have a Gregory Keeler that is a weekend pack as well as a Kelty Moraine for lighter duty. I would recommend both. Just ordered a neat little daypack from L.L. Bean on sale. Looking forward to getting it soon.

Boots? Decide what kind of hiking you're going to do, and go from there. Take a look at the Superfeet insoles for a comfortable bed.
 
skammer said:
Alice packs are an exercise in fustration and pain. Maybe they are cheap but "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!". The 2 key items for comfort on any foot travel trip is footwear and backpack. Skimp elswhere but not in those areas.

Skam

Packs are very personal, like shoes, you have to find what fits you. For my back, Alice packs are far more comfortable than the newest "high tech" internal frame whatever. I've gone through 4 of the hi tech versions, very expensive, and the cheap (around $100) Alice is much more comfortable for me. Plus, I really like having an external frame to hang heavy metal objects from.... ;)
 
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