Big Guys, With which Backpacks have you had the best luck?

Marion David Poff

Marion David Poff

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Oct 8, 1998
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I am pretty broadly and thickly built.

You guys that are similarly built, with which packs have you had the most success?

To be picky, I prefer an external frame or a pure rucksack internal frame.

But failing that, your success stories and recommendations I seek.

Thanks you in advance,
Marion
 
I'm a big guy.6'3" in the high 200 range.I carry a Lowe Alpine Liberty 75.The Lowe packs have an adjustable strap system that lets you customize the pack to your body height.The one I have has an external crossbow frame.Mines like a second skin no matter how heavy I keep it packed.Almost 5 years of wet,hot,cold being drug,floated across a river or 2,packed in on a sled snowshoeing,it has NEVER once let me down.I'm a Lowe guy for life.
Here's mine ready to hit the trail.
picture.php
 
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This does NOT fit your requirements - but it is the only one I have experience with lately.

I have an Osprey Aethos 70 - I love it. I am 6'5 and about 255. It is awesome for longer trips.

TF
 
I'm a big 'un and I've really liked the Gregory Shasta. It's a great big load hauler. But since I've been trying to save on my back by carrying lighter loads I've found the Osprey Stratos really works for me.
 
I haven't used anything with a good name aside from Maxpedition. Im 6' lbs 240 and max's stuff is working fine for me.
 
I have hadf great success with a couple military rucks. The german alpine pack and the Swiss military Large mountain rucksak.
 
I have found that the ArcTeryx (sp) Bora 80 to be an excellent pack. It is a tough well thought out tank of a pack that will last a long time. Most folks that I know who own one (any ArcTeryx) are quite fond of these packs.

The company also has excellent customer service.
 
I have found that the ArcTeryx (sp) Bora 80 to be an excellent pack. It is a tough well thought out tank of a pack that will last a long time. Most folks that I know who own one (any ArcTeryx) are quite fond of these packs.

The company also has excellent customer service.
 
Like ss Dragonfly, I too have an Arcteryx Bora 80. I'm 6'1" about 195lbs. (although I weighed about 20 lbs more when I bought it) and the large size fits me well. The nice thing about this pack, besides being nearly bombproof, is that you can get different size shoulder straps and hip belt to customize the fit. A good deal of companies have this option (mainly on their hihger-end packs) to fit a wide range of body types. Good luck.
 
+2 for the Bora 80. I'm 6' and weigh 220 lbs. and this is the most comfortable, best fitting pack that I've ever owned.

Jeff
 
I'm 6ft and about 240.
The best packs I've used are mcHale custom packs. (Inex SuperBayonet), especially for serious loads.
Kifarus are also excellent
 
I'm 6'2" and 240. I'm very happy with my Lowe Alpine Crossbow 90+15. For a slightly smaller pack, I use an REI Tourstar. For a medium pack, I use a Blackhawk OPSEC4. I like the OPSEC4, but it's just a tad short on torso length for me.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
External frame is my preference for actual backpacking. The nicest I've ever used is this long-discontinued Camp Trails Omega.

otdrBackpacksExternalCamp_TrailsExternalOmega-resized200.jpg


For dayhikes with lots of gear, I love this Gregory Shakra (also discontinued). Very comfortable and lots of space. Much nicer padding and straps than a low-price "daypack", and it has good support from the internal metal stays.

(mine is red)
pr-Backpacks-Gregory_Shakra_Backpack-resized200.jpg


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edited to add this useful information:
I'm 5'8" and 200lbs. Maybe if I actually used those backpacks a little more... :o
 
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Bob W said:
External frame is my preference for actual backpacking. The nicest I've ever used is this long-discontinued Camp Trails Omega.
Click to expand...

I had the Camp Trails freighter, and it worked well for me. I have worn a size 48 coat since high school, with a much smaller waist until the past few years.

This external frame has been taken on by Cabela's and Kelty in recent years. The main advantage for big guys is the ability to set the strap wide, where it connect to the frame. These packs have three different pin holes (differing widths) wherein the shoulder strap makes the connection.

While in the military, I did the same for the ALICE and MOLLE frame. While the ALICE wasn't near as purpose built for this modification, I little nylon strap and 550 cord could go a long way. The ALICE straps were double beneficial as no padding was wasted, as the strap lead was set by the user.
 
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