Help me pick a Pack!

d.weglarz13 · Jul 23, 2013

Hey guys. Ok, so just recently started checking out this forum, and now I have more reasons to spend my time and money on new gear!
Ok, seriously.....I need a new pack. Right now I have a Kelty exterior frame large pack, and I hate it. I am not going to say its a bad pack, but for me and my body type, it just is horrible. The darn thing just doesn't have enough adjustment straps, and no matter how much I adjust it, it just constantly bobs all over to the left and right, pulling me off balance. Now, i know. Maybe I don't pack right? No, i do. And try my best to balance my gear, but just is too loose up top for me. Plus, Im skinny, and it doesn't help much. So, without bashing Kelty, i know they are a decent brand, I want something totally new. Something that can fit my sleeping bag, tent, and not be overly high over my head or wide, and be balanced nice.
So, I currently hike up mostly NY mountains in the catskills or harriman state park, and its almost all rocky with cliffs that won't always kill you, but definitely have you not being able to hike back down. So, i feel its time to go with an internal frame.
Now, I have been looking at Mystery Ranch and Kifaru, but WOW, those prices. If they are really that worth it, I will give it a go, but wouldn't mind checking out other brands similar to those. And, as far as comfort goes, if they are that COMFORTABLE, then i will pay almost any price. I need something that doesn't dig into my shoulders and hips when only 20 lbs is in it.
I love being able to strap things to the outside, so i was drawn to the Kifaru tactical bags like the MMR and ZXR. But they seem very heavy at at least 6 pounds empty. And i like the Mystery ranch ones too.
So, what other brands can I look at?
I currently hike about a couple hours up mountain, very rocky terrain with many many boulders, and usually stay for about 3 days to a week. So, i don't want a day pack, but I also don't want the hugest bag out there either, like i said Im only 5'11 and 155 lbs. So, anything in the MMR/ZXR style and range I can look at? And are they worth it to go for Kifaru, or maybe Mystery, or some other brand?

Most important factor.........Comfort!!!!!! Even when my Kelty is only 20 lbs, it still hurts my shoulders due to my weird, odd shaped hips. And, due to this I often loose circulation in my upper legs and starts to cramp up on me if too tight. So, something with alot of padding, and adjustment straps is best for me, so please keep this in mind. I need something that will distribute weight a lot better than my crappy 100 dollar Kelty.

And, if I go with MR or Kifaru, which styles and models are the best for comfort and load on my hips and shoulders?

Thanks for any and ALL advice and opinions.

dave

JV3 · Jul 23, 2013

did you try an osprey atmos 50/65? probably the most comfortable osprey i've tried...almost as good as kifaru especially if just overnight loads. 3 days to a week type of loads though and nothing compares to a kifaru. i wish i didn't have to spend that kinda money but like you my top priority is comfort.

i have a zxr and a ku3700 (now discontinued though but you can find it in the kifaru for-sale forum once in awhile) and in about 2 weeks a timberline 3...if you find yourself in nj i'll let you try them on.

i frequent harriman state park too (around the seven lakes drive area) but i'm currently mountain biking on weekends. if you know where ringwood state park is or jungle habitat in nj (they're close to harriman too) i can bring my pack there too for you to check out.

edit: click on my sig for my zxr and ku3700 review - tons of pics!

ThriftyJoe · Jul 24, 2013

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Dan57 · Jul 24, 2013

Going to a local outdoors store and trying some packs on for yourself is the only way to really test for comfort. I know REI has sandbags you can fill the packs up with, to see how they'd feel with weight inside. I think other stores offer similar services.

d.weglarz13 · Jul 25, 2013

Wow guys thanks for the replies. But what about mystery ranch? Nobody mentioned that.
I will check out osprey now. And I do admit I want a ZXR too, but maybe too much cash right now for me. Thanks again, keep the advice coming!

Dave

dwarthog · Jul 31, 2013

Well, I tried to reply to your Mystery Ranch query using tapatalk on my tablet while I was on vacation, but it wouldn't take for some reason so I decided to wait until I was at a keyboard.

Anyway, I have a Osprey Aehter 70, about 4 years old, and a Mystery Ranch Grizzly that I picked up about 5 months ago.

I have only been able to get in one hike of about 18 miles with the Mystery Ranch due to a foot issue, to date.

Comparing the two packs, the Mystery Ranch is one tough pack and it has the extra weight when compared to the osprey, to show for it's toughness.

I don't think you could do any harm to the MR pack in two lifetimes of hiking. It is a very comfortable pack and it carries it's weight and a big load very comfortably IMO. Better than the osprey, but you could argue that given the price differential it should.

The MR pack, you are going to drop some coin to get one, but it will last as long as you are willing to strap it on and go for a walk. Your going to get a seriously tough backpack for your money.

The osprey is a lighter pack that works well, but it isn't in the same league as the MR pack.

Hope that helps.

Shotgun · Jul 31, 2013

Dan57 said:
Going to a local outdoors store and trying some packs on for yourself is the only way to really test for comfort. I know REI has sandbags you can fill the packs up with, to see how they'd feel with weight inside. I think other stores offer similar services.

This right here. That Kelty is uncomfortable for YOU. It could very well be the most comfy thing the next guy tries on. Go to a store and try on a few that you like and see how they fit. The only pack I have that's uncomfortable is one I ordered off the net without trying it on first.

elchris123 · Jul 31, 2013

I highly recommend Badlands. I own the Diablo and use it 5 days a week for work. I am a lava tour guide and have experience with it in regards to how comfortable it is in high temperature, heavy loads, running, in the rain and in the scorching sun. The hypervent system is wonderful. I highly recommend them and warranty speaks for itself, unconditional lifetime warranty! They are a bit less expensive than Kifaru and MR too. Thant about all I can say since pack comfort is so dependent on your body type. But it works perfectly for me. I am 6'3" 165lbs. Good luck.