I need a good packback? Can you help?

jackman2

jackman2

Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
590
My brother recently bought an EMS Trail 50 backpack and I was very impressed. It also got me thinking that I needed a new back pack. I presently have a small day pack and make do. I am looking for something that is not huge (not too small either), but would be fine for a couple nights. The trail 50 has an internal frame and I like that.

I am leaning towards buying the same, but I figured I would ask around. The EMS one is ~$130 or a little more, which is pretty close to my ceiling.

What other packs should I be considering? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

kelty-lakota-4000-backpack.jpg
 
Last edited:
I've got a friend that has an EMS pack very similar to that. He's been happy with his. I'd keep an eye on Campmor and Sierra Trading post. You should be able to find quite a few weekend sized internal frame packs in your price range. I've always had good luck with Kelty packs at that price point.

Good luck!

Brandon
 
jackman2 said:
My brother recently bought an EMS Trail 50 backpack and I was very impressed. It also got me thinking that I needed a new back pack. I presently have a small day pack and make do. I am looking for something that is not huge (not too small either), but would be fine for a couple nights. The trail 50 has an internal frame and I like that.

I am leaning towards buying the same, but I figured I would ask around. The EMS one is ~$130 or a little more, which is pretty close to my ceiling.

What other packs should I be considering? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

kelty-lakota-4000-backpack.jpg
Click to expand...

A tad bit more expensive, but the Gregory Z55 is a nice pack:
SONGD.jpg
 
for a couple of nights your probably looking in the 40-50 liter range- you can get by smaller, but your gear/techniques have to be really well sorted to do so

I wouldn't rule out used packs- you can get some screaming deals on higher end (Osprey, Gregory, Marmot, North Face, etc, etc) packs for at or under your ceiling. I just sold a used Osprey Exos 46 for $110- lots of deals like that around.

If you have a backpacking store in your area- I'd suggest going there and loading up some different packs (w/ similar loads/weights to what you expect to be carrying) and giving them a go- this should give you a good idea on size and feel of the different packs. Once you get a good idea of what you want, then do some due diligence w/ your shopping- lots of good deals out there for folks willing to look a little
 
I love the idae of a used one. So many people just use them once or twice and they sit around.

The Trail 50 is about 3000 cubic inches. Seems like a good fit for what i need. Looking for a pack with that much space.
 
mtwarden said:
If you have a backpacking store in your area- I'd suggest going there and loading up some different packs (w/ similar loads/weights to what you expect to be carrying) and giving them a go- this should give you a good idea on size and feel of the different packs. Once you get a good idea of what you want, then do some due diligence w/ your shopping- lots of good deals out there for folks willing to look a little
Click to expand...

I would also recommend renting the pack or brand of pack that you are looking for and put it throught the paces of an actual trip. This will give you real world feedback. Also, many of the stores that rent equipment will swap their rental inventory each year and you can get this used equipment at a very good price!

Nathanial4
 
I second the advice to keep an eye peeled for a deal on the Sierra Trading Post site. I picked up some great packs there over the years, including a Lowe Alpine Crossbow 90 and a Kelty Redwing.

Also, don't forget to consider your size when choosing a pack, not just as far as sizing the pack goes. A person packing size XXL Tall clothes (especially bulky cold weather clothing) needs considerably more volume than someone packing size Small clothing. Same goes for food... a big person tends to need a large volume of food.

A five-day pack for a smaller person may be a three-day pack for a bigger one.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
My latest Campmor email showed a deal on the Jansport Big Bear for $69.97. It has a lot of features for the money, but might be larger than you want at 4800 cubic inches.

2sbmlvo.jpg
 
Ya that is a little big for what I need. My gear is pretty light and compact and I don't need anything much bigger than 3000
 
Checked out that Gregory Z55. I like the looks of that. I think I would want the small. Does it have an internal frame?
 
Get a U.S. Military surplus "medium size" Alice Pack. The reason I say "medium size" is because it is the largest Alice Pack with intergrated shoulder straps. You can use it with or without a packframe that is available for them. Cheap, rugged, and they will easily hold enough stuff for a week-long adventure. Take the money you'll save by going this route and use it to buy a good knife, cooking gear, sleeping bag, or whatever.
 
The surplus one is probably nice, but I am willing to spend the extra money. I have pretty much everything I need already. Kind of going through and upgrading some of my gear. Just got a real nice Eureka tent this summer. I actually live in the city where they are from, so I can buy them from the guys who own it. Pretty cool.

Anyway, I've got a few safe queens that are gathering dust that I can trade or sell for the Gregory.

Does the size (S, M or L) have any bearing on my size? I am 5 11 and 185lbs. I like the small. But was not sure.
 
It relates to the length of the pack between hip-belt and straps. that's why it's a good idea to go into a store where you can try them on. you would probably be a medium, but it depends a lot on your proportions. I would definitely want to try one on before buying, some packs just do not work for some people!
 
hmmm. Sounds like I might need a medium. Are Gregory packs sold a lot of places? Definitely should check it out.
 
I'm kinda partial to Mountainsmith myself. Don't know why, but I am. I bought one about 11 yrs ago to use as my climbing pack. Still got it and it still works. I think I paid a little over $100 for it. For me the biggest feature is the thorax and lumbar contour. Only pack I ever had that doesn't make me hunch over. Moose

mountainsmith1lg.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top