I'm new here, but I have a question (Backpacks)

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SpyderJon

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
2,038
Howdy!
I'm new to this forum, but I thought this would be the best place to ask my question. Until recently, I had a backpack/rucksack that I got from the Gap. What can I say, it was cheap, and I liked the construction for my uses. Then it was stolen:mad: :( ! Now I need a new one.
I'm a commuter student, so I may have between 20-30 pounds of equipment on my person at all times when I'm at school. It's really impractical for me to go from classes to my car (which is on the other side of campus). Given that I don't have a lot of money to spend, What might it be?

I've thought about getting military surplus. I'm just not sure if that is the way to go. Do ALICE packs (probably a medium) really work that well when you need a large amount of stuff? If I were to buy one, would it be worth getting the frame? I don't want anyone to think that I'm invading the campus, and I DON'T want anyone thinking I'm some kind of Weekend warrior, army wanna-be. I don't have qualms with the military, in fact I respect my dad whose a retired Marine immensely, its just that I'd rather not be perceived as some kind of psycho with a military fixation.

I'm SORRY :o this is so rambly, but I thought it was worth a shot- I would be glad for ANY help I could be given in this matter!

Thanks in advance,
-Anthony
 
I second the RedWing, although mine is of the older style. What size backpack are you seeking?/ For daypack size stuff (1900 cu.in, more or less) consider the Coleman Exponent Flex daypack. shopping the net, it can be had for under $50.00
 
Also consider Mountainsmith--especially the Ghost (part of the Mountainlight line) or one of its smaller siblings. Decent suspension in a lightweight package.
 
I'm mainly just looking for something in the round about 2000-2500 c.i. range. I just don't want to look like I'm either invading the campus, or about to set out on a week-long hike. I also need a good support system. Oh, I don't know, but does the fact that I'm a larger guy mean special considerations must be made in choosing a pack? Thanks for all the input, and please keep it coming!
 
Go check out Sport Chalet or REI if there are any near you. They have a large selection of packs on hand, as well as bean bags to stuff them with so you can see how they feel with some weight in them.

Some packs work better/worse depending on your body type. I usually like to try them myself before buying. My friend has a pack he loves, but it is uncomfortable for me.

I have Mountainsmith, Dana and Gregory packs. All have strengths and weaknesses, so I tailor my pack to the situation.
 
Originally posted by SpyderJon
Howdy!
Do ALICE packs (probably a medium) really work that well when you need a large amount of stuff? If I were to buy one, would it be worth getting the frame?
Click to expand...

Whatever you decide to go with I would NOT get an Alice Pack. Its pretty much just a heavy canvas bag and they don't ride very well on your back frame or no frame. Rugged, yes. Cheap? Yes. Nearly as good as dozens of other modern pack designs...heck no.
 
The Vision 40 Rucksack from Lowe Alpine seems like a very comfortable pack with 2400 cu. in. However, I would also agree to the Kelty Redwing.
 
Except for the fact that you do look a bit like your invading, I carry the Becker Patrol Pack in plain OD - Black or Tan might be good
 
Jansports are pretty bomb-proof. I have one that I got before my sophomore year of high school in 1995, and I just retired it a year ago, STRICTLY for fashion reasons; I "upgraded" to a Banana Republic shoulder bag (the kind that only have one strap...Messenger bags, that's what they're called!)

Having used it for 6 solid years, its been through a lot. Its been to europe with me 4 or 5 times, Hawaii, and countless other weekend trips. Only problem I ever had was the zipper on the top needed replacing. Took it to a local tailor, and he did it for $10. Other than the zipper, its still in FINE shape, and I have to keep on reminding myself how old it is!

I forget the specific model name, but mine is 2200 Cubic Inches, and its the "bag" type that loads from the top with a draw-string closure and a pouch for smaller stuff on top. It has a mesh pocket along the back (exposed part when wearing it) for wet stuff to dry, four compression straps (two on each side) to compress loads or attach more crap, a padded back, hip-strap, and chest-strap. It is quite comfortable.

Overall, its a great pack, and I would DEFINITELY recommend it!

It was only about $70, if memory serves.

Drjones
 
Thanks for all of your time! I REALLY do need this. I've been continuing to look around. I really do like the concept of the Eagle Becker patrol packs, but I saw the inside, and I can't use it because of the way the main compartment is divided. I'm an Art History minor, which means that I carry 6-8 pound books that are 2-3 inches thick when I'm at school. What I like about the Becker, and what I liked about my bag that was stolen, was that it was KISS simple, and it had outside pockets.

-On a side note, if anyone knows where I could find a Gap barrell Rucksack in OD green, I'd be willing to part with some good cash for it.

Oh well, on to the quest. I was looking at the A-III for a bit. I wonder if anyone knows how these ride, and how they work with the optional back shields that slide into the hydration pocket?

I really do need a pack with some back support, and some of the Jansports that I've seen may be able to do the trick, but I want to make the right choice the first time. Actually, I did make the right choice, for me, the first time, but some royal dip-dunk decided to make me crazy by disposing of my stuff for me. Ahh, such is life.

Say, those Kelty Redwings don't look bad either. I'm not familiar with the company though. I've seen 1 thing by Eagle, and I've had lots of friends who had jansports (say, how do their higher-end bags compare to things like their "right bag" series (the one with the leather bottom). I don't know that much about Kelty, though. Are their bags REALLY worth the money?

I would just go and try these on, but I'm in the middle of nowhere, and despite the fact that the Appalaichan (sp :confused: ) Trail and mountains are 20 minutes away from where I live, there aren't any outdoor outfitters nearby with the packs being discussed here! Go figure!!!

Thanks for the input, I'm starting to weed out different bags that look to be good possibilities, PLEASE keep those Ideas rolling in!

So far, it looks like:

Eagle A-III (Is THIS their 3-day assault pack?)
Kelty Redwing (2400 or 2900???)
A high end Jansport (ideas??)
or.....

I'm sorry :( to be a pain and all, but Thank you for being so patient with me!!!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Dude, don't worry; you are NOT a problem!!! We're all happy to help!!

One thing I forgot to mention; most of my friends in high school had jansports too, and they abused the heck out of them and still kept 'em around for at least 4-5 years.

Look at North Face as well. They make great daypacks, probably better quality than Jansport. All the experience I have is with Jansport, though...

Good luck!
Drjones
 
Originally posted by SpyderJon
Thanks for all of your time! I REALLY do need this. I've been continuing to look around. I really do like the concept of the Eagle Becker patrol packs, but I saw the inside, and I can't use it because of the way the main compartment is divided. ...snip...
Click to expand...

Interesting - I carry lots of books in mine - if you don't put anything in the front"compartment" (the back is for your camelback), the partitions have enough play that they move against the font and back, and leave the whole middle free

That said, a full sized 3" thick loose leaf barely fits width wise. I typically have 3 - 4 comp sci texts in there (I'm a programmer)
 
That's very illuminating! Do you have the large Becker Patrol pack or the regular sized one? How does the lining hold up on yours, and- pardon me if I'm being a tad bit thick, but the 3" binder fitting width-wise, do you mean (as you look at the pack with the back facing you) that you can put in the binder the long way- that is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the back? I hadn't thought they were that big, but I'm sure hoping I'm wrong. They do seem like nice packs, and I can readily use the outside pouches... Hmm... Thanks for the response!
 
Originally posted by SpyderJon
That's very illuminating! Do you have the large Becker Patrol pack or the regular sized one? How does the lining hold up on yours, and- pardon me if I'm being a tad bit thick, but the 3" binder fitting width-wise, do you mean...snip...
Click to expand...

I have the "standard" size - and let me tell you, it's bigger than it looks/seems - for instance, they rate it at something like 1100 cubes, but it's a heck of a lot bigger than my 2000 cube Wastch

By "Barely fits" - that with the (oversized) looseleaf flat against your back - the main pocket is a bit narrow. It fit's but it's tight! But then you can fit other stuff in front of it It's NOT the thickness - it's width. That said, it DOES fit, I just wish that pack was, say, 1/2 wider to make it easier

I've NEVER filled the pack the whole way, and I carry a LOT of gear in it every day - 23 lbs of survival gear, plus a 50 cd holder, a couple of 8.5x11 lab notebooks (fit FINE), plus whatever manuals I need that day. Today I had 3 large computer manuals in there, and they were swimming

Charlie
 
Now that IS interesting!

Say... Would anyone be able to email me, or otherwise supply me with pictures of the INSIDE of a regular Becker Patrol Pack, and and Eagle A-III? I can't seem to find these pictures anywhere! The Eagle products seem to be taking over, but as I said, there really isn't anywhere that I can really look at these bags in person :( ! Thanks for clearing up my picture. It may suit my needs, I can always make use of the pockets. Are ALL of the Eagle Industries packs made in the USA, or are they parted out to different places and merely partially assembled here? Thanks for your time--- Who knew it would be THIS difficult to pick out a BACKPACK!!!
 
I was looking at the A-III for a bit. I wonder if anyone knows how these ride, and how they work with the optional back shields that slide into the hydration pocket?
Click to expand...

Don't know about the back shields, but this pack is a very good choice for you. The Becker Patrol gives you that "invading look" you didn't want. This one doesn't (at least not in basic black). Its sleek, and the suspension is <b>much</b> better than most, both comfortable and very strong.

The equivalent option from Blackhawk, the "3 Day Assault Pak" is the same size, and basically the same set up, also excellent. This happens to be the one I own, and I can only tell you that the suspension system is very comfortable. I think the assault pack has a little more "tactical look" to it, but would still be a good choice.
 
The Redwing is worth the $80-90 (comes in 2 sizes - 2400 & 2900? ci) - outside pockets (4), good, simple construction. And it has an internal frame - allows you to handle more weight. Is not "threatening" in the slightest. More than adequate. Look at Campmor, Sierra trading Post, REI - they occasionally have older models on closeout.

Sam

edited to add:

http://www.shopoutdoors.com/kelty.html

has a redwing 2400ci (they come in 3 sizes now) for $50 at closeout. Would be a good deal - new packs going for $90-100
 
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