Im looking for a small backpack, Needs to hold enough gear for anyhting from a day hike to a weekend hike. Whats good? I have herd good things about the Blackhawk Packs, are they that good? I dont mind paying for somehting that will last a life time but my budget is pretty much $150 US. Thanks guys!
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Looking for a Pack, suggestions?
- Thread starter Rifter
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2001
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- 701
If you get a chance, look up the Mountainsmith Ghost. It is a 3100 cubic inch bag that weighs something like 2 pounds, which is nothing. I've used it for more than a year and it fits everything I need for a weekend camping just fine. Mine cost me $130 last summer, so you should be able to find something similar. Just check out www.outdoorreview.com and look it up
Nitin
Nitin
If I were going to buy another small pack, that would be it. Everyone I know who has one raves about them. They only weigh 2lb 6oz but will bear a greater load comfortably than a true soft pack. Check out these Google Search Results
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2000
- Messages
- 262
I have a blackhawk patrol pack,which is a copy of the eagle becker patrol pack.If you want a pack that you can pass on to your grandkids either would do,plenty of room for gear up to a weekend,I'm amazed by what this little pack will hold,but the waistbelt is useless so you're limited to about 40lb in comfort,more than enough.And it's the most comfortable rucksack imaginable.A commercial pack with a frame is a much better option for real backpacking but isn't as useful for dayhikes.
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- Oct 13, 2000
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- 549
I have the Eagle Becker - I'll second this - Nice design
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2001
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- 2,233
YES! I bought one from Javahed here on the forums (www.gogetemgear.com) and I couldn't be happier with it...Well, maybe if it had a Boba Fett-like jetpack strapped on, but that was never advertised so I'd say that's ok.
They're coming out with a few more "recreational" style packs that are really cool. Mine even has a built-in poncho thing for the bag, even though it's nearly waterproof without it.
McHale is the other order I need to place! Got the sizing and pack picked just need to pay off the new engine on the car and save another 4 bills!One thing I like about the Eagle Industries gear over the competition is the fact it is made in the USA and their designs are original or credited where needed.
Blackhawk makes nice gear but, they have a bad reputation for copying other people's designs. I have looked the Blawkhawk gear over pretty thouroughly and, for my needs have been able to honor the originators of the design with an equivelent quality product at the same pricepoints. Granted, Eagle Industries and Camelbak don't have the cut throat online dealers Blackhawk does but, you can still find them at a good price.
Camelbak stuff is mighty nice too in the smaller packs. The Military packs are built tougher then the sporting lines so, check them out if what you find at the local store doesn't meet your needs for durability. Again, one thing I like about Eagle Industries over Camelbak is the fact that Camelbak stuff is made overseas. I haven't found a hydration pack I like better then the Omega reservoirs so, I have a couple Camelbaks that serve me well. The Military shoulder straps are well padded and the ventilator backs are nice. The new HAWG is a good pack with its revised compression straps and hide-away hip belt/strap. Much better then my old pack with stuff dangling all over the place. The top compression strap on the Motherlode needs to be altered to work the way the new HAWG system does and, the ventilator back would be a welcome addition.
Blackhawk makes nice gear but, they have a bad reputation for copying other people's designs. I have looked the Blawkhawk gear over pretty thouroughly and, for my needs have been able to honor the originators of the design with an equivelent quality product at the same pricepoints. Granted, Eagle Industries and Camelbak don't have the cut throat online dealers Blackhawk does but, you can still find them at a good price.
Camelbak stuff is mighty nice too in the smaller packs. The Military packs are built tougher then the sporting lines so, check them out if what you find at the local store doesn't meet your needs for durability. Again, one thing I like about Eagle Industries over Camelbak is the fact that Camelbak stuff is made overseas. I haven't found a hydration pack I like better then the Omega reservoirs so, I have a couple Camelbaks that serve me well. The Military shoulder straps are well padded and the ventilator backs are nice. The new HAWG is a good pack with its revised compression straps and hide-away hip belt/strap. Much better then my old pack with stuff dangling all over the place. The top compression strap on the Motherlode needs to be altered to work the way the new HAWG system does and, the ventilator back would be a welcome addition.
MelancholyMutt
Doggy Style
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- Apr 13, 2002
- Messages
- 3,906
Although the basic designs might be copied, I noticed that they've made improvements... things that one might say... I wish so-and-so had... well, Blackhawk had... example, Blackhawk improved the Becker with the vented pads for the back...
Also, Eagle uses CamelBack reservoirs while Blackhawk uses Hydrastorm...
Also, Eagle uses CamelBack reservoirs while Blackhawk uses Hydrastorm...
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2001
- Messages
- 24
Greetings,
If I may, I went through this a few months ago. I ended up with an Eagle 3 Day Pack. And this is entirely subjective: Save yourself time, money, and peace of mind. Grab one.
Brian
If I may, I went through this a few months ago. I ended up with an Eagle 3 Day Pack. And this is entirely subjective: Save yourself time, money, and peace of mind. Grab one.
Brian
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2002
- Messages
- 224
If you're going to be carrying heavier loads, you might look into a model with an internal frame...they are much more comfortable than a soft pack. For really light loads for day hikes, a soft pack is fine.
A lot of big sporting good/camping stores have a big selection of packs. Go try some on, and stuff them with the weight you expect to carry to see what feels best. Most have bean bags for that purpose. What looks good in a catalog may not feel good on your back. Lots of packs are adjustable...ask the salesperson for help figuring out what fits right.
Good luck. Happy trails!
A lot of big sporting good/camping stores have a big selection of packs. Go try some on, and stuff them with the weight you expect to carry to see what feels best. Most have bean bags for that purpose. What looks good in a catalog may not feel good on your back. Lots of packs are adjustable...ask the salesperson for help figuring out what fits right.
Good luck. Happy trails!
- Joined
- Jun 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,209
I've been using a Blackhawk 3-day-assault pack for over a year now. A little big to be a "small day pack", but great if you're carrying day gear for a few people or intend to spend a night or two in the back country.
Personally I'm torn between the "multiple pockets" style of the "Becker Patrol" style vs the "no pockets" (three separate compartments, but all within one smoothly contoured profile) approach designed both for easier movement in rough terrain and better control on the back. I have to admit I've not tried the newer patrol packs, but the 3-day-assault is the most comfortable pack I've ever worn with both belt and chest straps contributing very well to its wearing comfort and control. I've carried 35lbs comfortably with it, enough for me on a 3 day outing, even with a little stuff I didn't need.
On the other hand, the smooth contour prevents the outer most compartment from being particularly useful. I find I keep mostly flat stuff in there like MREs, or emergency blankets rather than other equipment (like a first aid kit and binoculars) I'd rather have more accessible. If Blackhawk just added a little material to this outer compartment to permit it to expand, the pack would be much better than it is now...
Personally I'm torn between the "multiple pockets" style of the "Becker Patrol" style vs the "no pockets" (three separate compartments, but all within one smoothly contoured profile) approach designed both for easier movement in rough terrain and better control on the back. I have to admit I've not tried the newer patrol packs, but the 3-day-assault is the most comfortable pack I've ever worn with both belt and chest straps contributing very well to its wearing comfort and control. I've carried 35lbs comfortably with it, enough for me on a 3 day outing, even with a little stuff I didn't need.
On the other hand, the smooth contour prevents the outer most compartment from being particularly useful. I find I keep mostly flat stuff in there like MREs, or emergency blankets rather than other equipment (like a first aid kit and binoculars) I'd rather have more accessible. If Blackhawk just added a little material to this outer compartment to permit it to expand, the pack would be much better than it is now...
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
Some really good deals at REI Outlet on JanSport and Marmot stuff. Take a look.