Pack preferences

Goose_52 said:
Just bought one of these used - Lowe Alpine Sting. Should be here next week, I am pretty stoked. :D
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I have a Lowe Alpine that I have been using for almost 15 years and it finally gave out. I really like the look of this one and hope you give a review about how it works. I use a Rush pack for overnight or winter day hiking, but need to replace my multi day (3+) day pack.
 
I have a Blackhawk patrol pack that I like a lot and a Duluth Pack Wanderer that I have come to the conclusion is a bit small for my frame, so I traded into a Waxed Duluth Pack Rambler recently -- have not had a chance to take it out yet. The Rambler is 3" longer and 2" wider, and if I could afford it, I would go with their Pathfinder Pack instead -- pretty much the same size as the Rambler, but tunnel/slide pockets on the sides and lashing points on the bottom are very nice things to have. Frost river makes some really nice stuff, too -- but their prices are scary. (the Isle Royale is an awesome pack, but you're going to pay for the awesomeness)
 
Goose_52 said:
On the topic of canvas bags, I would avoid the LL Bean Continental. I owned one, and it ended up tearing part of the lid. I returned it for a replacement and they just refunded my money, and I didnt order another one. It looks neat, but thats about it. The "waxed canvas" is incredibly thin, and the leather straps were a joke. I had thought about replacing the straps and such with my own leather, but it just isnt worth it. If you want a canvas pack for what they are really meant for - durability - then get a Frost River or something. If you want it just for looks, then by all means go and get one. But in opinion, it just isn't built solid enough...
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Goose, Where did you find the Sting. I looked and they seem hard to find.
 
SleepRocks said:
I do like having packs that are a bit "tactical" (i hate saying that word), using molle pouches and accessories are great for certain items that you need to get to faster than others. My bk16 molles great to my maxpedition 12X6 bottle holder. It makes a great car kit. But man i love waxed canvas, old-school rucksacks like the frost river or Duluth packs. I guess it all depends on the situation. Any of you BeckerHeads go the old-school route with waxed canvas packs? or do you go Tacticool? I have also used a canvas swag tent for about 2 years and it cant be beat,,,heavy though
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I have lots of daypacks, murses, etc., but here are some of the larger packs I tote.

Maxpedition Falcon II with Proteus hip pack. Eight years ago. :D

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Kelty Moraine 3600cc.

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Gregory Keeler 4800cc.

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My Blackhawk (that i got 3rd hand) is a pretty close copy of the BPP made by Eagle back in the day.
 
I used to like my Maxpedition packs, that is until I put on an Osprey. I will never go back to Maxped as I have given my two away.
My do it all is a Kesterl 32 and I love this thing.
 
PatrickKnight said:
I used to like my Maxpedition packs, that is until I put on an Osprey. I will never go back to Maxped as I have given my two away.
My do it all is a Kesterl 32 and I love this thing.
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Maxpedition and Osprey can't be compared. I wouldn't consider Maxpedition for any sort of serious backpacking. Osprey is in a league of its own. :D

Here's my Osprey Stratos 34. Still going strong after 5 years of use.
 

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I have lots of packs but i just recently ordered a Red Rock sling pack in OD green. Looking forward to it!
 
I have a condor 3 day pack that I have not been able to take on an outdoors trip yet. I have only used it as a suitcase when going to training classes... It is a nice pack though, very comfortable when loaded up, it sits very well on my back. I took it on a walk through the park by my house one time and I was impressed with how it felt on a semi-rough trail. It is a lot cheaper than most tactical style bags, I just wonder how well it will hold up.

I have used Jansport bags for years, my every day bag is just a larger version of student book bag. I am wanting to replace it with something about the same size. Has anyone used a Rush 12? The biggest thing I would put in it would be a laptop. The size specs are pretty much the same as my Jansport bag I am just wondering if it will fit well. I can't find any where local that stocks them to try it on for size.
 
I've got an old Kelty external frame pack that I bought almost 30 years ago. It doesn't look so great but it still works fine. I've done a lot of backpacking with it over the years and IMO the external frame packs are superior for what I do which is normal backpacking with loads up to 50 lbs or so. I've taken several trips of 5 days long each with this pack.

Back in the era that I bought it external frame packs were more popular for backpacking but shortly after the popularity shifted to internal frame packs. I think this was due to looks and not function, I don't think internal frame packs will carry the weight as well. I admit that internal frame packs give more freedom of movement if you have to do climbing but otherwise I will stick with my external frame pack. External frame packs don't look as sleek and they can squeak and so forth while wearing them.

For day trips carrying a lot less gear I use any old common backpack.
 
I have carried a Maxped Malaga every day for nearly 2 years and it has yet to lose a thread.
I have about 20+ lbs of crap strapped to it and stored inside of it. (pockets for everything)
I don't do much "serious backpacking", but it does go on day-hikes and certainly isn't babied.
It's my favorite man-purse and is extremely easy to transport and clean.
I also have the Maxped Proteus, bottle carrier, and about 3 other smaller attachment packs, which all come in handy and are very well made.
 
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