So I'm looking for a new backpack

R

Ravaillac

Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
1,650
I'm kind of fed up with my osprey talon.

It's great a wicking away perspiration, but straps are so thin they dig into my shoulders (tend to use it on the upper side of the recommended weight bracket), it feels over-complicated and quite flimsy (although has proved solid so far).

Looking for something with more padding, less complicated.

About 40-50 liters (that's about 3000 cuin)

Good/OK ventilation (spring/autumn in temperate climate).

Not uselessly heavy.

Using them for medium mountain non-technical hiking (average about 3000ft declination /a day)/multi-purpose.
Load 20-40lbs (including water).

No 1000 deniers stuff, 500 is enough for me.
Not interested in molle webbing (mostly useless weight to me).

I like pretty stiff padding.

In the past I've used Sabre 45: too heavy, ventilation felt infective and straps felt abrasive.
I've also had a brit issue bergen. Padding is great, overall simple, but too big/heavy for most of my needs and a few useless features.

I could indulge in mystery ranch, eberlestock... but I'm not sure I'm ready to pay >$250 for a bag I can't try first and they seem quite overbuilt/over-engineered.

Right now I'm interested in Halti packs which seem to feel the bill pretty but I have no idea about what those packs are worth.

http://www.haltistore.com/products/backpacks/jahtimestari/
http://www.haltistore.com/products/backpacks/passi/
http://www.haltistore.com/products/backpacks/moose-pack/

Any experience/advice...
 
Take a look at the Haglöfs backpacks. Models like RAND and ROC might fit your needs.

http://www.haglofs.com


If you end up getting Kifaru, take a look at the hunting packs. They're lighter material and have no Molle.
 
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gulliamo said:
Does anyone have any experience with these?
https://kifaru.net/index.html
Click to expand...


kifaru makes great packs. their harness system is awesome and carries great. the quality is also awesome. they are probably the second best pack made in my opinion. the only packs better are mystery ranch. some people will be just the oppisite and say kifaru and then mystery ranch but if own either of them you will never want anything else
 
gulliamo said:
Does anyone have any experience with these?
https://kifaru.net/index.html
Click to expand...

I use a Kifaru x-ray as my EDC / hiking pack and have been very happy with it. The Kifaru has been better in just about every way than every other pack I've had. The Maxp. stuff was always pretty good but not as comfortable, easy to use or as tough IMO. I had a couple of TADfast packs too that didn't take long to fall to bits on me.

If you don't mind splashing out the cash for the Kifaru then I say go for it. :):thumbup:

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check out the Gregory Z packs- light, but not ultra light, well padded and some nice features- gets solid reviews and they make a 45L one

I use a Exos 46, but my weight is less than your carrying- probably a very similar setup to the Talon, so you can probably cross it off your list
 
A little pricey but worth it.
Easy access, not complicated adjustments....1 2 3 and your set, good stiff padding, lots of room and organization, will last a long time but feels like a store bought pack.
MR Dragonslayer and BigHorn shown here. Usually no waiting when ordered as they are in-stock. They have civvie versions that are lighter.

DSC00002-2.jpg
 
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^ Dana Gleason has been building bomber packs for several decades, they are well designed and he stands behind each and every pack

the bomber properties do add up in weight though, which is to be expected
 
Mountainsmith understands padding and THICK shoulder straps (about 4 inches)-they take it to the next level when it comes to the backpacker's comfort. I really took this for granted when I started buying packs from Jansport, Mountainsmith etc-these thin 2 inch straps are crap-not to mention if you get more than 40 pounds in the pack they feel like they're about to rip off at the seams. I paid 75 bucks for my Maverick, though their Approach 3.0 is more of the size you're looking for.
 
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