Starter Tent: Check. Now, On to The Pack

C

cm_bushman

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Oct 22, 2012
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Now that I've gotten some advice on a tent to really start my camping experience, of course I'll need other things like a rucksack, sleep system, clothing, etc. I was hoping to get some recommendations in this thread about the Pack.

I tried on several packs at a sportsman's store a few weeks ago and I found myself most comfortable with external framed packs. The didn't seem much heavier than internal frames and they certainly felt sturdier in my price range. I was considering an old ALICE pack, for their price and sturdiness. I've never tried one on however and I've heard they're complicated to use and I'm sure they're heavy. I'd like to stay reasonably light (I'm a small dude), but as I may or may not have said before, I don't have a weight goal nor am I about to trade something solid for something light.

So can anyone recommend an external frame pack for me (~5'9") to take on 3-5 day hikes, again under $100 (or at least $150, it seems good gear doesn't come cheap)?
 
Don't totally discount internal frame packs. I've used one for several years and found it fairly comfortable and easily adjustable. And mine was an inexpensive brand.

I'll add: Have the salesperson load it down to at least 35# amd walk around the block.
 
amazon sells those Teton Sports -internal frame though, I think, for really good prices, like sub $80, last time I looked. Supposed to be made for shorter/smaller men and women. Got really good reviews on a few sites. Don't have any personal experience. I roll with a Large Alice or 5.11 rush 24 or 72 for my needs. You could look for a medium-frame Alice pack.
 
cm_bushman said:
I was considering an old ALICE pack, for their price and sturdiness. I've never tried one on however and I've heard they're complicated to use and I'm sure they're heavy.
Click to expand...

Courtesy of Uncle Sam, I've carried and jumped an ALICE for almost two and a half decades. They are (almost) idiot proof in their simplicity...the most common confusion being the strap to tighten the kidney pad.

They CAN get heavy if you load them with radios, ammo, baseplates, batteries, etc.... think of them as a more "ergonomic" trash can that everything can fit in.

Some things to consider...

The ALICE pack turned 40 in January, 2013.

The medium ALICE backpack system can carry about twenty to thirty pounds. It measures 18″ long x 14″ wide (Over all 19″ x 20″ x 11″). The large ALICE can carry 75 pounds or more. It measures 20″ long x 19″ wide.
Click to expand...

"...or more" is truly subjective: plenty of us carried 120#..."or more".

Army proof (idiot proof as well), jump proof, carries a ton o' gear and is dirt cheap...seriously, a can of CampDry and Tent Floor sealant and your grandkids will still be playing with it.
 
Civilian external frame packs are great for trail hiking. You have to pay more attention to packing them, but they are a little less overall in cost compared to internals.
 
Do you have any outdoor shops in your area that rent gear? When I started backpacking 30 years ago I bought a used pack from a local shop, but I could have rented one of their packs to try out.

I bought an external frame pack and I still have it, a Kelty. At that time external frame packs were used when you needed to carry a lot of gear, internal frame packs did not have the weight capacity or the volume for significant backpacking. However some people did use them for climbing because they offered more freedom of movement to the wearer. I understand that packs have changed and most people now prefer internal frame.
 
The Complete Walker, by Colin Fletcher, is the best book on outdoor gear I've ever read. (Make sure you get the latest edition, with Chip Rawlins.) Excellent advice on all kinds of outdoor gear.
 
The Kelty Tioga is the standard for the external frame pack. It was the first, and it's still pretty darned good. My dad bought one in the 1970's, along with a junior version for me, when we started backpacking. Both are still totally functional, albeit the Junior is a bit too small for me now. You can find them in the $100 range.

Fit doesn't have to be as precise with an external as with an internal, so ordering on line isn't quite as tricky. And the packing is totally different.

Good luck!

ERG
 
I believe I tried on a Kelty in-store and was impressed. I was surprised by how light the packs were even with the aluminum frame, and how comfortable they were even with cursory adjustment. The first one I tried on turned out to be a junior pack, but it fit the best out of the three or four the store had. To start I may just go for a Med. ALICE as I originally intended and see how it goes. If it tanks, I'm out less than $50. Of course, that Tioga isn't a wallet-killer...
 
About ten years age I picked up two JanSport frame packs at a flea market..They were older models but worked great for the wife and me..I can't remember specific models but they were just your standard run of the mill frame packs..After my knees started going I gave them to a couple boyscouts that live on my street..Last I checked they were still being used...

For $50.00 those old JanSports held up great and were durable and light..The two boys who use them now are around 12 and 14 yrs old and they camp out several times a year with their troop..CD
 
Old ALICE is absolutely bomb proof. At your height she should serve you well. Problems arise if you are much taller as the frame is too short and will hit you below the top of your shoulders with the hip belt fastened. Stick with the medium size bag. The large ( Ranger Ruck ) bag is about the same height as it uses the same frame it just sticks out twice as far and plays havoc with your balance. You also tend to over load it when you have all that extra space. Rember ounces = pounds, pounds = pain !
Al
 
cm_bushman - Which tent did you choose?

I'm a big fan of internal framed packs, but I have a friend who uses the Kelty Super Tioga external frame. It seems to be a great pack. The only drawback to internal frame packs for me is the sweaty back when warm. Buy a good, slick, comfortable shirt.

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ThriftyJoe - Both of those MH three person tents (LightPath 3 and Drifter 3) are good IMO. Sign up for Sierra Trading Post email notices and wait for an "Extra __% Off" code. It definitely makes those tents great deals.
 
The Kelty and Alps external frame packs, can be had for under $150.

My mom has a Kelty from the 1960's that's still going strong today. Back then, they came with nylon belts, no pads. So last spring I bought a new in bag surplus Molle II Kidney pad for it. Mom tried the pack on with a little bit of gear and can handle it just fine now. She doesn't camp/pack any more, so this will be used as her 72 hour pack.

I prefer external frame packs and have three; #1. A Medium Alice pack with Frame and Blackhawk Kidney pad, this is my day pack. #2. Long Frame American Camper pack with Molle II Kidney pad. This is my summer 1 to 3 night pack. #3. Blackhawk SOF Ruck Pack Kit w/Molle II Kidney pad. It's essentially a modern Large Alice pack made from 1000D Nylon that holds over 5,500 C.I of gear. It has tons of lash points and synch straps. If you need/want a large pack and need to lash stuff like tools to it, the SOF Ruck Pack, has you covered!

Keep an eye on the local 2nd hand/thrift stores. Sometimes you can find an external frame pack for $5 to $20. The frame and pack, being in good shape are important. The kidney pad/waist belt and shoulder straps are Easy to replace.

It sounds like a Medium Alice w/frame will fit you. I recommend upgrading the Kidney pad to a Molle II or other newer pad. The Molle II Pad is comfortable, has molle webbing so you can carry stuff in easy reach and can be had for less then $20. I like mounting a Canteen/GP Pouch to the left side of the kidney pad, the right side gets changed up depending on mood or my needs for that trip.

If you need help finding good sources for Alice gear, Email/PM me, I'd be glad to help.
 
Or if willing to consider an internal frame pack, it won't cost you anything to go to your local WalMart and try on a Coleman Max65. They retail for $65-75. I have one and while I seldom backpack anymore, I have carried it on quite a few 16 miler overnighters with no problems. It has an adjustment feature for different torso lengths, padding, exterior pockets, air flow back, included rain cover and is hydration compatable. A lot of bang for the buck and more carry comfort than one might expect.
 
BillyJoe: I decided on the Eureka! Tetragon for the price. It seems like a nice shape too. I would have went with the Big Agnes Seedhouse, but it was just a little too much cash right now for similar specs.

I'm hoping to go back to try on a few packs tomorrow, but for the price I'm thinking the Med. ALICE/kidney pad is my choice for now, unless something really blows me away.
 
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