Backpacks

[nlbp21]

I am planning on bying a backpack. Give me your favorite packs, least favorite packs, internal or external. Any advice you have for buying a backpack is welcome.

[stevenscout]

I own an internal frame and I love it. I have hiked with both internal and external frames and I definately prefer internal. To me, internals are much more comfortable than externals. They also have more interior space so you don't have to strap stuff all over the outside of your pack. The bad thing abount internals is that they can be hot during warm hikes because there is no airflow between your back and the pack. From what I have seen, externals are cheaper than internals which is an advantage if you have a limited budget. I know a lot of people that have externals and like them so you are getting a pretty one-sided view from me but I hope I helped some.

stevenscout

[wagionvigil]

alps mountaineering make some excellet packs and sell discount to scouts

[vpalango]

The decision on a pack has a couple of issues you need to consider:

1) What type of use will you be getting from your pack. If you will need to attach alot of external items to the pack, external frame packs are sometimes better.

2) for comfort and ability to carry weight, internal frames are usually better.

3) Remember, internal frame backpacks are sized to your torso. I purchased a pack for my son, and went with an external frame, because they are more adjustable as he grows. Essentially he will get more years of use out of it.

Just $.02

[diamondbackAPL]

yo I have a go lite pack. I love it. but the frame is small and can only hold 30 pounds

[616kayak]

I've used internal frames and external and frameless. My dad bought me the golight frameless because when I started on longer hikes I only weighed 100 lbs. I find the frameless if packed tightly will offer as much support as an internal frame. Just stuff everything in there so stuff doesn’t flop around. What I use is actually classified under adventure racing. I love frameless, but they are no for everyone. The only thing I dislike about my pack is the lack of padding in the waste, but I usually put soft stuff in the pockets like tp so it’s no problem.

golite speed pack

[hacimsaalk]

rule #1- the pakc must fit YOU. you are the one wearing it, nobody else is. the weight should be on your hips, not your shoulders.

rule #2- the pack should be comfortable. remember, you are possibly going to be walking 10+ miles. you dont want ot be miserable the whole time.

rule #3- it must be big enough. if you are a weekend hiker, 500-1500 should probably fit you. 3-5 days- 2000-3000. 5 + days- 3500-7000. i wouldnt go above 7000. any bigger is unneccessary.


i have a Kelty Comanche 6400. it is a nice pack. the only downside is no water proofing. other than that i love it. it works really nice. it has been to maine 3 times, and its never busted, fallen apart, ect. and i beat it really bad ( AT).

Keltys are great packs.

[FrankJ]

If you go internal: make sure your stuff (sleeping bag in particular) will fit in because it is hard to strap stuff on the outside.

External frames are easier to pack if your tent & sleeping bag are bulky. External frames tend to be more comfortable in hot weather.

Kelty, Jansport & REI have good pack as well as countless others. I would stay away from the utralight stuff until you know what you want.



Especially for your first pack: Go to a store that has knowledgable staff and get fitted. Try it with weight in the pack to make sure it is comfortable. Make sure your stuff will fit the pack you buy.

[deweylure]

The age of the person buying the back pack has somehting to do with it. I would not get an internal fraqme unless you have fully grown. An external pack can grow wit you by adding tube sections to the frame. See scout stuff,org.

Packs are also fitted by torso length. REI has a good description on the web site about how to buy a pack and how to measure it.

Size if the pack is another option measured in cubic inches. Do you want a week end pack or a week long pack.

Price is another issue you can buy an off the shelf or have one fitted

options are next do you want a hydration compartment or an I pod pocket. Do me a favor and leave the I pod at home.

Hope this helps

Deweylure

[ThunderingWind]

I like my Kelty 5600 cubic inch model. It has a lower section for a sleeping bag and there are slots behind the side pockets to put skis (that is how they describe it). I like the slots to put the fishing pole or the premeasured poles for my fly-only sleeping houch.

But get one that fits!!

[hacimsaalk]

i have to disagree. up in NH & ME temps. hit 85+ almost everyday. my kelty ( internal frame) is very good for this kind of hiking. most internal frames these days are also adjustable. many you can move shoulder straps up, and you can move belts around, ect.

i have to say that bulky items are harder to tie on.

[616kayak]

i have to disagree. up in NH & ME temps. hit 85+ almost everyday. my kelty ( internal frame) is very good for this kind of hiking.

I agree with Hacimsaalk.

ive hiked with my framless in the summer here in florida temps in the 90's and my back stayed cool the whole time. My frameless hugs my back real well and has no airflow. It works just fine

[hacimsaalk]

the internal and frameless packs are made to be hugged tight to your body. the material between you and the pack is made to breathe. thats why i like em'

[wagionvigil]

Most good outfitters like REI and EMS and many locals also will allow you to actually load and wear the pack in the store. Walk around for like an hours etc. try different ones. The wrong choice can make you very sorry later on.

[bevs]

I guess it depends on what brand you are comfortable with...it doens't matter if its expensive or cheap at all as long as the quality is there....try visit online outdoor gear stores and view there products...
try backcountry.com and many other online outdoor gear stores....

[pipestone1991]

I have a Nebo Sports internal frame. It costs me $70 3 years ago. It's been through 3 summer camps (4th next week), over 60 days of general boy scout camping, and will be with me in 3 weeks for trek 17 in Philmont

[ccmason]

I have used a GoLite for a few years now for ultralight packing. I can go out for 2-3 days with about 25lbs or less. Great pack for short trips.

I have a Kelty large cap internal frame for longer or winter trips where I need to carry more gear.

I agree with a lot of the comments here about sizing. Make sure you are fully grown to get your internal pack sized properly, or find a good one that will allow for adjustments. For newer, younger and growing kids the external frame packs are good and inexpensive.

[fritz1255]

Many of the boys in our Troop use the Jansport Scout external frame pack. It is adjustable to where it will fit anyone from a youth to an average-sized adult, and has an updated design as far as packing things in it and strapping things on. Another possibility is the Outdoor Products Dragonfly, also adjustable.