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OfflineDrumsyStrings

Registered: 01/23/13
Posts: 122
Last seen: 10 years, 25 days
Buying a new backpack
    #17839937 - 02/21/13 06:27 AM (11 years, 10 months ago)

Hey guys,

I'm currently looking into buying a new backpack for some hiking/traveling this spring and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for a good pack or knew of any good deals on a solid pack.

This is my first backpacking pack, but I'm definitely planning on using it quite a bit so I want to be sure to get one that is quality. Also is it necessary to go try on packs in the store to find a good fit? Or would it be safe to order it online for a better price after finding out my measurements?

I'm really considering going for the Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian. http://www.granitegearstore.com/Nimbus-Meridian-P13C67.aspx
It looks like an awesome all around pack, but was looking for something maybe a little less expensive if possible. I found a used one on ebay for $200, but I am not to sure about buying it used. So any tips in the right direction are much appreciated. :thumbup:


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i like bongos. i like shpongle. i like mushrooms.

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InvisibleSheikCorp
Stranger

Registered: 01/09/08
Posts: 2,274
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: DrumsyStrings]
    #17839950 - 02/21/13 06:36 AM (11 years, 10 months ago)

I'd go to a store and try them on and find one that works for you.  Nothing is worse then 60 pounds of gear on your back and a shitty fitting pack.  The idea is to enjoy the time out there not go through some sort of right of passage through pain and suffering. Kelty and Gregory are good packs as far as my experience goes.

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Invisiblelivenotonevil
Registered: 01/20/10
Posts: 1,209
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: SheikCorp]
    #17840017 - 02/21/13 07:21 AM (11 years, 10 months ago)

I bought a pack frame for $50 new. It was vary comfortable. I simply strapped all my gear onto it and went from there. I already had an awesome Camlbak and a peaktosummit waterproof bag so it worked out for me.


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It is without question that the war on drugs is a failure. It has failed to prevent drug abuse. It has failed to keep drugs out of the hands of addicts. It has failed to stop drug overdoses. It has failed to keep drugs away from teenagers. It has failed to stop the violence associated with drug trafficking. It has failed to help drug addicts get treatment. It has failed to prevent the cultivation of marijuana and the making of illicit drugs. It has failed to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

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Offlinerudraksha


Registered: 01/07/13
Posts: 193
Loc: West Coast Canada
Last seen: 7 years, 9 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: livenotonevil]
    #17842778 - 02/21/13 04:35 PM (11 years, 10 months ago)

hey man,

personally if i'm gonna spend that much on a pack, i'd say go with arc'teryx or gregory, or black diamond if you want something a little more stripped down and better for alpine type activities. if you live in canada, MEC brand packs are the way to go if you're on a budget, their warranty is good and their quality is good for what you pay for, alternatively the REI packs in the US are gonna be a similar deal. depending on what you wanna do with this pack you should size accordingly... travel i would suggest 30-40L, general trekking 2-6 days i'd say 40-60L, and winter hiking/mountaineering or week+ trips i'd say 60-80L. i like to push my pack size to as small as possible because if you opt for something with extra room, you're gonna end up filling it anyway.. and then carrying that extra crap you don't really need.

i'v done solo hikes in summer for 4-7 days with a 35L pack, and i'v traveled in asia for a year with a 30L pack.. it really makes you ask yourself what you really need to have with you, which i think is nice :smile: however keep in mind it depends on how lightweight and the size of the gear you own too, if you have a bunch of old stuff from your dad or something, you might want to go for a bit bigger pack to accommodate that..

also like sheik said... go to a store and try it on, you want to make sure that the pack fits on your body comfortably and that it's sized right or you're not gonna be happy, i wouldn't order online.


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Invisiblenowwhoutthink
maybe im dreaming
 User Gallery


Registered: 07/09/09
Posts: 6,048
Loc: 805 Saint Cloud Road Mars
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: rudraksha]
    #17843252 - 02/21/13 05:43 PM (11 years, 10 months ago)

Been looking for a new one also. Have been using a rel nice Adidas one and jansport... Nothing fancy but works for me.


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OfflineDrumsyStrings

Registered: 01/23/13
Posts: 122
Last seen: 10 years, 25 days
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: nowwhoutthink]
    #17843339 - 02/21/13 06:00 PM (11 years, 10 months ago)

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm definitely gonna go into my local outdoor store tomorrow and try on a bunch of different ones to get a feel for them.
Rudraksha, thanks for those tips. I'll keep an eye out for those brand names when I'm at the store. I think I'm gonna go with a 40 to 60L because I will be using it on for some multiple day to week long hikes.
I'm planning on hiking in Southern Utah for a week or two in March, and I am also planning a small section hike (probably around a week to a week and a half) of the Appalachian Trail sometime in April.
I'll let you guys know when I decide on the right pack. Thanks again for all the tips.


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i like bongos. i like shpongle. i like mushrooms.

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InvisibleShroomismM
Space Travellin
Male User Gallery

Folding@home Statistics
Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension Flag
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: DrumsyStrings]
    #17845540 - 02/22/13 01:53 AM (11 years, 10 months ago)

Dude, I have owned a nimbus meridian for about 6 years.
It's an amazing lightweight but high capacity bag, very comfortable, highly recommended. Granite gear quality is top freaking notch :thumbup:
Taken it on many a backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail.. in the desert of AZ and Joshua Tree.. it's a most excellent lightweight bag.
Did a shit ton of research before settling on it. It looks like it's about $80 more now then what I paid years ago :thumbdown:

The only thing I slightly dislike is the lack of pockets... but that's kind of to be expected in an internal frame pack.
But there's basically just one huge compartment and one top pouch thing. Not the best for micro-organization, but it holds a ton of stuff and carries it very well.
However granite gear also sells armored pouches you can add to the sides for more capacity :thumbup:
The most important thing is that it fits you snug and feels comfortable carrying a load. I had to get a smaller waist strap, so make sure you try them on a lot and get a good fit.

It's my pack of choice for lightweight backpacking. However 320 seems steep, I paid about 240 for it I think
For more bug out type stuff I have a different big capacity pack with tons of pockets and compartments for better organization.

Gregory makes excellent packs in my experience, Granite Gear is top notch.. more for the lightweight gear.
Arc'Teryx is also very good but the most expensive and tend to be on the heavier side, but they are practically bombproof.


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Offlinegandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
Male
Registered: 09/28/07
Posts: 907
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: Shroomism]
    #17853483 - 02/23/13 04:50 PM (11 years, 10 months ago)

I have a JanSport Carson 90 that I've carried on my back from Fairbanks Alaska all the way across Canada to New York three times now and will do so again in the next couple of years.

I personally love this pack. It has an external frame where you can detach the pack and use the frame to carry firewood or carry game meat if you use it while hunting big game like elk and such. It has large capacity (two main compartments) with a pouch for a hydration bag, two side pouches, two bottle pouches, several compression straps and a place to hang/strap your sleeping bag under the main pack but still on the frame. Also the frame is adjustable. Paid around $100 years ago.

Just keep in mind that external frame packs are more versatile than internal frame packs.

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OfflineDrumsyStrings

Registered: 01/23/13
Posts: 122
Last seen: 10 years, 25 days
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: gandalf579]
    #17870646 - 02/26/13 05:48 PM (11 years, 10 months ago)

Thanks for the tips Shroomism and gandalf. I just went and tried on a bunch of packs at my local outdoor store. Unfortunately they didn't carry the Nimbus Meridian :thumbdown:, so I'm still on the lookout for that, but they had a bunch of nice packs to try on and I found out my measurements.

I tried on a Osprey Volt 60 that felt really nice and was only $179. It had some good features like a sleeping bag compartment and a decent amount of pockets. Also the straps were heavily padded and really comfortable. http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens/volt_60

I also tried on the Granite Gear Crown VC 60  which was really nice as well but about $50 more expensive. http://www.rei.com/product/831620/granite-gear-crown-vc-60-pack

There was also an Arc'teryx pack that I really like as well, but it was a little too expensive. I get paid this Friday so I'm probably gonna purchase the pack this weekend. I'll let you guys know which one i go for.


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i like bongos. i like shpongle. i like mushrooms.

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InvisibleDOBAS
Male


Registered: 07/06/13
Posts: 1,002
Loc: Virginia
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: DrumsyStrings]
    #20509529 - 09/02/14 08:03 AM (10 years, 4 months ago)

http://www.kifaru.net/

Kifaru. One of the best. Check em out. Expensive but quality.


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:mushdance:  :dancingbear:  :feelspokeman:

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OfflineHemantM
Stranger
Registered: 10/14/14
Posts: 14
Last seen: 9 years, 8 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: DOBAS]
    #20830306 - 11/13/14 03:34 AM (10 years, 2 months ago)

We use them for as long as we can.  It's a waste to throw them out and buy a new one every year.  It's a waste of money and a waste of resources.  Many backpacks can be washed and if you spend just a little more, stay away from the cheap character vinyl ones you can get a lot of years use out of them.

I'm also wondering what your DH does to his backpack to make it so disgusting to himself.  Is there some sort of personal history with unsanitary back packs that must be thrown out with only a few months of use?  Does he feel that way about all luggage or just backpacks?

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Offlinerudraksha


Registered: 01/07/13
Posts: 193
Loc: West Coast Canada
Last seen: 7 years, 9 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: HemantM]
    #20831372 - 11/13/14 10:17 AM (10 years, 2 months ago)

we diggin up old threads eh?

some fuckin bum broke into my van and stole my 80L gregory gaddamnit. i hate being back in the city sometimes. looks like i need a new winter pack before conditions get good.

bought a 40L cold cold world pack last year and it's been amazing, i might go for their larger chaos model. might also look at the gregory denali but it comes with a pretty hefty price tag.


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OfflineAll We Perceive
Sea Cucumber
Male


Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 10,491
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: rudraksha]
    #20858435 - 11/18/14 10:47 PM (10 years, 1 month ago)

Gregory is the fucking shit.  I use the Z65 for winter mountaineering and backpacking.  I'm looking for a smaller 30L for day climbs but haven't found anything suitable yet.  Eventually, I'll probably get a 45L for something in the middle.  Outdoor equipment, it's an addiction.


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"plus they atually think jambands are good or sumthing, so they clearly know absolutely nothing about music, clearly lol" -Bassfreak

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Offlinerudraksha


Registered: 01/07/13
Posts: 193
Loc: West Coast Canada
Last seen: 7 years, 9 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: All We Perceive]
    #20859500 - 11/19/14 09:35 AM (10 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

All We Perceive said:
Gregory is the fucking shit.  I use the Z65 for winter mountaineering and backpacking.  I'm looking for a smaller 30L for day climbs but haven't found anything suitable yet.  Eventually, I'll probably get a 45L for something in the middle.  Outdoor equipment, it's an addiction.




oh man tell me about it, i'm like a 13 yearold girl at the mall when i go in a mountain equipment store. I'v also got an old Z35 i traveled with in india and nepal for a year hiking and climbing with, it's pretty beat up now though. a bit of an issue that the Z65 seems to suffer, as do alot of the larger backpacking gregory packs is that it seems a little on the bulky side and i find the material isnt always as durable as i'd like it to be. Gregory's new alpinisto packs look pretty sick though.

CCW 40L pack is sick for lightweight 1-2 day ascents, really durable material, awesome stripped down design with a removable belay pad, axe holsters on the waist belt and it's made to order so you can have them make any adjustments you want within reason. would def recomend it for shorter excursions around summer time. http://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/chernobyl.htmhttp://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/chernobyl.htm

saw that the BD 55L speed is on clearance at mec atm for $150... tempted to try and replace my 80L with it (always found to 80 a bit big) but the 55 seems a tad on the small size so hum n' hawing over it.

been using the BD speed 22 for my day climbs for the whole summer season on rock & ice and i'd recomend it for sure for day trips, really solid pack with great ice axe attatchments, perfect size for a day out, forces you to only take the necesities and stay light.

should note these days i'm more into packs for lightweight, durability and simplicity and primarily to serve an alpine rock/ice function... generally i'l sacrifice comfort over lightweight any day

could talk outdoor gear for days...


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Edited by rudraksha (11/19/14 10:13 AM)

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OfflineAll We Perceive
Sea Cucumber
Male


Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 10,491
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: rudraksha]
    #20861886 - 11/19/14 07:01 PM (10 years, 1 month ago)

Yeah, the stitching is slightly coming apart from a summer hiking all over.  Honestly, I beat the shit out of my outdoor gear which is why I basically pay for a badass warranty that comes with getting more expensive brands.  Somehow my Leki poles have survived so far; I'm not really sure how.  :lol:  When I need to use my hands for climbing down stuff, I'll throw my poles pretty far down all the time.  The only items I own that aren't beat to shit are my patagonia coat and my kelty tn2 tent.  Somehow my climbing helmet is in good shape too despite my constant wacking my head on huge boulders.  A lot cheaper than an MRI I might say!  That BD 22 looks like a good option.  Is it snowboard compatible?


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"plus they atually think jambands are good or sumthing, so they clearly know absolutely nothing about music, clearly lol" -Bassfreak

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Offlinerudraksha


Registered: 01/07/13
Posts: 193
Loc: West Coast Canada
Last seen: 7 years, 9 months
Re: Buying a new backpack [Re: All We Perceive]
    #20864662 - 11/20/14 09:35 AM (10 years, 1 month ago)

yeah man i'm hard on it to, i buy this shit to use not to keep it clean and pretty to walk around town to the nearest coffee shop. actually reminds me i have some very trashed arcteryx soft shell pants i need to pcik up the warranty on :wink:. i think the speed 22 probably isn't your best bet for a snowboard, it's pretty minimalist in it's straps and really only has space for ice axes and maybe a little hardware on the side if you really need. do snowboards generally fit in ski straps on packs or do they need to have some extra wide ones?


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