Looking for a good backpack

[Bruenor]

This summer I'm looking at doing a couple of multi-day hikes, and possibly a canoe trip. I'll need a backpack for about four days, maybe five. So far I've only done day hikes, so I haven't had the need for a good pack. Does anyone have some suggestions?

[JJ Grandits]

I've always been satisfied with a Kelty. Very comfortable and indestructable.

[NickieL]

Kelty makes some fairly inexpensive packs. I've never had a kelty fit me right though....Still, it works well enough. I like Northface packs...but not the newer models. I'll ask my dh his favorite brand....we have 6 packs all together ranging from day/over nighters to long distance expidition style.

[alleyyooper]

I have a Jansport with internal frame, It is a nice pack. I Like the extra wide padded hip belt also.

Al

[Wis Bang]

You need to try a few different ones on and see what feels good. The hip belt really holds the weight and most 'internal' frames can be 'tweaked' to feel good against your back. Compression straps that cinch the load narrow and tall work well in this style.

Stick to 'name' brands but try alot of different ones.

Remember the weight goes onto your hips & the shoulder straps hold the pack against your body they should never be tight enough to make your arms feel numb & most new designs have a 'sternum strap' between the shoulder straps to keep them in line so you don't over tighten the shoulder straps.

Two old adages. "Taking a pound off your feet lets you add 5 to your pack". and " Pull out everything you need & put half of it back b/4 you pack!"

[Dwayne Barry]

Originally Posted by Bruenor

This summer I'm looking at doing a couple of multi-day hikes, and possibly a canoe trip. I'll need a backpack for about four days, maybe five. So far I've only done day hikes, so I haven't had the need for a good pack. Does anyone have some suggestions?

You can check out reviews here:

http://www.backpacker.com/

At least give you an idea of what's out there and what features to consider.

[tyusclan]

Originally Posted by Wis Bang

You need to try a few different ones on and see what feels good.....Stick to 'name' brands but try alot of different ones.

I agree with this 100%.

Different packs fit different body types differently, (say that 3 times fast) and you need to find the one that feels best for you.

Go to a backpacking shop, and let them help you get fitted. You won't regret it.

[Haggis]

I'm a big fan of frameless packs such as the Duluth Packs mentioned above, or Frost River Packs (out of business now, I think). I have all sizes and shapes of such packs, from the over the shoulder shell packs (I carry one every day in winter, while hunting, trapping, snowshoeing), to small day packs, to very large soft Duluth packs perfect for canoe camping.

I do have one old "frame" pack, and one upon a time I carried huge loads in and on such packs, but no longer; now as the saying goes, "I smooth it rather than rough it".

[beowoulf90]

Originally Posted by Wis Bang

You need to try a few different ones on and see what feels good. The hip belt really holds the weight and most 'internal' frames can be 'tweaked' to feel good against your back. Compression straps that cinch the load narrow and tall work well in this style.

Stick to 'name' brands but try alot of different ones.

Remember the weight goes onto your hips & the shoulder straps hold the pack against your body they should never be tight enough to make your arms feel numb & most new designs have a 'sternum strap' between the shoulder straps to keep them in line so you don't over tighten the shoulder straps.

Two old adages. "Taking a pound off your feet lets you add 5 to your pack". and " Pull out everything you need & put half of it back b/4 you pack!"

This is the best advice I've seen!

For me I prefer at this time the heavy military style packs.. But that has to do more with fit and comfort FOR ME! I have at least 2 other lightweight packs that I picked up and everytime I went on an outing I always grabbed the military style pack.... Now since it's been 10 years or so since I last packed anything.. If I ever get my leg in shape enough to do it again I may have to change pack styles and my preference may change...
So as Wis Bang said, Try on all of the packs you can and find the one that fits you....

[Wis Bang]

Originally Posted by beowoulf90

This is the best advice I've seen!

So as Wis Bang said, Try on all of the packs you can and find the one that fits you....

Thank you. I also really appreciate the link to Backpacker, I haven't subscribed since Wilderness Camping was folded in and the Davis group took them over.

I do still have some of my old issues; the original Backpacker came w/ an artwork cover and was a really instructive magazine.

I've also re-constructed a Northface frame pack sized for a 6 footer, in the dark, in the rain, in thigh deep weeds, halfway to the campsite to fit a 5'2" girl who just 'had' to have that pack 'cause the high school kid at Hermans [We Were Sports] didn't know the first thing about fitting a pack and failed to talk her out of it...

The wrong pack makes the trail torture and every step agony. If it doesn't feel good in the store w/ a few pounds in it [any shop that won't put some test weight inside isn't worth your business] it won't feel good half way up the mountain w/ 15 - 20 pounds inside.

This is one item I wouldn't buy on-line...

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

make a day out of it wear your hiking cloths,put all your gear for 5 days in bags in your car , find the pack that seems to fit well then ask if they would mind if you tried your gear in it drag all your stuff in and pack up the pack make sure it fits , then put on the pack make sure you can do it yourself , walk around the store for a while make sure the load works for you. it looks strange but when boy scout groups were getting ready to go to high adventure back packing trips they would go on several mile hikes around town all loaded up , you learn what works and doesn't by doing this

[h8mtv]

I would not scoff at the newer Molle frame backpacks. I put one together using all new parts off Ebay for around $50. It is very comfortable. I also carry a Maxpedition Condor and Sitka depending on occasion.