Backpacks, can anyone recommend a good one

On 12 Jul 2004 01:19:27 -0700, (VacuumHead) wrote:

Going to Europe soon, for three months, possibly longer. Male, 25
years of age. Need a good backpack. At least 4000 cubic inches of
storage space. Price range of $100-$225. Thanks.

Macpacs are the best. Not sure if they're available where you're from,
though. I wish you Americans would actually state that you are from
the US so we can better advise as to what is available locally... What
is with this inherent problem?


--
"It's too late
to be late again

in article , st at
wrote on 7/12/04 7:12 PM:

On 12 Jul 2004 01:19:27 -0700, (VacuumHead) wrote:

Going to Europe soon, for three months, possibly longer. Male, 25
years of age. Need a good backpack. At least 4000 cubic inches of
storage space. Price range of $100-$225. Thanks.

Macpacs are the best. Not sure if they're available where you're from,
though. I wish you Americans would actually state that you are from
the US so we can better advise as to what is available locally... What
is with this inherent problem?


--
"It's too late
to be late again

There's a world outside the US? Or a $ other than US? 8-))

Seriously - it frankly depends on what you are using it for. If glorified
storage with no technical aspects, that's one thing. If you're doing long
hikes with no protection from the weather or going up the side of a mountain
and need to carry easily-accessible tools, that's another.

As a general rule - don't scrimp on quality. More than most other things,
you will get what you pay for. I'm partial to Sovereign (by Kelty) and
Lowe/Lowepro and have had no problems with either, of varying sizes.

Get good, thick pads for both shoulders and waist, adjustable so they don't
cut into your neck or ride up your hips. These will be big factors on long
yomps. Also make sure the foam is GOOD quality, nice and dense, so it
doesn't collapse on you.

Check for double stitching with good thread, not cheap cotton.

Waterproof isn't. Run away from claims to the contrary. Water resistant is
a legitimate brag.

Buy a couple extra clips. They WILL break and are dirt cheap (under a
greenback).

I prefer side loaders to top loaders because you have a cross-section of all
your junk. They are a little less friendly in terms of weather-permeability
and distributability of weight, though. My Sovereign has both and has
survived quite a bit without anything getting inside that didn't belong
there.

Ignore those with gadgets galore like whistles, radios, beacons, snack
pockets, instant translators, and pre-installed Canadian flags 8-)

MacPacs? Never heard of them but they sound cool. Yes, I'm from the
US. Long Island, New York to be specific. Today I tried on a few packs
at a local Sports Authority. First, a North Face, which I found too
heavy and uncomfortable, especially on my back and shoulders. I tried
a Jansport which I wasn't thrilled with either. Finally, I tried a
Kelty Redwing which was the lightest and most comfortable. It also had
the least amount of Cubic Inch storage space, which wasn't good, cause
I need at least 4-5 thousand cubic inches for a big trip like this. So
far, the Kelty's have made a good impression on me. Tomorrow I'm going
to try more packs at Modell's, Sear's, Macy's, and Eastern Mountain
Sports. Mall closes at 9:30 during the week. Peace.







st wrote in message . ..
On 12 Jul 2004 01:19:27 -0700, (VacuumHead) wrote:

Going to Europe soon, for three months, possibly longer. Male, 25
years of age. Need a good backpack. At least 4000 cubic inches of
storage space. Price range of $100-$225. Thanks.

Macpacs are the best. Not sure if they're available where you're from,
though. I wish you Americans would actually state that you are from
the US so we can better advise as to what is available locally... What
is with this inherent problem?

Taking a moment's reflection, st mused:
|
| What is with this inherent problem?

Probably the fact that most things can be purchased there ... via
internet. ;-)

Taking a moment's reflection, VacuumHead mused:
|
| Going to Europe soon, for three months, possibly longer. Male, 25
| years of age. Need a good backpack. At least 4000 cubic inches of
| storage space. Price range of $100-$225. Thanks.

Try an Arc'Teryx Khamsin 62 ... if they are still available. Very
lightweight pack, excellent comfort ... side and top load. Saw a Khamsin 52
on closeout somewhere on the net fairly cheap.