Madness of Choosing a Backpack!

[Barney]

I know that this topic is so boring and already well covered but how on earth am I suppose to choose a suitable backpack amongst the sea of excellent ones? I'm so confused just after looking at the REI.com.

[2coastcamper]

I've found that if you're having trouble picking out a pack, go and visit a store that specializes in outdoors equipment. REI workers are great. They'll ask you every possible question, and give you the best options for you. They'll even measure you to to make sure you get the perfect fit (the packs often come in different torso heights).

If you aren't near such a store, maybe we can help you out here. Here are a few questions to get you started.

Male or female?
Your eight and appx. weight?
Internal or external frame?
How long are the most common trips likely to be?
Are there any must-have features (like water packs, sleeping bag compartment, external pockets, gear ties, etc)?

[Archer]

I've found that rather than finding the best backpack, the best backpacks have chosen me. I go to a store in person and browse away. Most often, I'm not actually looking to buy a bag, but one presents itself and is so perfect that I grab it and it lasts for years.

[Newanderthal]

The thing about backpacks is they are constantly evolving and getting better. Even the cheapest packs available today are vastly superior to the pack I used for years. If you go to REI and grab a pack that a salesperson recommends once you've told them what you're going to be doing, you'll have a great pack.

Could there be one better out there for you? Of course. There's always a better pack. But do you NEED another pack? Probably not.

For overnight trips, you don't need anything that holds more than 3800 cubic inches. For multi day trips, 4500 ci. REI doesn't carry junk, so if you get a frame pack from them that fits you well, it's a good pack and will serve you for many years.

Tell us more about what you plan on doing and we can point you to a few specific packs.

[Barney]

Originally Posted by 2coastcamper

I've found that if you're having trouble picking out a pack, go and visit a store that specializes in outdoors equipment. REI workers are great. They'll ask you every possible question, and give you the best options for you. They'll even measure you to to make sure you get the perfect fit (the packs often come in different torso heights).

If you aren't near such a store, maybe we can help you out here. Here are a few questions to get you started.

Male or female?
Your eight and appx. weight?
Internal or external frame?
How long are the most common trips likely to be?
Are there any must-have features (like water packs, sleeping bag compartment, external pockets, gear ties, etc)?

Thank for the offered help! Here is my data:

Male, 5' 8", 175lbs (but I'm twice the stronger for my size due to weight training - in case you calculate that into the weight I can carry), internal frame, full gear for 3 days, 2 night or more. I usually carry tools on my belt but nevertheless I would like a lot of pockets.

Can you also recommend a pack for daily or 2days+night trip of lightweight trekking?

BTW, I read your review on REI Flash 65. I like it very much but a friend told me that it's not that durable for my usual terrain which is mostly wooded off-trail area.

[2coastcamper]

You want a no-nonsense recommendation?

Try the Osprey Atmos 65.

It's got seven pockets (plus the main compartment) and 4,000 cu/inches of storage.

I would of course advise you to try one on before buying. I did try one on. We're about the same height, so I'd say get a medium (the sizes are based on torso height, not hiker girth). I liked the Osprey a lot, but at $230 it was a tad out of my budget. But if you've got that to spend, I do agree that I think the material is a little thicker on the Osprey and will offer perhaps added durability.

[Barney]

Originally Posted by 2coastcamper

You want a no-nonsense recommendation?

Try the Osprey Atmos 65.

It's got seven pockets (plus the main compartment) and 4,000 cu/inches of storage.

I would of course advise you to try one on before buying. I did try one on. We're about the same height, so I'd say get a medium (the sizes are based on torso height, not hiker girth). I liked the Osprey a lot, but at $230 it was a tad out of my budget. But if you've got that to spend, I do agree that I think the material is a little thicker on the Osprey and will offer perhaps added durability.

Thanks man! Atmos 65 looks extremely good! Although for now this is out of my budget. I've decided to buy REI Traverse 30 for my day hikes. That one was no brainer at all. I will definitely buy Atmos 65 as soon as I can afford it. Thanks again for pointing it out.