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| Backpacking Backpackers hike into the backcountry to spend one or more nights there, and carries supplies and equipment to satisfy sleeping and eating needs. |
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02-22-2011, 07:52 PM
| #1 |
| Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 136
 |  What type of backpack Is there a special requirement for a backpack or can I use just my old pack from school? I don't want to invest a lot of money until I know whether I am going to like it or not. |
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02-22-2011, 09:54 PM
| #2 |
| Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southwest Virginia Posts: 210
| The only real requirement is fit....every thing else is personal choice, and advertisment hype. Packs are nothing more than bags....and often times way over priced bags...so, keep what you have, save your money, and just get out and hike as for either a day hike, or even an over nighter you really don't need to carry much... Last edited by le Metis; 02-22-2011 at 09:57 PM. |
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02-22-2011, 10:35 PM
| #3 |
| Senior Member  Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 282
| As Le Metis said fit is the key for comfort. Here are some links you may find interesting. How to get the correct size Adjusting the Fit Different pack types Just a note I do not work for nor in any way affiliated with REI. I don't even shop there but their site does have lots of great information. |
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02-24-2011, 12:20 AM
| #4 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Richmond, BC Posts: 9
| I recommend REI (I don't even live in the US). I believe they are a coop (non-for-profit). The staff don't just sell, they use the gear. I go there anytime I get south of the 49th. |
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02-25-2011, 09:15 AM
| #5 | |
| Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rutland County, Vermont Posts: 132
| Quote:
"I could never resist the call of the trail." ~Buffalo Bill The Adventures of Jobiwan My Facebook page | |
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02-25-2011, 08:27 PM
| #6 |
| Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 136
| Thanks for the info. I have a great backpack I used to use for school, I paid a fortune for it and I have had it over 15 years, so the quality is good, I may try that, it has a few compartments too which makes organization good. |
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02-25-2011, 10:26 PM
| #7 | |
| Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 282
| Quote:
One thing to consider if you want to go out multiple days is a pack that has a good hip belt. If your pack doesn't have that you will be more comfortable even with a cheap back that does. The hip belt allows you to carry the weight on your hips and not on your shoulders. I have actually got a cheap pack that I some times use at Walmart for 60 bucks that is pretty comfortable. The biggest drawback to it is that the zippers are cheaper and the materials it is made out of will not be as durable as my more expensive packs. With that being said if you are just planning in day hikes for now as it sounded in another post the back that you have sounds like ti will work nicely for you. Remember one thing that many forget when talking gear. Yes the higher dollar gear is nice and may be more comfortable, but getting out is the most important thing. If you have something and it works use it don't let not having high end gear keep you at home and on the couch. See you down the trail Wayne | |
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03-04-2011, 04:07 PM
| #8 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 5
| Your school book bag may be good for a day on the trail, but shouldn't be over ten to fifteen pounds or your shoulders are gonna pay for it. If you wanna do an overnight trip I suggest finding something with a frame. External frames help you keep an upright posture and are better ventilated for warmer weather. Internal frames keep the load closer to your center of gravity, are usually lighter than Externals and considered by the majority to be more comfortable. I personally like the internals. My suggestion is to see if you can borrow one from a friend or see if there is a place you can rent one. then you can see if you like it without spending to much. When and if you decide to buy get your back measured and fitted by a professional (NO WAL-MART or GANDER MTN). |
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03-04-2011, 07:16 PM
| #9 |
| Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 136
| I have an old one with a frame and I took it on a 22km hike and nearly drove it into the woods on more than one occasion. I hate it. My school bag was not cheap, I paid a lot for it and it has a hip belt as well as a chest belt. |
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03-07-2011, 04:28 PM
| #10 |
| Senior Member  Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 299
| If it's not a frame pack, don't use it for overnight trips. You'll kill your shoulders and back. You can get a decent frame pack for under $100 that will allow you to carry all you need for several days. High Sierra Explorer 55 $89 3356 cubic inches High Sierra Explorer 55 Internal Frame Pack, 88680 | Internal Backpacks | Packs | GEAR | items from Campmor. Kelty Women's Pawnee $99 2700 cubic inches Kelty Women's Pawnee Internal Frame Pack, 90287 | Internal Backpacks | Packs | GEAR | items from Campmor. And from Amazon... High Sierra Summit 45 $64 Amazon.com: High Sierra Summit 45 Frame Pack: Clothing Swiss Gear Ibex $70 3100 cubic inches Amazon.com: Swiss Gear Ibex Large Top Load Internal Frame Pack: Sports & Outdoors JanSport Klamath 55 (smaller version of my walkabout pack) $91 Amazon.com: JanSport Klamath 55 Basecamp Series Backpack: Clothing JanSport Trail Series Big Bear 6 $80 3600 cubic inches Amazon.com: JanSport Trail Series Big Bear 63 Backpack: Clothing |
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