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Backpacks

Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
edited September 2017 in General Discussion
anyone know a good website that sells good military style backpacks? was looking on CTD at some of their molle packs, but some of the reviews have me skeptical. looking for something under 100 bucks if possible.
Some will die in hot pursuit
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain

Comments

  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    I've been looking at some backpacks and could use some advice. I want something durable, but not fancy for carrying on hikes with the family.
    I'm considering military surplus ALICE type packs and the usual sporting goods store packs. Not looking to put a couple hundred bucks into what amounts to a few sheets of canvas. Comments and advice on your favorite packs would be welcome. Are frames a good idea? Thanks.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    I am looking for a new pack. This one would be ideal, if it were closer to 50L capacity. I am specifically looking for one with daisy chain like this has (molle attachment would probably work too), and with straps that pull the load tight to the back, like this. Anyone aware of a design like that in 50L? As light a weight as possible would be nice too. Preferably it would be about 3lbs. or less.

    http://www.mysteryranch.com/scree-pack

    Dhz4RZ2l.jpg


    FWIW, my current pack is a GoLite (not made anymore) that weighs in at 1 lb. 7 oz. It has about a 60L capacity and is on it's last legs.

    Also, Mystery Ranch was formerly Dana Designs.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I own a Mystery Ranch, a Dana Designs "Bomb pack," a Golite, etc etc. So I know what you are talking about.


    Call 1-800-CAMPMOR. You will get the mail order Dept.

    Ask to be transferred to the "Pack dept. in the Store."

    You will be speaking with some of the best and most knowledgeable Pack guys in the Country.

    There is a huge selection available at the Store (that can be shipped if you request.)

    I was one of the Managers there for over 20 years.

    They will have what you need.


    www.Campmor.com also.

    (But) Again, "the Store," has 2-3x (easily) what you will see online, or available through the Catalog.

    Request a. Item be shipped from the Store, ask to speak to a Store Manager if necessary.

    They will make it happen.


    Best,

    -Ken-
  • Rack OpsRack Ops Member Posts: 18,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Mr. P,

    Did you see my thread on hiking gear? I just posted in the last couple of days

    I have a ULA Circuit. I think that might be a bit big for you, but they make smaller packs.


    ULA knows their business.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I own a Mystery Ranch, a Dana Designs "Bomb pack," a Golite, etc etc. So I know what you are talking about.


    Call 1-800-CAMPMOR. You will get the mail order Dept.

    Ask to be transferred to the "Pack dept. in the Store."

    You will be speaking with some of the best and most knowledgeable Pack guys in the Country.

    There is a huge selection available at the Store (that can be shipped if you request.)

    I was one of the Managers there for over 20 years.

    They will have what you need.


    www.Campmor.com also.

    (But) Again, "the Store," has 2-3x (easily) what you will see online, or available through the Catalog.

    Request a. Item be shipped from the Store, ask to speak to a Store Manager if necessary.

    They will make it happen.


    Best,

    -Ken-
    Thanks to you, I think I found one. This comes about as close to fitting the bill as I could have guessed.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/osprey-ace-50-internal-frame-backpack

    There is also this one, but it's a bit out of the budget.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/exped-thunder-50-internal-frame-backpack
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
    Mr. P,

    Did you see my thread on hiking gear? I just posted in the last couple of days

    I have a ULA Circuit. I think that might be a bit big for you, but they make smaller packs.


    ULA knows their business.
    I am very familiar with the circuit. My hiking buddy has one. I like that a lot and have been considering it., but it does not have the daisy chain. It's closer to 70L but light enough to work otherwise.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I own a Mystery Ranch, a Dana Designs "Bomb pack," a Golite, etc etc. So I know what you are talking about.


    Call 1-800-CAMPMOR. You will get the mail order Dept.

    Ask to be transferred to the "Pack dept. in the Store."

    You will be speaking with some of the best and most knowledgeable Pack guys in the Country.

    There is a huge selection available at the Store (that can be shipped if you request.)

    I was one of the Managers there for over 20 years.

    They will have what you need.


    www.Campmor.com also.

    (But) Again, "the Store," has 2-3x (easily) what you will see online, or available through the Catalog.

    Request a. Item be shipped from the Store, ask to speak to a Store Manager if necessary.

    They will make it happen.


    Best,

    -Ken-
    Thanks to you, I think I found one. This comes about as close to fitting the bill as I could have guessed.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/osprey-ace-50-internal-frame-backpack

    There is also this one, but it's a bit out of the budget.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/exped-thunder-50-internal-frame-backpack
    Shoot, first one is a no go, as the torso length is too short.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I own a Mystery Ranch, a Dana Designs "Bomb pack," a Golite, etc etc. So I know what you are talking about.


    Call 1-800-CAMPMOR. You will get the mail order Dept.

    Ask to be transferred to the "Pack dept. in the Store."

    You will be speaking with some of the best and most knowledgeable Pack guys in the Country.

    There is a huge selection available at the Store (that can be shipped if you request.)

    I was one of the Managers there for over 20 years.

    They will have what you need.


    www.Campmor.com also.

    (But) Again, "the Store," has 2-3x (easily) what you will see online, or available through the Catalog.

    Request a. Item be shipped from the Store, ask to speak to a Store Manager if necessary.

    They will make it happen.


    Best,

    -Ken-
    Thanks to you, I think I found one. This comes about as close to fitting the bill as I could have guessed.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/osprey-ace-50-internal-frame-backpack

    There is also this one, but it's a bit out of the budget.
    https://www.campmor.com/c/exped-thunder-50-internal-frame-backpack
    Shoot, first one is a no go, as the torso length is too short.



    If you have not done so already Randy, call and ask to speak to "the Store."


    Much, much more than you will see online. Speak with a Pack guy, describe your wants and needs.

    They will hook you up.

    I own several Ospreys also. One of my favorite Pack lines.


    It's not even funny, how much Outdoor gear I own. [:0] Seriously, it is out of control.

    I did this for a living for 27 years.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    I will do that thanks. Although, I am seriously just considering getting that scree pack and trying to figure out what gear to shed.[:D] With the daisy chain, I can probably add back just about anything.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ask about "Store Specials," and especially " Closeouts." Those are the real $$ deals.

    If you describe your wants and needs to a "Store Pack guy," they will hook you up.

    Those of us who worked in "the Store," were the one who got out, traveled, and lived the life, been there, done that. [:D]
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    Ask about "Store Specials," and especially " Closeouts." Those are the real $$ deals.

    If you describe your wants and needs to a "Store Pack guy," they will hook you up.

    Those of us who worked in "the Store," were the one who got out, traveled, and lived the life, been there, done that. [:D]
    Just curious if I would get a different result than using the online chat feature? The guy I just chatted with directed me to a pack with most of the right features but it was too big (60L) and too heavy (4+lbs.). It may be that is all there is out there, I don't know. At least the price was in the right ballpark.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    Ask about "Store Specials," and especially " Closeouts." Those are the real $$ deals.

    If you describe your wants and needs to a "Store Pack guy," they will hook you up.

    Those of us who worked in "the Store," were the one who got out, traveled, and lived the life, been there, done that. [:D]
    Just curious if I would get a different result than using the online chat feature? The guy I just chatted with directed me to a pack with most of the right features but it was too big (60L) and too heavy (4+lbs.). It may be that is all there is out there, I don't know. At least the price was in the right ballpark.



    You were more than likely speaking/chatting with a Mail order Cust Serv guy.

    Cut to the chase. The Pack gurus work in the store, fitting people, all day, every day.

    These are the Guys and Gals who are living it, get out all the time, and know what they are talking about.

    Big difference between The Store people, and Mail order. Not even close to the same.

    Our people (the Store,) actually have their hands on the product all day every day, and are involved in fitting the pack to you. (Anywhere from 30 min. to an hour.) If it does not fit, you will be told, "this is not fitting you right."


    Mail order folks are selling out of a Catalog with specs.

    Store People are talking to you, with the product in their hands and are intementally (sp?) familiar with it.

    They also have a lot of stuff, Mail Order has never seen or is familiar with.


    (Two different locations by the way.)

    "The Store," is where the high end merchandise is. Trust me.


    Just MHO.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    Thanks Ken.[:)]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Rack OpsRack Ops Member Posts: 18,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Maybe it's the requirements you are giving.

    In the other thread you said your kit was at just under 35 lbs. Now, that's not "heavy", but it's definitely on the high side of "moderate"

    A 50L pack is a smallish pack. I've had my circuit packed full and been at 35 lbs.

    If I was the chat guy on the other end, I would probably be recommending a larger pack too.


    Another thing to remember. You can put a small amount in a large pack....but you can't pack a large amount into a small pack. A larger pack gives you more flexibility.


    ***edit***

    Just saw your revised gear weight. I still think you are going find things easier with a larger pack though...particularly with that bear can.
  • Smitty500magSmitty500mag Member Posts: 13,623 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
    Maybe it's the requirements you are giving.

    In the other thread you said your kit was at just under 35 lbs. Now, that's not "heavy", but it's definitely on the high side of "moderate"

    A 50L pack is a smallish pack. I've had my circuit packed full and been at 35 lbs.

    If I was the chat guy on the other end, I would probably be recommending a larger pack too.


    Another thing to remember. You can put a small amount in a large pack....but you can't pack a large amount into a small pack. A larger pack gives you more flexibility.


    ***edit***

    Just saw your revised gear weight. I still think you are going find things easier with a larger pack though...particularly with that bear can.


    It is easier to pack a larger pack. My GoLite and my Kelty pack are both larger (60L and 100L respectively). I don't need that much room. The GoLite has more than ample space in it. And if I do a longer and/or colder trip, my Kelty pack is more than up to the task. One of my objectives in getting a new pack is to get one that makes it difficult to pack too much extra along for the ride. In the summer, I just don't need that much gear and thus the smaller pack. And at the same time, I want the double daisy chain so that adding gear if I want or need to (say, for example, my hiking buddy needs to lighten his load for whatever reason) is still possible.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • mogley98mogley98 Member Posts: 18,291 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thule Capstone 50L Hiking Pack doesn't specifically have Daisey chains

    This one does

    http://shop.highsierra.com/active-outdoors/frame-packs/high-sierra-pathway-50l-pack/79547XXXX.html

    Here is a Kelty
    https://www.kelty.com/redwing-50/
    Why don't we go to school and work on the weekends and take the week off!
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mogley98
    Thule Capstone 50L Hiking Pack doesn't specifically have Daisey chains

    This one does

    http://shop.highsierra.com/active-outdoors/frame-packs/high-sierra-pathway-50l-pack/79547XXXX.html

    Here is a Kelty
    https://www.kelty.com/redwing-50/
    Neither of those packs have daisy chain that I can see.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    So, what if anything have you bought?
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    So, what if anything have you bought?
    Nothing yet. Shortly after this my electric dishwasher went out, so I've had to reprioritize funds.[B)]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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