Pack Frustrations

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 09 2005 9:36 pm

Okay- time to enlist the enormous collective experience of the HAZ community, cuz I am just about at my wits end!

I have been on a backpack hunt for quite a few weeks, and have gone through the ringer trying to find one that fits well. I have a 22" torso, and that is making it extremely difficult to find a day or weekend pack (without going to like 60000 ci or spending over 200 bucks!). I think I tried every pack on at the Hiking Shack and no cigar! I am currently using a REI Lookout for day hikes- of course it doesn't really fit at all, especially with any type of weight (learned the hard way on a 2 day recently- it packed well but after 1 day I had no neck). I have tried the North Face Terra 50, the Deuter Vario Futura 50 +10, and I just received a Mountainsmith Phantom. The largest torso I can find is 22", which of course just barely fits! With the Phantom, there is absolutely no left over shoulder strap at all! HELP!

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions? I'm about ready to just hike with a bandana tied to a stick.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Mike

mttgilbert · Post by **mttgilbert** » Sep 12 2005 6:28 pm

Congrats on picking a new pack trish! Next step; a new tyvek rainfly for it. Overall kelty makes really good packs, generally though, they are considered beginner packs (a development phase you may have surpassed). They tend to be less technical than other brands (say gregory) but less technical could be a good thing. I tend to go for simpler packs myself. I'm not a big fan of pockets and compartments. That pack should last you a good long while.

Happy trails in your new pack, let me know when you plan on giving her a test run. I have some new gear that could use a little dirt.

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Sep 12 2005 6:47 pm

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

I think I just might have some Tyvek hangin' around the house (literally)

I know Kelty is a good pack but far from top of the line. I just need something that FITS both me and my budget. I actually like the extra pockets on my Gregory since they allow me to store my smaller items so they are easily accessible instead of rummaging through the main compartment. But then again....I do sew so maybe I can modify the Shadow and add a zippered pocket or two!!!! Now there's a thought!

Will let you know when I'm going to take this baby out and get some sweat and trail dust on it.

:mrgreen:

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Oct 29 2005 4:17 pm

matt gilbert wrote: Happy trails in your new pack, let me know when you plan on giving her a test run. I have some new gear that could use a little dirt.

My pack frustrations are over!

I took this pack out two weeks ago on a trip to Reavis Ranch (close to 20 miles). Fit like a dream with plenty of room for everything with some to spare......it holds 4500 cubes!!! Way larger than my Gregory Deva which is 3200. My only complaint is the hydration pocket is very small and is not anywhere near the good design of my Gregory. Otherwise a wonderful choice. I hardly felt the 30+ pounds I was carrying.

So if you're on the petite size and looking for a pack that fits (for under $200) check out the Kelty Shadow.

kylemorgan · Post by **kylemorgan** » Nov 23 2005 4:09 pm

I've noticed that you guys seem to be a wealth of info. I was looking at the kelty red cloud 6650. I like that fact that it's so big because I do on occasion go w/ my wife and I carry a bigger tent and a lot more supplies than when I'm going by myself, and I am planning some weeklongs. Any opinions? I'm just starting hiking in AZ, I moved here from NW Washington and did a number of mountains up there, but always w/ an external frame.

The price also tends to agree w/ me versus other packs that size...

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Nov 23 2005 5:45 pm

Kyle,

Kelty makes a very decent entry level pack at an affordable price. Other makers (Gregory, Osprey, ArcTeryx etc) are all much more technical backpacks and are a little better constructed in durability but also are up to twice the price. That is one giant pack at 6650 cubes and 6.5 pounds but it sounds like you carry a lot of stuff for both you and your wife.

If this is your first internal frame backpack, I would suggest visiting either REI located in the Valley (one is in Tempe and the other is in Paradise Valley) to get properly measured and fitted. They may or may not have this backpack in stock for you to try on. Another great place to go is Summit Hut in Tucson......those guys are awesome! REI didn't have my Kelty Shadow in stock but I found it at Sportsmans Warehouse and tried it one there then found a screaming bargain on the Internet.

Mike, Mike and Matt (as well as other members) are probably more knowledgeable than me on specific styles and makes for men's backpacks. I've always trusted their advice and recommendations on all types of equipment!

Does your wife have a backpack already? I'm selling my Gregory Deva 60 so PM me if interested.

:mrgreen:

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Nov 24 2005 2:00 pm

After 25 years of using air packs while firefighting any commerical hiking pack feels ok. The new generation of airpacks too k some features of hiking style packs. All of my hiking gear is military surplus, which works for me. The only inprovemnt I have down was replace the shoulder straps on my Alice Pack.