HikeArizona.COM

My girlfriend and I have good day packs, but now we are in the market for some good bigger packs, for some longer trips.
Tried on a bunch at REI, but would like to check out some other places.
Are there any other local stores similar to REI?
WE also checked out Bass pro, Sports Chalet, and Dick's, the selection at some of these places was not so good.

I haven't been there yet but "Low Gear" in Tempe has been recommended to me for good packs. It's kind of far for us to run on over but you being for Mesa might find it convenient. Hiking Shack is a legend.

Look at some of the other forum threads, also:

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=609
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=2158

Lower Gear in Tempe (northwest corner of McClintock and University) is good. They allow you to rent a pack that you are interested in buying which is great way to be sure if fits right. I was buying some treking poles and he let me just take them for the weekend to see if they would help (had to leave a security deposit though). Dallas is the owner over there and he is great!

The Hiking Shack is another good place. The people over there are always real knowledgeable and helpful.

Ok thanks guys, the one in Tempe is just down the street.

@cw50must
Let us(me) know what your experience was. Tell them your HAZ, I'm sure they'll have 50% discount/markup depending on who went there last.

WilliamnWendi wrote:Tell them your HAZ, I'm sure they'll have 50% discount/markup depending on who went there last.

I checked them both out this past week. Lower gear was good, the lady working said we just missed the owner that day and that he is the best at anwsering questions. We also got some info on their rental program, might even rent the tent.
Hacking shack was good too, the guy there was very helpful. Seems they mostly just have Osprey and Dueter.

Backpacker Magazine has their 2012 Gear Review issue out. You can view their ratings for packs, tents, boots, etc. online at ( dead link removed )

If the link doesn't work, go to http://www.backpacker.com and do a search of '2012 Gear Guide.'

The pack reviews cover 26 pages of products! You can do your shopping in reverse by checking out the reviews/ratings then doing an Internet search on the manufacturer. Most have a list of stores where you can buy their product.

Once you have an idea of the pack you want: (1) See if it is locally available to try on or rent, (2) Double check with the manufacturer's website---you may get a better deal buying direct, (2) Check if it is available via ebay or on a forum website like this one, (3) new gear and/or gently used can be found---lots of people get the notion that they want to get into backpacking, purchase big, then realize sleeping on the ground and getting beat-up on the trail is really not for them----they then have that expensive pack collecting dust in the garage.

Never Updated this as our trip got pushed back from may to the end of Sept. Got both our packs at Hiking Shack. The staff was great in helping us, and we enjoyed our Havasupai trip!