buying a backpack - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**epicballa** · 06-09-2008, 06:26 PM

i'm pretty sold on northface since i've bought their packs exclusively for about the last 10 years and never had a problem, just wanted some opinions on my choices. Although if there are some packs from other brands that would be great for my needs, feel free to suggest them.

Just some info: I'll be backpacking for 7 weeks this summer, but after that I'm planning some longer trips in the spring, possibly a 3 month one so it needs to be something that would be good for that too. Last time I went backpacking I had a 75L bag, which was manageable but a bit of a pain at times. From what I've read around here, it seems most people settle on the 50L-60L range but I'm always a little anxious about buying small packs. I'm 6'2" and very athletic so I can handle a large pack, but that doesn't mean I want to be lugging the biggest pack available around for 2 months.

Backtrack 50 - http://www.rockymountaintrail.com/detail.aspx?ID=10675

I like this one because it has a steel cable running through it for extra security and a pretty large daypack. I'm not sure if the full bag is big enough though, I think it's under 50L.

Skarab 55 - http://www.rockymountaintrail.com/detail.aspx?ID=10281

The large version is 60L whichI feel is better, but it's top loading and from my experience last time can be a pain in the ass.

There's a few 70-75L ones that I like too but I'm not sure if I should go that big.

**mbo108** · 06-09-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

it's top loading and from my experience last time can be a pain in the ass.

I feel the same way, I can't stand top-loaders. Another thing, a bag you can use for 7 weeks should be good for 3 months too. I doubt you carry 7 months of fresh clothes so you'll be doing laundry anyways. Good luck with the planning.

**epicballa** · 06-09-2008, 07:32 PM

thanks. the only thing i was worried about with a longer trip is that it's probably prone to more fluctuation in weather so i might have to pack some colder weather clothes.

snowball1982 · 06-09-2008, 09:50 PM

Based on all of my research and experience, I was told to stay away from Northface. Apparently MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) and Osprey are the way to go.

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 01:46 AM

Yeah I've been in the process off and on, of buying a pack. My buddy Nathan swears by his Northface, and he's done more traveling than anyone I know personally. Another classmate of mine took an Osprey during our '05 study abroad trip in London, it was definitely quality.

Personally I can't comment, I've never owned either brands.

**MolsonGirl** · 06-10-2008, 01:51 AM

LOVE my MEC backpack. I've found that you really can't beat figuring out what size you need and then going and trying them on.

- pockets can become cumbersome (and a target for theives)
- a solid waste strap is KEY. it will hold 90% of the weight.
- frames are also a must

that's all I really went by... I've loved mine for years now

**mollymore** · 06-10-2008, 07:34 AM

I just spent 5 weeks traveling with a 22L bag from a German company called Deuter. Granted I'm a smaller person than you so my clothes take up less space but I had room to spare and even had a few things I didn't end up needing or using (warm clothes). Maybe I could fill 30L if it were winter and I wanted clothes to wear to a symphony or something but I can't fathom what people are carrying in those big 30+L bags. In any case, I saw a lot of Germans with Deuter bags and mine served me very well so I totally recommend them. Good luck!

Molly

**mollymore** · 06-10-2008, 07:35 AM

Also, compression straps. LOVE THEM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MolsonGirl

LOVE my MEC backpack. I've found that you really can't beat figuring out what size you need and then going and trying them on.

- pockets can become cumbersome (and a target for theives)
- a solid waste strap is KEY. it will hold 90% of the weight.
- frames are also a must

that's all I really went by... I've loved mine for years now

toby c · 06-16-2008, 08:07 AM

Any thoughts on a waterproof backpack? i always had a canvas backpack that i bought for ten bucks at an army surplus store, whenever it rained and i slept on the beach or on a bench, i had to cover the pack with a small bit of tarp covering that i carried with me for just such occasions. I'm planning on buying a decent backpack in the near future, but I would like one that was waterproof, i like sleeping outside much more then inside.

dudeman · 06-16-2008, 10:13 AM

Marmot makes some good packs, I use an Eiger 55 and it holds all I need.