Need recommendations on a backpacking pack

[AntiFreze]

So, in 4 weeks I am doing a 3-day hike in and out of the grand canyon. I need to buy a backpacking pack. It also needs to be big enough and durable enough to take for a 2 week honeymoon in Europe (no camping in europe, I just dont want luggage).

Suggestions? Recommendations of Brands?

I have a $100 gift card to amazon or cabela's to put towards the purchase, so those stores/sites would be appreciated.

I'm willing to spend up to about $200 if its worth it. What do you think.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Go to a store (like REI) and look at high quality brands like Osprey and Gregory TRY THEM ON - it's very important to find what's most comfortable. Then buy what you like from amazon.

I got a 70L Osprey Aether pack. It's extremely comfortable and hugs my spine like it was made for me. It has a lot of capacity (could probably go up to two weeks if I wasn't solo) but it works great for overnight trips as well.

In my opinion Osprey and Gregory make the best packs. REI makes good ones too but those are the only brands I tried on.

Comfort should be your #1 concern.

 

[AntiFreze]

sounds good, Ill look for an REI near me.

 

[AntiFreze]

anyone else care to weigh in?

 

[Capt Caveman]

I second going to a REI, EMS or other outdoor store to get properly fitted.

 

[herm0016]

rei is a good place to go. I am a big backpacker, I have done trips where i have no resupply for up to 12 days.
keep it light. only bring what you absolutely need.
i would stay away from packs that weigh a lot, internal frame are usually more comfortable and much easier to use as luggage as you do not have the frame to get stuck on stuff. for traveling I use a large canvas laundry bag to put the pack in to protect it from the airport people. this seems to work much better than the trash bags others use and it is light enough to stuff in the bottom and carry on the trip. for 3 days with food you should be able to keep you load under 30 lbs or so.
i am a very big fan of granite gear packs. they are a little less known, but build really great stuff. http://www.granitegear.com/pro...verview/backpacks.html I have a latitude vapor and it is honestly the best backpack i have ever owned. it carries the best around 30 lbs but i have had up to 40lbs in it without problem. the pack weighs about 2 lbs total. i have used it for urban backpacking in DC, i used it to travel to Texas, and have hiked in the smokies and in Michigan with it. I have used quite a few different brands over the years. Gregory, osprey, golite all make pretty good stuff also.
just remember, this is all very personal. backpacking gear is a very personal choice and everyone likes different things. do not just go buy something because someone said they like it, try it for yourself. put some weight in it. if you have the rest of your gear bring it with you and put all in a few packs to find one that fits your gear well and that you find carries well.

feel free to pm me if you have specific questions on gear choices.

 

[ViviTheMage]

go test out packs...the only way to be sure you like it

 

[iGas]

Backpacker.com

I got a blue one similar to this Archeryx, that still going strong after 15 years of usage. It survived 12 weeks in Thailand/Malaysia/Vietnam rain forest & jungle hike, 5 weeks though out Mexico & Guatemala, 3 stints of hiking in the Rockies mt (2-6 weeks each hike).

 

[LS21]

i have a traveling backpack...not one of those cylindrical hiking trekking backpack

5 international trips already finished just this year alone and i say EAGLE CREEK

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags...acks/Thrive-65L-10066/

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
I second going to a REI, EMS or other outdoor store to get properly fitted.

This. Talk to them about how to set up the straps so you're carrying the weight correctly and how to pack your bag. This can be the difference between barely noticing the weight and being in pain after 15 minutes. Personally, I'd use a different bag for going around Europe. Flying with a nice back pack as checked luggage doesn't always work well. Unless you get bag that has a zip over cover for the shoulder straps (My osprey has this) or you throw the whole thing into a larger duffle bag you'll probably have your bag damaged. A baggage handler is going to grab your shoulder strap and try to use it to throw your bag around which is a great way to tear it off the bag.

One thing about the grand canyon, go heavy on water. If you're doing a corridor hike they have water at some points BUT you shouldn't rely on it. That pipeline has been known to have issues sometimes and being out there without water can kill you faster than you would think. Carry more water than you think you'll need. Also, have some way of treating water. On the corridor hikes most of the way you'll have access to streams. A backpacking filter makes the water very good but even a bandana to run the water through and some iodine tablets are good insurance.

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: LS21
i have a traveling backpack...not one of those cylindrical hiking trekking backpack

5 international trips already finished just this year alone and i say EAGLE CREEK

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags...acks/Thrive-65L-10066/

I use a larger backpack similar in design to this Eagle Creek but in North Face brand.

Great system design b/c the smaller attachable backpack can be used for city day trips.

 

[LS21]

Originally posted by: dr150



I use a larger backpack similar in design to this Eagle Creek but in North Face brand.

Great system design b/c the smaller attachable backpack can be used for city day trips.

for sure... leave the big bag at residence and take small bag for water, snacks, books, jackets, etc :thumbsup:


also this eagle creek has a zip-flap to completely tuck away any straps so its smooth for airplane-checkin

 

[Rill22]

I'm a huge fan of Osprey packs. They are lightweight and extremely durable, and the isoform belts that go with the packs can be heated up and molded to your frame (this is done at whatever store you buy the pack from).

I have traveled all over Europe with my Osprey, and will be heading down to Australia for the next year with it next month. It's an extremely comfortable pack. I've got an Ariel 65 (female version of the Aether), but I also have a smaller daypack that has been fantastic.

Like everyone else has said though, go try them on. If you go to a reliable store, they'll probably fill your pack to see how it feels on you with a bit of weight.

Good luck, and congrats on the honeymoon!

 

[KillerCharlie]

Though weight is important, it's maybe third on my list. You're going to love a 6 lb pack that's comfortable a lot more than an uncomfortable 2 lb pack.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie
Though weight is important, it's maybe third on my list. You're going to love a 6 lb pack that's comfortable a lot more than an uncomfortable 2 lb pack.

However, a 2 pound pack can also be just as confortable or more comfortable than the 6 pound pack. Get an idea of how much stuff you need to carry before you buy a pack.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: GoSharks

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie
Though weight is important, it's maybe third on my list. You're going to love a 6 lb pack that's comfortable a lot more than an uncomfortable 2 lb pack.

However, a 2 pound pack can also be just as confortable or more comfortable than the 6 pound pack. Get an idea of how much stuff you need to carry before you buy a pack.

For a grand canyon trip from May to September you should be traveling light on everything except water. Besides a first aid kit and maybe some duct tape and zip ties for repairs if something breaks you shouldn't really be carrying anything for 'what if' situations. You won't need a heavy sleeping bag. I personally wouldn't even use a tent, just a tarp to throw on the ground and pull over me if it rained.

 

[The_Dude8]

Originally posted by: herm0016
rei is a good place to go. I am a big backpacker, I have done trips where i have no resupply for up to 12 days.
keep it light. only bring what you absolutely need.
i would stay away from packs that weigh a lot, internal frame are usually more comfortable and much easier to use as luggage as you do not have the frame to get stuck on stuff. for traveling I use a large canvas laundry bag to put the pack in to protect it from the airport people. this seems to work much better than the trash bags others use and it is light enough to stuff in the bottom and carry on the trip. for 3 days with food you should be able to keep you load under 30 lbs or so.
i am a very big fan of granite gear packs. they are a little less known, but build really great stuff. http://www.granitegear.com/pro...verview/backpacks.html I have a latitude vapor and it is honestly the best backpack i have ever owned. it carries the best around 30 lbs but i have had up to 40lbs in it without problem. the pack weighs about 2 lbs total. i have used it for urban backpacking in DC, i used it to travel to Texas, and have hiked in the smokies and in Michigan with it. I have used quite a few different brands over the years. Gregory, osprey, golite all make pretty good stuff also.
just remember, this is all very personal. backpacking gear is a very personal choice and everyone likes different things. do not just go buy something because someone said they like it, try it for yourself. put some weight in it. if you have the rest of your gear bring it with you and put all in a few packs to find one that fits your gear well and that you find carries well.

feel free to pm me if you have specific questions on gear choices.

i have the GG ozone, could i get a list of what you pack in your nimbus, ie clothing as in layers, sleeping bag, tent, stoves, etc?

thanks.