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Backpack

Original Post
Tina · · Grand Junction/Delta, CO · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 40

Something decided to eat the dog food I had stored in the bottom of my pack by chewing through it to get to it. So I now I find myself looking for a new one (not such a horrible thing). I am looking for suggestions, but here are a few things I have learned I like/need.

1. It needs to be big. I usually pack a 70meter plus I hate being cold so I have extra jackets, plus I have my dog, plus gear, plus....
2. I have seen the arc'teryx miura and love the "drawbridge" opening. I often struggle getting the 70 in but don't know if something else would compare.
3. It must be durable. The pack I had was only about 2 years old and it has lots of wear on the bottom and on the side pockets.

Otherwise I am completely open to suggestions.

Tina

critters

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

My local alterations and gear repair shop sewed in an entire bottom to my Black Diamond pack for about $40. Maybe you just want to get a new pack anyway, but repair is an option for a lot less money.

Tim Stich · · Colorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,520

This pack seems to haul everything and get this, it talks and sings to you. (shivers) I know, kinda creepy.



So are you thinking a 30 liter size pack or up to 45 liter? I like a larger pack myself so I don't have to fight putting the rope in there. Larger packs also have better suspensions, so hiking any distance is comfy.

The Dread Pirate Killis wrote:Cue all the anti-dog people telling you you got what you deserved..
It was probably chipmunks or other rodents anyway.
419 · · Sacramento · Joined May 2010 · Points: 520

I thought I'd share the word of the day:

Snafflehound

Jonathan

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Yes, evil snafflehounds of the deserts and rocky areas. Ate / destroyed the zipper of my JanSport pack years ago and chewed a pocket right off, and a hole in main section. Sucked to be so far off backpacking with a pack 'leaking' gear from then on.

I won't even start to tell about the woodchuck that ATE another backpack at Devils Lake back in 70's...that legend got me my name.

roger fritz · · Rockford, IL · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 60
Woodchuck ATC wrote: I won't even start to tell about the woodchuck that ATE another backpack at Devils Lake back in 70's...that legend got me my name.
Please tell. If it applies at all, the "Statute of limitations" has got to be gone by now !!! I have been wondering how you got that name!
Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

The Miura 50 is a great pack and fits all of your criteria but it won't keep rodents looking for food out.

Tina · · Grand Junction/Delta, CO · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 40

I have thought about a haul bag. My current pack is a 60l and I fill it regularly. Not sure if it's because it's a "girl" back or what, but I think I lose space where the pack narrows at the bottom. Maybe I should find a pack where I can put the rope on the outside and still have it comfortable to wear. As for repairing it, I have thought about it, but I guess I am rough on packs. It is wearing in so many other ways that it may just be time to replace anyway.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will keep looking.

Nick K · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 30

I've had a BD Epic 45 for a few months now, and I'm super happy with it. It might be a little small if you're currently using a 60L, but it's got a rope strap under the top compartment that works well so you don't have to fit your rope in the pack (I have used it with with both a loose, coiled rope, and a rope flaked into a rope bag). Construction has proven absolutely bomber so far, and I think their super fancy suspension system works great. I was prepared to dismiss the suspension when I tried the pack in the store, but I find loads actually did feel lighter than any of the packs I compared it to (MH Diretissima, some REI pack, the Millet 45L and the Mammut Trion 45). And yes I did put the same amount of weight in each pack when I was testing them.

Matt Thomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 325

I am a huge fan of Lowe Alpine packs. They tend to be heavier than most of their peers, but are super-durable and very comfortable. All of my interactions with Lowe's customer service have been awesome.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
roger fritz wrote: Please tell. If it applies at all, the "Statute of limitations" has got to be gone by now !!! I have been wondering how you got that name!
Short version is: Back in '78, I killed a rabid woodchuck that was eating a backpack tied to a tree at 2AM. This was in hand to hand combat with a large Buck knife...problem was it happened in a state park where they considered it a serious crime...called it 'hunting', so they grabbed me and sent me to jail. Stayed overnight in county jail, etc. Other details make it a nice long story around the campfire. This state park was of course Devils Lake where the ever anxious DNR were always looking for us climber criminals to hassle back then.
coppolillo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 70

get it repaired...easy to do...way less than a new pack!

Joe_Re · · Topsfield, MA · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 0

Repair is the cheap way to go.

However, Cold Cold World has some awesome handmade in the US, bomber climbing and affordable packs. The Chaos or Chernobyl (what I have) may give you what you need. coldcoldworldpacks.com

Joe.

Anthony Codega · · Maine · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 140
averagejoe wrote:However, Cold Cold World has some awesome handmade in the US, bomber climbing and affordable packs. The Chaos or Chernobyl (what I have) may give you what you need. coldcoldworldpacks.com
+1 for CCW making some sweet packs. USA made and burly.

A cilogear 60L may fit what you're looking for, if you want to go a little bit lighter than a CCW pack. I love mine for cragging, ice climbing, skiing.... basically everything. Plenty of room for a rope, rack, snacks and layers.
APBT1976 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 55

Shit i have been fitting a full rack, rope, helmet a 60gram synthetic puffy and a Houdini in a 30L Cilo Gear pack. I clip my shoes to the haul loops and put my snacks and other essentials in the brain. Mosta the time even the brain fits in the bag.

60L sounds huge. One of my partners has a huge bag and he can just throw shit in after a pitch and move. It always takes me 30 seconds longer to get going as although it all fits it is tight. I do think that this tight fit is what makes the pack carry so well even with no back pad so i see the tight squeeze as a good thing. My buddy is always envious of the simplicity of my pack and how easy it is to climb in when need be.

Its a preference thing in the end, what sets of needs are most import to you to accommodate? For me light weight and how a pack carries is most important. My buddy just likes to throw shit in and go. On the other hand he may just be using what he has and calling it good enough as just about any pack is...

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

I prefer an underpacked big pack, instead of an overstuffed smaller pack anyday. Room for unexpected gear on some outings.

Anthony Codega · · Maine · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 140

60L is pretty big, but it cinches down to nothing. Right now it is my one pack, and it is much easier to cinch down a big pack than stretch a small one!

JGHarrison harrison · · Reno, NV · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 50

Cilogear makes kickass packs. They can cinch down a lot too, I routinely climb with my pack and love it. Highly recommend.

BTW I worked as a backpacking guide for awhile and so have tried a lot of packs.

Petsfed 00 · · Snohomish, WA · Joined Mar 2002 · Points: 989

I've found that the crap expands to fill the space. I got a bd axis 3333 at the end of the ice season this year. It is slick. I can carry the entire rack inside (typically triples to fists), and the rope retention system holds a 70m rope without difficulty. Bonus, the suspension lets me carry the massive load without difficulty.

To be fair, the helmet retention system works best on top of the rope retention stuff, but doesn't have long enough straps to have both a helmet and a rope on there if the pack is also stuffed. The helmet stuff is wimpy to boot, and neither the rope nor helmet stuff are removable without considerable modification. Finally, its a winter pack, so the back doesn't breathe well on hot days.

Other bd packs are very good, so check more out. A haulbag might seem like a good idea, but they are much MUCH heavier, have worse suspensions, and are otherwise not meant for deliberate hiking if climbing doesn't precede or follow the hiking.

Sam Stephens · · PORTLAND, OR · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 1,090

I'll throw a shameless plug for Mile High Mountaineering. I've been using their Flatiron for over a year and couldn't be happier. It's big for the size honestly, super burly, doesn't have too much you don't need and does its job well. I was using a Osprey Atmos 65 but I honestly like this better. Check them out, they have several bags and they're great.

mhmgear.com/

JustinJD. Day · · Denver · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 0
Sam Stephens wrote:I'll throw a shameless plug for Mile High Mountaineering. I've been using their Flatiron for over a year and couldn't be happier. It's big for the size honestly, super burly, doesn't have too much you don't need and does its job well. I was using a Osprey Atmos 65 but I honestly like this better. Check them out, they have several bags and they're great. mhmgear.com/
+1 Very happy with this company. Local to Colorado as well.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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