Backpack
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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I thought I'd share the word of the day: |
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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. |
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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! |
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The Miura 50 is a great pack and fits all of your criteria but it won't keep rodents looking for food out. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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get it repaired...easy to do...way less than a new pack! |
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Repair is the cheap way to go. |
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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. |
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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. |
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I prefer an underpacked big pack, instead of an overstuffed smaller pack anyday. Room for unexpected gear on some outings. |
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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! |
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Cilogear makes kickass packs. They can cinch down a lot too, I routinely climb with my pack and love it. Highly recommend. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |