Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
Giant-ass expedition backpack (>100L) recommendations?
|
I've been an Osprey fanboy since I bought my first Aether 75 to hike the High Sierra Trail. I didn't really research it -- I asked friends what their favorite was, and just glommed into that. And Osprey has been pretty good to me. I put thousands of miles on their packs, got many free repairs & replacements from them, and had few complaints about their packs. I switched to Xeniths a few years ago, because I liked the padding better. Currently rotating between a Mutant 52 and a pair of Xenith 85s, and pretty happy with them all. Recently, I've been looking at adding a bigger pack, and my first thought was the Osprey Xenith 105. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued! found a few on eBay on great shape for ~$250-300, and Osprey will still honor warranties & make repairs on 2ndhand gear. But I figured this would be an opportunity to check out what else is available. Osprey still has one big-ass pack (Aether Plus 100) but I don't know anyone who owns it, and REI doesn't carry it in-store anywhere local. Would anyone else be able to make any recommendations for packs in this size range? I tend to value reliability, durability, and functionality... Cost and weight are always somewhat of a factor, but not nearly as important. I'm fine with an extra kg or hundred bucks, as long as I'm buying a tougher, more comfortable pack with a really good warranty. Currently, my total pack weights with the Xenith 85 tend to top out ~60lb / 27kg, and occasionally as high as 70lb / 32kg. So I need *SERIOUS* suspension and strength. But if the pack weighs 7lb vs 5lb, I'm probably not even going to notice that. Thank you for taking the time to read this far. I really appreciate hearing what other experiences people might have had, and it would mean a lot to me to get some solid personal recommendations -- or warnings about what to avoid! |
|
Mystery Ranch makes great packs. I have not used anything near the size you are talking about but they do make a 100 liter pack. |
|
Do you have an AAC membership? With the Expertvoice and MHW discounts you could get an AMG 105 for around 25% off I think |
|
SWD Big Wild 95 |
yukonjack wrote: That pack looks awesome, reminds me of some of the largest stone glacier terminus packs, and the McHale super index |
|
out of curiosity, what objectives are you looking at? |
Finn Lanvers wrote: Similar to McHale Inex but more "off the shelf" and half the cost. This Seek Outside rig was so good, it made me giggle to myself at times. It's got a dry-bag-style roll top instead of a draw/cinch, which was odd for about one day, and then you realize the benefits. Fantastic piece of kit for big loads in the mountains. |
curt86iroc wrote: My to-do list has a few hundred trip ideas on it -- you gotta be more specific! |
|
hola -- i have an osprey 100 or 110l (size m/l) im looking to sell, pm me if interested |
|
Deuter NOLS expedition 100+ are great. They’re absolutely bombproof- not the lightest, but quite comfortable and will last you and several generations. |
|
I have a Mtn Hardwear BMG 105 (older version of the AMG) which I dislike. Limited adjustability and the hip belt is quite uncomfortable (marginal padding, weird fit). It's got a bunch of useless faff on the outside--dangly bits that catch on things and add nothing of value unless of course your goal is to leave the cavernous interior empty and strap everything to the outside. My BD Crag 50 carries better. What am I doing with a pack I dislike? I found it (ie it was free), and it's lighter than my antediluvian Gregory Cassin (ca 1987). Curious to hear what you wind up with and how you like it. Also from proponents of the BMG/AMG 105... |
yukonjack wrote: Dan McHale really nailed load transfer to the pack frame with his bypass system placing all the weight of a massive load on the hips. How does the Seek Outside compare in that regard? Do you feel any weight on your shoulders with 80+ pounds? |
Ryan Lynch wrote: i don't know what's on your list, but i've done plenty of multi-day/week mountaineering adventures and have never needed a pack over 75 L. just curious why you want to go so large... |
curt86iroc wrote: Wait, I'm confused... If you've never used a pack over 75L, then how could you make recommendations of packs bigger than 100L? Or maybe you're confused? Because I'm sure there's another thread (elsewhere) about packs smaller than 75L... And if not, you should start it! |
Ryan Lynch wrote: He DIDN'T recommend anything. He said up front, he's curious why such a large pack is needed. Geez, some of us are interested in what others are doing, even if we will never do any part of it. If it was otherwise, most of the climbing movies would have no audience, lol! 100 would almost haul all my packs. Maybe even me, if I lost the weight I should be losing. Best, Helen |
|
No discussion of large packs would be complete without mentioning this one |
|
Get yourself a NOLS 90 + 10 expedition pack. https://store.nols.edu/collections/gear/products/nols-expedition-pack There is no pack on the market that carries a heavy load as well, and is equally durable and long-lasting. |
Crotch Robbins wrote: This Seek Outside pack is actually a clever "external frame" pack, though you can barely tell by looking at it. My biggest loads have probably been 80-90lbs and it all sits comfortably on my hips in both in the flats and steeps. This rig also worked with a pulk setup attached to the bottom of the frame where I had 135+lbs split between the sled and pack. From what I can tell the Seek Outside folks target hunters (think moose/elk quarters) for these packs. I needed a big pack (100L+) for long outings with bulky cold weather gear, etc. and wanted to support a US gear maker. I've overloaded plenty of 75l - 85l packs and paid the price. This is a proper piece of heavy-packing kit, made a big difference in field vs my other experiences, and the folks at Seek Outside were great in helping get it to me on a bit of a tight schedule. |
|
I have been pleased with my arcteryx bora 95. It’s discontinued but since most people don’t carry huge loads 100’s of days a year, you might be able to find one that isn’t super worn out for cheap. I wouldn’t say it was “comfortable” when loaded at 75+ lbs, but no discomfort due to its substantial support. Would recommend. |
|
Haul bags can carry up to 45kg reasonably well. If you actually need to carry huge loads look at hunting packs. The Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 comes up as comfortable up to 150lbs according to one review. Backcountry hunters carry loads that climbers couldn't imagine. |
