Let's talk backpacks

ju1ce · Post by **ju1ce** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 12:54 pm

So I bought this but may end up returning it-it's so damn small! Someone recommended this http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/ ... cu-in.html but it's apparently not made for tall people.

I'm 6' and wear about a 54 coat because of my chest and shoulders. Can anyone recommend a good backpack for me? Or just talk about backpacks in general.

Lord Of Ruin · Post by **Lord Of Ruin** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:17 pm

Well...this can vary a lot.

How long will you be away from camp? Wht do you need to carry? Anything special?

I own tons of different packs, including one of the cambelbaks that's about the size of the MULE. It's quite enough for a full day's worth of stuff.

You can bring another clothing layer (or two if they are light), sunblock, water, food/lunch, and then all the miscellaneous schwag you need ....goggles, chapstick, dust mask, sunglasses.

What more would you want to carry?

I generally count on getting back to camp at least one as the day changes over to night.

On patrol Rangering and in lanes at Gate I use different things than that still. Like I said...bags for different needs.
LoR

Boijoy · Post by **Boijoy** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:18 pm

Dang !! 50 bucks? You might consider going to evil Wal Mart or the like & try some cheap ones on. ??? Your going to trash it regardless. I have a small backpac that I use with my "Pod Belt" & I also have a basket on my bike. I find lots of smaller areas work better for me, rather than digging around in a larger pack for stuff.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:19 pm

Do you live near any reputable outdoor supply stores like REI or Cabelas? Go there...they have folks trained to fit you to a good backpack. It's not something I would buy over the internet. Getting the right fit muy importante!

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:21 pm

All quality products, all of the time: http://www.ogio.com/

misfit · Post by **misfit** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:21 pm

also check out your local army surplus store.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:53 pm

You might want to consider a waist bag/fanny pack/pod belt in lieu of a backpack.

Me, I hate the backpack.

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:58 pm

I got this one, as backup to get ice with just in case something happens with the art car. I figure I'll be able to shove a 6 pack of ice in it.
http://everestbags.com/item--Everest-De ... 8045D.html
It's huge, and hella padded.

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:58 pm

ju1ce wrote:So I bought this but may end up returning it-it's so damn small! Someone recommended this http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/ ... cu-in.html but it's apparently not made for tall people.

I'm 6' and wear about a 54 coat because of my chest and shoulders. Can anyone recommend a good backpack for me? Or just talk about backpacks in general.

I'm the one that recommended the Dakine Heli Pack.. do it. I'm 6'1" and 190 lbs, and it fits me perfect. It's made to be a slim, tight fitting bag that isn't obtrusive. It's perfect for day stuff.

The only thing that you may not like (or may like) is that it has waist straps on it, as it's made to be worn while snowboarding and/or intense hiking. They can flop a little, but I just snap them together and cinche them tight and wear them behind my back. The front of the waist strap even has a fur lines digi cam pouch. I swear they think of everything with these packs.

If you want something a little bigger, check out the other Dakine packs. I swear they make the best backpacks. They are so well engineered and thought out.. well constructed, everything. As you can see, I can't say enough about them lol

Check out the actual Dakine site for more pics of it..

http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/s ... o-dlx-20l/

I promise though, if you get one.. you will not be disappointed.

Hoolie · Post by **Hoolie** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 5:49 pm

I used a MULE for a long time, but ultimately got rid of it for the same reason. Too small (I am 6'2). I replaced it with a pack from Golite, because they offer their packs in Large sizes. I ended up with the VO24, and I like it a lot.

http://www.prolitegear.com/golite_vo24_backpack.html

I got lucky, and happened to get it deeply discounted at REI Outlet for something like $45 a while back. I also had to purchase a water reservoir because the pack didn't come with one. I was ok with that since I got a Platypus reservoir. In my experience, the water tastes much cleaner in these (no plastic taste). Golite does make other, less expensive, hydration packs like the Rush. Not really digging the big logo on the current model, although there are some older models still around that look better, like this one:

http://www.giantnerd.com/golite-rush-pack-men-s.html

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:00 pm

I don't think they make it anymore but I have the camelbak trailblazer and it hold a crapload of stuff. I'm 6'2" and 190lbs, and there's alot of room to expand the straps.

teardropper · Post by **teardropper** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:55 pm

dragonpilot wrote:Do you live near any reputable outdoor supply stores like REI or Cabelas? Go there...they have folks trained to fit you to a good backpack. It's not something I would buy over the internet. Getting the right fit muy importante!

I got an REI pack a couple of years ago, it is great, high quality. Can hold a day or a nights worth of stuff, fleece, etc, and has a large, all day, water bladder. It is not large by pack standards, a small day pack, but perfect for its use.

Token · Post by **Token** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:09 pm

I just have short people carry my stuff for me.

junglesmacks · Post by **junglesmacks** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:28 pm

Token wrote:I just have short people carry my stuff for me.

Token Mexicans FTW.

burner von braun · Post by **burner von braun** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:34 pm

LOL, Ok, now you've done it! Now I am going to HAVE to remember what day Thursday is so I can meet you folks at the M&G! :D

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 3:43 am

Get the standard natl guard pack.

ju1ce · Post by **ju1ce** » Sun Jul 25, 2010 5:10 pm

Thanks for all thew helpful advice guys! Returning the MULE and ordered the Dakine pack. Also bought some cheap backpacks at the local big-box.

shroom · Post by **shroom** » Sun Jul 25, 2010 6:53 pm

Staples has backpacks on sale this week for 25% to 50% off. You get a full rebate by mail so it's like it's free!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 6:18 am

Token wrote:I just have short people carry my stuff for me.

Minions. REI has great reviews.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:29 am

mudpuppy000 wrote:I don't think they make it anymore but I have the camelbak trailblazer and it hold a crapload of stuff. I'm 6'2" and 190lbs, and there's alot of room to expand the straps.

That's what i have. I love it.

singlemind · Post by **singlemind** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 2:08 pm

I swear by this one- http://www.ebags.com/product/black-diam ... =162281122
this is my first time to burning man, but this pack has survived me for 3 years in nyc public transportation, and few things survive me that long.

Let's talk backpacks

Let's talk backpacks

Re: Let's talk backpacks