Backpack Purchasing

[oliverr99]

Ok, I need a new backpack. I have been looking around, but I like to get some opinions on what works for you and why. I plan to do some 3 to 4 days of backpacking. I am 5'7" with broad shoulders for a woman, my torso is 18" long. Woman's packs seem to cut me in the neck. Anyways, any suggestions?
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[Trishness]

Anne,

I have the opposite problem as I am only 5'1" and really short torso. But I have a very tall, long torso'd friend with broad shoulders who swears by the GG Vapor trail. He says it's the best pack he ever bought and fits him perfectly. I think Mike in Ftn Hills likes this pack too so it might be worth a look.

I'm part of the munchkin backpackers so the Vapor trail doesn't fit me.


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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

[MikeInFHAZ]

Granite Gear will let you swap hipbelts, shoulder straps and such for a custom fit. You could get womens belt on mens straps. Vapor Trail/Ki is a good pack, but Ive since withdrawn my vote on it as the side pockets are like spandex and I prefer something with a fair amount of tough mesh like the ULA Conduit

What women's packs have you tried on, and where did you get fitted? btw, Im mike in fountain hills. I tried to change my screenname back to that with no avail.
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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

[oliverr99]

I tried the REI Women's pack, it really cut me in the neck. The Gregory Jade, I think, again, same problem. I was looking at that GG Vapor Trail, due to the weight. Oh, I was fitted at REI and Hi Mike in Ftn. Hills, I'm Anne in Glendale.
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[Al_HikesAZ]

Osprey makes great packs with lots of modification options. Everyone I know who has one has been happy with them. Check them out at Arizona Hiking Shack on north Cave Creek south of Thunderbird. If you are a member of Sierra Club or AOTC they have given discounts in the past when you ask for them. Puts their prices well in line with REI - even with the REI discount that you have to spend at REI.
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Anyone can make a hike harder. The skill comes in making it easier. Dosatéhigo nasádo

[Matt Hoffman]

My girlfriend has a Osprey pack that she loves. The only problem is that the pack weighs 7 lbs by itself and is big enough to carry a pygmy hippo. I'm not really that familiar with Osprey to to reccomend a specific pack for you. I have a Aether 45 which I love, but it's hardly big enough for an overnighter. I use it mostly for hauling my climbing gear.
My girlfriend also has a Gregory Jade, which she also likes a lot. Have you tried the mens version? I think it is now called the Z55. I have one and it's my favorite pack.
I also have a Granite Gear (and a Dueter, and a Lowe Alpine, and a North Face, and a Camp) pack, but it is too big and uncomfortable. I really don't like the waist belt even though it seems to be an otherwise awesome pack. It is a GG Stratus Latitude. If you know a guy looking for a pack, I'm willing to sell it. It's only been used once.


I'm pretty sure this post was of no help whatsoever. Sorry.
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"Your day-glo ballet days are over." Ancient chinese proverb.
http://web.mac.com/climbingsponge/Matt_Hoffman_Images/Welcome.html

[sacred_datura]

I'm 5'1 and really short waisted. I have a Lowe Alpine that a longer waisted friend gave me and it fits me great!

[oliverr99]

I forgot about Hiking Shack, I will go and check out what they have. It seems the type of backpacks are online, and I like to try it on before I buy it.
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

[DesertRoux]

[Shawn]

I have what appears to be the ULA Catalyst, although I don't remember it being called that when I bought it several years ago. No complaints at all, helped lighten the load a great deal.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[MikeInFHAZ]

back then it was called the P-1
from a gear junkie's point of view (mine) I can see that in the short time Brian has been making packs for the real-world hikers, only since 1999, he has gathered up quite a few awards for titles like "best backpack" from some well known gear testers (Backpacker mag. for one)
GO look at reviews on the Conduit. Call Brain and tell him your needs. He's very personable and has spoken candidly to me on the phone on several occasions.

I'll be totally honest- I overlooked ULA for years because I thought the stuff was only made for thru-hikers or couldnt be any good if its made in some guy's garage. Ha! they are the best packs on the market, they actually bridge the gap between ultralight and durable. The big pack makers who crank out a dozen new models a year out of Vietnam just dont get it... ULA hasnt changed anything but the names and added a few newer designs. I like the stealth colors too. Call Brian and see if he has anything you can use. Maybe the Circuit is smaller than you need. The Conduit is a larger version, and the Catalyst is his largest pack.
_________________
http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do