Best Pack design?

[Magic City Matt]

Just having some fun here testing the poll function. 

[lawnmowwer]

I really like my ARC'TERYX. I still have my used pack from before 1974. I'm not sure how old it is, but it had the latest aluminum, canvas, and leather tech. when it was built. Did  I mention I really really like My Bora 65.

[Delynn]

I still use an external frame.  The main reason is a compression between my L4-L5 vertebrae.  The only way I can carry a pack is to cinch up the hip belt really tight so all the weight is directly on my hips, and the shoulder straps mainly balance the pack on my hips.

It isn't the most comforable way to carry a pack, but it does allow me to enjoy backpacking.

[Grounded]

Matt, If this is not the proper place for this, please move it, thanks

I've been doing some research since getting involved again. So far I'm looking for something in the 3000-3200 range. I need thoughts and opinions. From several people I've talked so I was surprised at how many have gone back to externals. Externals are the only thing I have experience with and I thought that was old tech. Comments are externals are lighter, cheaper and don't make your back sweat, important here in the South.

I'm looking not more than say $150. I'm assuming that it will last me several years, I'm not so worried about initial price as value...... Opinions.

[BigWaveDave]

I use an old Jansport but am looking at some of the Osprey packs, might be worth a look.

[Magic City Matt]

I think i have already said something about it on here but the Gregory z55 is only about 39 dollars more than you are talking about and it is right on par with what you are saying. vented back, really nice suspension. as far as I can tell the only problem I have heard any body say bad about it is the hole for the hydration tube is pretty tight.
Take your time and find the right pack for you though. Something I learned that helps in selecting a pack is to try them on in person. Don't just order one blindly. That and a lot of time the shops will want to put a small weight that doesn't fill the pack up very well in for you to test it. Have them get a couple of ropes or something substantial and try it out with the pack weight more distributed through it.
It's also good to support your local shops as much as possible. REI and Campmor are great but you can't turn to them when you have a question about what the extra, very important looking aluminum pin that came with your pack is for.

[lawnmowwer]

I am not up on the lates Gregorys, but I am on the Osperys and in the price you are talking it sounds like the pack. Ospery has a good ventilation design in their latest packs. I chose an Arc-terx for extreme durablity the first trip (one week old) I pulled it through a cave to the great dismay of everyone else.

[mildcat]

Hmmm. What IS that extra, very important looking aluminum pin for?  

[lawnmowwer]

It's for getting lost before the very important not so extra aluminum pin is replace repeatedly by a small not so sturdy stick at the start of a very long trip that is not close to any outdoor, hardware, farmsupply, or any other store.

[Rob]

Good one Lawnmowwer. Hey matthew, have you had that Z55 out on the trail much? It is definitely on my list of possible up-grades when I get back on my feet. looks like good weight for pack size and also good ventilation for the back. hows the hip belt?

[AT Hiker]

Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone, most comfortable pack ever to saddle my back, then again i've only owned 3 different packs, but have tried others.

[Magic City Matt]

Haven't had it on the trail yet but that should change soon. I will let everyone know. I will say it is incredibly comfortable even with 40 lbs of rope which is how I tested it the suspension on this thing is incredible. Felt like I could go dancing with it on.

[Lesley]

You dance? In a backpack even? I want to see that.

[ahoff]

My best pack: six-year-old Dana Design TerraFrame (external frame version of the Terraplane) that I bought as a $99 close-out at Northern Mountain Supply (killerdeals.com). At nearly eight pounds it’s the heaviest pack I’ve used. But it rides so well, transferring weight to an extremely well padded and well designed hip belt, that it’s more comfortable than any of the lighter packs that I’ve tried.

[lawnmowwer]

Are there only 6 other people out there with backpacks.

[Magic City Matt]

Keep in mind we don't even have 50 members yet. It will take some time to get large numbers on the polls. We are going to do a bunch of promoting this weekend. Just so you know our stats show our traffic continuing to grow day after day.

[lawnmowwer]

I know, and thank to everyone here. I am happy to be part of this. MANY THANKS TO YOU MATTHEW!!!! hope to meet on a trip soon.

[Skippy]

I just bought the Osprey Aether 60 last winter and I love it.it was my 3rd pack to buy and I really like it so far.Go to a local store and they will custom fit it to fit your body.I would highly recommend it.

[JRR]

Well, I didn't get an option to vote, but I wouldn't trade my Kelty Supertioga for any pack I've yet seen.  I can carry the kitchen sink if I like, can strap anything I like to the frame without seriously overloading it.  And it's bomb proof.  A 300 pound guy fell on the frame once and it didn't budge.

[Cuffs]

The design of an internal framed pack was mainly for bushwhacking, it keeps your pack close to you.  It was not ma  de only with comfort in mind.  For comfort for heavier loads, the external frame pack carries it best.  For lighter loads (<40#) and especially for bushwhacking, the internal frame suits this need.  Frameless is for ultrlighters (<20#)

[Magic City Matt]

ok I have reopened the poll because this test topic apparently will not die

[Lesley]

I use my internal frame and have carried my mothers frameless pack. The frameless is awsome, but my frame in my pack has some suspension on my lower back so I get some air flow. I over heat easily so that helps me a lot. This is a pathetic luxury difference, but it's what makes me haul around 2 extra pounds of frame. For people who sweat freely and can maintain a cool body temp a frameless may be the best for you.

merles

[Cuffs]

..

[Fiddler]

I can't say which design might be best as the internal frame is all I have ever used. But my next pack will probably be a gearskin. Check it out: http://www.moonbowgear.co...arskins/gearskinhome.html

[Magic City Matt]

Sgt Rock uses a gear skin. He apparently thinks its the best thing ever. Make sure and post something here once you have given it a try.

Matthew

[Fiddler]

Make sure and post something here once you have given it a try.

Matthew

That'll probably be next summer or fall - my old Mountainsmith got a lot of life left in it, gonna use it one more season. But I have seen them, they seem really fantastic.

[Lostsheep]

I'm late....but I'm still throwing my poll results out there. I went with the Kelty Redcloud about 3-4 years ago and couldn't be happier. Yes, it's a heavy empty pack, but it's a very durable heavy pack. I took a previous version w/ me to Philmont and loved it. Once my wife decided she would go packing with me, we realized she needed a pack, so, I was happy to pass the previous to her and buy myself a new one. (Aren't I sweet?) The local store here had a going out of business sale, and I had a pack. It's really good when you get gear cheap!

I surely wouldn't mind a new one, but it's not on my list of things to buy any time soon. I'm pretty happy with what I have for now. Don't mind me if you see me eyeing your pack while hiking the Pinhoti though 

[Cuffs]

I have been extremely pleased with all 3 of my Osprey packs (Atmos 50 & 65 and Talon 33)  They also have excellent customer service (had a materials defect and they promptly took it back and actually replaced it with a NEW pack!)  Both are under 4#, and carry over 35# (if needed).  My GoLite is also great, the real main difference it does not have pockets on the waist belt like the Osprey's do.  I find these very hand for snacks and maps.