north face terra 55

[jnunniv]

I'm shopping for a "starting" pack for 2 or 3 night trips.  I have seen the north face terra 55 for $139.  That's right in my price range.  Does anyone have any experience with this item? If not, what else would you recommend for $150 or less?

[buck]

I may be a lone voice on this recommendation, but I've tried a few and continue to come back to the REI Flash 65 - marked down to $135 right now and comes in a male and female version. Male version below

http://www.rei.com/produc.../778468/rei-flash-65-pack

[Cuffs]

Packs are like shoes, they all fit differently. You'd better try em all on before you make a blind decision.

[wirerat123]

I hate the North Face packs.  Upon first putting one on it seems fantastic, but I'm no dummy, I loaded it up with a reasonable weight, fitted it, and wandered the store for 30 minutes or so with it on.  It just felt horrible after a while.  Back to my GoLite Jam, even though I'm hard pressed to fit a cold weather load in there.

Like Cuffs said though, Packs are certainly like shoes, what fits you great may fit horribly on me and vice versa.  The only packs I've ever heard of anyone buying without testing them out right that never had a complaint was Granite Gear.  Never ever once in my life heard anyone say anything negative about them.  I had a Vapor Trail for a LONG time, and it was still to this day BY FAR the most comfy pack I've ever carried.

[jnunniv]

Thanks for the input.  I realize that each person has their own opinion and packs fit differently (just like shoes).  I have tried it on, without a load, and it seems to be ok.  I know NF is popular in fashion, but I wanted to know how it held up/felt in the field. 

[Cuffs]

TNF is cost effective but if the price is a factor look at Deuter. A tad more than TNF but quality and comfort is much greater. Deter has been making packs for decades in Europe and came to the US about 15 years ago. Great stuff.

[shhQuiet]

I just got a Deuter 50+15 and it is great. Adjustable torso and weight like a day pack.

http://www.rei.com/produc...euter-act-zero-50-15-pack

[jbassplayer]

Mountainsmith suspensions feel the best to me. I've had a NF Terra 65. I scoerd it fo 90 bucks and free shipping. It's a good bag for that kind of money. I sold it and spent a little more and got a mountainsmith lookout which I like much more.