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Posted by Tom D on May 28, 2007 at 3:54:38 pm EDT
In reply to Packing Pointers posted by Gear Repair and Maintenance (Guest) on May 24, 2007 at 2:01:18 pm EDT

There are plenty of well-made packs out there. Some people like panel loading packs (big zipper on the back) or packs with separate sleeping bag compartments. The important thing is to get a pack that fits you. This depends on your body type and pack design-some packs, no matter how well made, etc. just don't fit. I had an Arctery'x pack like that-excellent quality, but it just didn't fit me right, even after fiddling with it.

Granite Gear packs seem to fit me pretty well. I have only tried them on in the store, but they get good recommendations here and on other sites. REI's house brand packs are reasonably priced and seem well made.

Many packs have various adjustments to make them fit better. Fixed suspension packs either fit or they don't. If they don't, pass on them. An ill fitting pack is a waste of money regardless of its other features. You will soon hate it and wind up selling it.

REI will take back almost anything for almost any reason, so they are a good place to guy gear. You may not get the most knowledgable advice, but the return polisy can't be beat. Make sure when trying on a pack that you load it up in the store (REI has sandbags, or something similar) for this and walk around for more than a couple of minutes. They are used to people doing this, so don't be rushed. You want something you can wear for hours at a time. I used to be able to wear my old North Face pack all day because it fit me right.

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