In need of new pack

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7:41 p.m. on March 30, 2008 (EDT)
hahayourdead941
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 12
In need of new pack

I am looking to upgrade from a small Kelty Sante Fe with 4000 Ci. (66 L) I have been looking in the 70-80 L range at packs made by Gregory and Osprey. Any suggestions from personal experience or otherwise?

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11:39 p.m. on March 30, 2008 (EDT)
kutenay
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 23, 2005
Posts: 229
Re: In need of new pack

My all-time favourite in this size range, after many years and a LOT of packs, is the "Futura Deluxe" by Mystery Ranch. This is 3800 cu.in. and their "Glacier" model is slightly longer and is 4200 cu. in., about perfect for 2-3 night trips.

These are NOT cheap, but, if you get the fit right, one of these packs will outlast you and I have had one of Dana Gleason's (the owner) packs for 30 years.

I can carry 50 lbs. in COMFORT with my Deluxe and you cannot buy a better pack, anywhere.

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7:30 p.m. on April 1, 2008 (EDT)
hahayourdead941
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 12
Re: In need of new pack

That is a little out of my price range for now. :/ However, I have narrowed down packs that I like and am wondering if anyone has experience with these.

Gregory Baltoro 70
Osprey Aether 70
Osprey Argon 70

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8:04 p.m. on April 1, 2008 (EDT)
jeffrey
Full Member

Joined: Apr 13, 2007
Posts: 98
Re: In need of new pack

I have the Aether 70. I love it. Its stong, comfy, and holds a ton of gear! I wish it had less straps, zippers and other things I don't use, but hey, you can't have it all.

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8:15 p.m. on April 1, 2008 (EDT)
hahayourdead941
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 12
Re: In need of new pack

How well does it hold up to loads? And also, does it have just a large main pocket or are there others? Difficult to tell from pictures I've seen. Finally, is the sleeping bag compartment zippered from the rest of the pack? And is it large? Thanks a lot!

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8:34 p.m. on April 1, 2008 (EDT)
Alicia
Editor in Chief

Joined: Mar 14, 2001
Posts: 436
Re: In need of new pack

You'll also want to check out the 11 user reviews of the Aether 70 in the gear review section:
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/osprey/aether-70/

There also are 11 reviews of the Baltoro:
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/gregory/baltoro/

None for the Argon 70 though:
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/osprey/argon-70/

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8:59 p.m. on April 1, 2008 (EDT)
hahayourdead941
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 12
Re: In need of new pack

See, I checked out the reviews, and although the Baltoro and Aether got basically the same average rating, the Aether had mostly all positive reviews and the Baltoro had some rather bad ones relating to durability issues and such.

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