2:48 a.m. on April 28, 2008 (EDT)
Rei Cruiser UL 60
Hi, I am fairly new to hiking and was thinking of making the jump and buying a new pack for a future day hike. I have been thinking of buying this pack, http://www.rei.com/product/747520. I have read mostly good reviews on this pack, and the reason I figured I would go all out now is because If i buy just a regular smaller day pack that is 99 dollars wouldn't it be better to just spend 50 dollars more for a bigger pack with better features so I will be ready for the day hike when I need it?
Also has anyone had any experience with this pack? As for right now I will just be using it to do 3 or 4 mile weekend hikes, so while I wont be stuffing it full right, now I will need it eventually.
My other question is do sleeping bag compartments really matter?
Any information or opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Fred
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3:17 a.m. on May 1, 2008 (EDT)
Re: Rei Cruiser UL 60
No one has used this pack and can give me any advice on it or some other options?
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8:11 p.m. on May 2, 2008 (EDT)
Tom D
Moderator
Joined: Aug 10, 2002
Posts: 607
Re: Rei Cruiser UL 60
The best way to buy a pack is to figure out how much stuff you intend to carry, then buy a pack that holds it.
I have seen this pack at REI, but that's it. Look at Granite Gear packs in comparison. They cost more, but some of their packs are almost as big and a pound lighter. Other companies such as Gregory also makes some comparable packs.
Sleeping bag compartment-nice but not necessary. Some packs called "panel loading" packs open from the back with a "u" shaped zipper so everything is easy to get at. My pack is a top loading pack and doesn't have a separate compartment. It just means I have to unpack my pack to get out my bag, but most likely, I'd be doing that anyway.
Whatever pack you buy at REI you can return if you don't like it.
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10:13 p.m. on May 2, 2008 (EDT)
Re: Rei Cruiser UL 60
Have not used this pack, but have used the 30L UL pack. Made of the same light weight 140 denier fabric. Seems to be well constructed. But the light weight of the fabric may not be the most durable. The light weight shoulder straps & hip belt on my body with a weekend load feel good. Depending what & how much gear you pack this 30L pack can deal with most 2-3 nighters. For weekend hikes this is plenty of pack. Buy it, try it. If you love it and need a larger pack in the future go for the 60L
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