Sierra Magazine posted a nice little story listing their selections for their favorite backpacks, whether you’re hitting the trail for two hours, two days, two weeks, or two months.
They start off their list with a daypack from ChicoBag called the DayPack rePETe. It comes in 15 and 20 liter varieties, sports a couple of bottle holders, and enough room for lunch and not much more, but is also made out of 95% recycled materials. Cost: $20
The selection for a two day back is a bit more conventional, with the Talus pack from JanSport earning the nod. This is a 35 liter pack that adds a few more frills such as hydration sleeve, trekking pole holders, and plenty of storage for an overnight in the woods. Cost: $120
There is a significant jump up to the next packs, the Baltoro 70 and Deva 70 from Gregory, which would offer plenty of space and options for a two week long trek through the Himalaya or just about anywhere else. These are the full on, real deal, travel packs for active escapes. They have pretty much all the features you would expect, including hydration, suspension systems, and massive 70 liters of storage. Cost: $290
Finally, the two month option goes to the durable and versatile Arc’teryx Altra models. Like everything from Arc’teryx, they are pricey, but amazingly high quality too. This is a big, 75 liter pack that can get you through the long haul anywhere. It’s also well regarded for it’s comfort and ability to carry a load. Cost: $400.
There are some cool packs on the list, but I’m still a bit partial to the offerings from Osprey. What are your picks for these packs? Any good suggestions?
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What pack did you have for EBC? I know i won't need to carry much but i'd like to invest in something that will also be good for long treks where i need to carry food etc.
Ps. thanks for the continuing articles on your EBC trek, they have been fantastic. Looking forward to more.
Hi Luke!
I used the North Face Terra 65 Pack, which I found to be a good, no frills, comfortable pack that is a bit of a steal for $149.
My traveling companion used an Osprey Aether 70, which is another great pack, but a bit more on the expensive side at $259. Well worth it though, it is a very nice pick that is well constructed and would last you a very long time.
And thanks for the compliment on the Trek articles. I'm glad that you're enjoying them. I still have a couple more to go before they're done, including one on the gear that I used. 🙂
I really like the REI 40 L Lookout. For $65 dollars (the pack just went on sale), you get a comfortable fit with surprisingly a lot of space. I tend to have a lot of back problems, but I've never had a problem with this backpack.
I've used it a couple times traveling between states as well as on some hikes, but I'm going on a month and a half backpacking trip in Europe, and planning to only take this backpack. We'll see how it works out!
The best part is that it fits underneath the seat on airplanes!
Teresa
Please excuse my bluntness: Most of this is ridiculous.
If you filled a 75l pack, your "two week trek" is going to be spent within a few miles of your home, because you bloody well can't walk very far with such a monster on your back. Only a few large and well trained people could function, and they are pro guides and climbers, they get their packs for free, and aren't reading this. The pack industry rating system is hogwash.
If you actually want to get somewhere, and not just march off a few miles off into the woods for a camping or fishing trip, then the pack itself should weigh 12 – 18 oz. Anything more than that, and you will be really uncomfortable, really slow, and risk injuring yourself.
Light = comfort. Light = speed. Light = safety. Don't get these backwards. Time to leave the 80's behind!
This is helpful information if you can’t decide what size backpack to take for a particular trip. I usually find 20-22 liter daypacks work very well for day trips and as EDC bags. That’s the ideal size for carrying your “must have” essentials. I recently got this BRX daypack as a gift from my sister. It’s a little more than 22 liters in capacity – just what I wanted for a daypack! It’s even got space for my laptop, which is like a bonus feature for me since I just bought an MBP and am going to take it pretty much everywhere with me.
Great post. I collect many and any kinds of backpack that for using in my hiking or camping stuff things. This was I really appreciate for. Thanks for your info. Please posts more about outdoor activity.. 🙂
Check out this our hiking photos it's really fun and adventure.
Thanks
I am planning a 10 days trip to Venezuela (mountain+beach route), so it is time to change my old backpack to another with more space and more confortable. My objective is to get some pack 'all-in-one' type, so I won't need to carry another one!
I am really worry about the cost x benefit issue; what's your opinion??
Raquel: I'm a big fan of Osprey packs, so I'd recommend you take a look at the Ariel series of women's packs that they make. They are comfortable, well designed, and are high quality. I have there Atmos 50 pack from a few years ago, and love it. It's my go to pack on most trips.
What size are you considering? The Ariel 55 or 65 will probably fit your needs quite well, depending on how light you pack.
Hi,
Calling all women backpackers.
Bear in mind that when it comes to choosing a backpack, you would do well to look at backpacks designed specifically for women such as the Gregory Deva and Jade ranges.
My favourite has to be the Herschel little American rucksack. Check it out…
http://rueduchatquipeche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/design-little-american-mountain-bag-by.html
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