I have been looking for a high quality backpack that will not break or rip or just plane fall apart on me I thought that Duluth pack would be a good choice but was told that this was a big mistake for hiking so...
Do you know or have any high quality backpacks that are made out of canvas or other tuff fabric that i have overlooked
(i would prefer to have a frame and the backpack should be really big)
2007-09-23 12:10:50 · 4 answers · asked by whyus?? 3 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Camping
I use an old WW 2 era Swedish with steel frame, but then I'm a real man. You can still get them from "cheaper than dirt" along with a german army hat and shirt for under $15. Worked then, works now!
2007-09-25 14:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by Sloan R 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I currently use a Dana Designs Swiftcurrent (no longer in production.) It is the biggest thing I own as far as packs go, smaller than S-Bart's Dana that he mentioned in the previous entry. I've used it for 21 days in a row. It's been thrown off the backs of trucks, survived a few spills down rocky slopes, and has been generally beaten up pretty good. Dana Designs was bought by K2 and are now sold as Marmot packs. The original designer now has another company, Mystery Ranch, that makes even bigger and tougher packs. Some even for military-specs.
I've seen just about every line of packs put out in the past 10 years. Nothing is beefier than a Mystery Ranch pack...but they are heavy and will set you back a small fortune.
Much lighter and very durable packs are available from Gregory and GoLite. These have been the dominant packs I've seen the Appalachian Trail thru-hikers using over the past several years.
You don't need a bullet-proof backpack if you lighten-up the gear you take, pack accordingly, plan out your trip, and take care of your gear.
I rarely use my Dana anymore. I purchased an EYT Ski pack from Eastern Mountain Sports a few years ago. I use a bivy sack, an ultra light Thermarest sleeping pad and I have a really small sleeping bag. I can get that stuff and my essentials into that pack and enjoy a 3-day trip with no problem. I only whip out by Dana when I go out for more than 3 days (un-resupplied) in a row.
2007-09-24 02:46:48 · answer #2 · answered by Willie D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Duluth Packs are the best for canoe camping, but on the long trail, they are a bust. Too big and way off balance.
If you plan on a big load get a modern design that will allow you to load up vertically. Try to keep the weight over your hips, not behind them. If you have to lean forward very much just to balance, you will be very unhappy very shortly. Nylon or Goretex internal frame packs are designed to keep the weight high and forward. They must be adjusted to your personal shape and fit. Pay attention to how you set and load the pack. Keep the center of gravity higher for climbing and lower for decending. Don't hang a lot of stuff on the outside and don't take unnessesary items. Keep the weight under 40# to start. spc
2007-09-24 01:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by cappycobb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how big are you wanting? I have a North Face terra 40 that is 2450 cu. in., and it only cost $115 I really like it, and it's really tough.
2007-09-27 11:22:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋