Comments on: Backpack buying guide

By: applecheese

applecheese — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:54:56 +0000

I going to buy the Rei pasage 65 backpack and I can’t find a pack I like better. I am going to philmont this summer and that hip belt looks real nice.

By: T-Man

T-Man — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:30:25 +0000

I HATE Tetons. Worst quality ever. I bought one for a small weekend camp and it totally fell apart. now I have to use my 35l!

By: Steve's Mom

Steve's Mom — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:53:06 +0000

I just bought an Osprey Kestrel 58 Backpack for my son. Just wanted to add that Osprey will repair or, if they can’t repair, replace any of their backpacks for free, no matter how old the pack is! Dick’s wanted me to buy a one year warranty on a Northface pack that wasn’t as nice. If Osprey has that kind of warranty, their packs have to be good! The built in rain cover sold me on it too.

By: the schnauzer

the schnauzer — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:20:02 +0000

149 bucks. totally worth it

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:14:40 +0000

if it is internal, has a padded waist strap, fully adjustable, and breathable then you have you self a good mountaineering pack.

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:38:34 +0000

I use a Teton 4000. how much $$ is the Ace?

By: T-Man

T-Man — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:04:16 +0000

It’s internal isn’t it!

By: the schnauzer

the schnauzer — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:27:19 +0000

I have the osprey ace and i prefer it over the rei passage. though smaller, it has a higher quality feel and come with a rain cover! hooray for osprey!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:45:44 +0000

Is it internal or external??

By: griffin

griffin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:28:36 +0000

hello I am going to buy an extreme pak digital camo backpack. is that a good backpack?

By: Person number 1

Person number 1 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:45:36 +0000

I am looking at the Rei Passage 65 but what could I do about Rain Cover

By: T-Man

T-Man — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:01:01 +0000

Clean it with Milton fluid

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:22:22 +0000

Tell me how it works out! you should still consider Teton packs, they are REALLY good!

By: T-Man

T-Man — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:04:14 +0000

I’ve made my decison its the Youth White Mountain Pack!!!!!!!!!!

By: T-Man

T-Man — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:54:04 +0000

No!! I only want either one. I have done lots of research and they were the best backpacks

By: 6

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:51:04 +0000

i have one too it’s awesome

By: 6

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:49:53 +0000

how big is the main pouch?

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:59:58 +0000

yeah they work good… for a kiddy trail. if you are a serious hiker (like myself) you don’t walk on perfectly groomed trails (I RARELY hike or a trail at all!) internal frames are the best of the best for rough trail hiking (or no trail at all)

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:43:36 +0000

Try a TETON explorer 4000 cheap but extremely good!

By: T-Man

T-Man — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:35:38 +0000

Which is better the REI Passage 65 or the LL-Bean White Mountain Pack Youth?Please respond soon!!!!!!!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:17:07 +0000

especially from good ol’ Teton!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:47:22 +0000

YES hip belts are worth the cost. They help a bunch.
And for the affixing the sleeping bag: with a backpacking bag, just put it inside. For a regular bag, use the straps on the bottom of the bag. For a tent, either use the straps on the bottom if nothing else is there, or loosed the straps on the main pocket cover, put the tent under it, and tighten the straps

By: Chad 101

Chad 101 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:35:59 +0000

Get a Source hydration pack and your water will never taste bad again! plus it comes with a dust guard that goes over the part that you drink from when you are not drinking from it. Got mine at Cabala’s for 16.99$ works the best!

By: me

me — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:59:52 +0000

skip the external and get an internal, when bushwhacking it is much easier to get through dense brush the pack protects everything inside of it, and you don’t have to deal with strapping your gear on and don’t have to worry about the gear falling off.

By: ultra-light master

ultra-light master — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:45:29 +0000

like smitty says, the murmur is the best

By: Dodoscout

Dodoscout — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:59:17 +0000

Kelty makes good externals. I like externals because there are more pockets and room to lash on a bag or mat on the frame. Happy backpacking everyone.

By: Sly Fox

Sly Fox — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:23:44 +0000

Try a used military duffel bag with a plastic liner; a great general purpose bag if you’re not hiking a long way. Also one of the best canoe bags for the price. We just bought 3 for the Troop at $18.00 each. Liners were $3.00. They’ll last you a life time if you take care of them.

By: Smitty

Smitty — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:01:29 +0000

Gossamer gear murmur. The best. Only 8oz. Uses sleeping pad as frame

By: Yankees Rule!!

Yankees Rule!! — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:45:33 +0000

actually, i’ve seen Dick’s sporting goods’ packs range from $40.00 to $199.99.

By: ginger

ginger — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:13:41 +0000

anybody have recomendations on a cheap pack for weekend campouts

By: Yankees Rule!!

Yankees Rule!! — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:06:10 +0000

I just recently crossed over from a cub scout to a boy scout, and as soon as possible, my dad and i went to go look for a backpack. Since i am kind of small for my age i got a small external frame as well. i went on one camping trip already, and i think i over packed. alot of my friends got internal frames. and they seemed a lot less heavy, but our SPL said that external frames were the best. would you think, if i had a lot of gear, would need an internal frame?

By: The S.S. SCOUT!

The S.S. SCOUT! — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:30:48 +0000

I recommend looking for one at Dick’s it will be a good bit of money but it will be worth it.(The highest i’ve seen is aboout $99.00 lowest is about twenty to thirty)

By: xtreme kayaker

xtreme kayaker — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:08:51 +0000

i usually use a hikers backpack with a sleeping bag on top

By: Firstclasshiker509

Firstclasshiker509 — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:17:22 +0000

I use an internal frame pack wighs 5lbs. but supports really well with 30+lbs!!

By: TheProfessor

TheProfessor — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:00:44 +0000

One more thought. With my external frame, I attached a water bottle holder (like the ones used on a bicycle) to the back side of my frame near the bottom. My water is always a few inches away which helps you drink more and stay hydrated.

By: TheProfessor

TheProfessor — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:42:31 +0000

I’ve always used a external. Mine has the composite frame that has some give and flex. Very comfortable and breathes well in the summer. In my 30+ years of hiking, the externals give you more flexibility as to gear placement. They have more pockets and the frame to strap on your gear. The newer (last 15yrs) styles of internals have made much progress with compartments and pockets, but still suffer. I find it to be a real inconvenience to unpack most of my pack to get that piece of gear that I may need out. Internals have a better center of gravity and tend to have more adjustments for comfort, but will always be hotter to carry.

By: boy127

boy127 — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:27:57 +0000

cool

By: SargeBSA

SargeBSA — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:55:09 +0000

Osprey kestrel 48 liter is the best but not inexpensive last along time and weighs only 2 pounds

By: scout16

scout16 — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:35:26 +0000

i have a hi-tech pack and it is nice

By: GEAR MAN

GEAR MAN — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:06:10 +0000

The Osprey Kestrel 58 is a great pack!! I’ve used it in just about every season and any trek. It is a little on the pricey side for me, since I try to find the best stuff for the lowest price, but still it is an awesome pack. I have never been ( and probably never will be) dissatisfied with this pack. Good work Osprey!

By: Dan the man

Dan the man — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:37:42 +0000

I have a military pack also;] it is awsome. I love hiking

By: jj55

jj55 — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:03:19 +0000

i have a 48 liter backpack from an army surplus shop for under 50 bucks water proof and very durable

By: I Love Camping Hammocks

I Love Camping Hammocks — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:07:11 +0000

You should ask the gear guy

By: AA55

AA55 — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:09:45 +0000

i have a army surplus backpack and it is awesome

By: monkeyman

monkeyman — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 22:24:19 +0000

Mountiansmith Scout external frames lack external pockets but make up for it in the HUGE 55 liter main pocket. it has straps for your sleeping bag and pad and a great fit

By: lemon head

lemon head — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:31:54 +0000

i like the kelty trekker 3950 external frame backpack

By: ygfreigritughytiuh

ygfreigritughytiuh — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:12:20 +0000

my camel pack makes the water nasty after a few hours how do i stop it.

By: somebody

somebody — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:05:15 +0000

good tips, trailrat

By: lightweight gu-ru

lightweight gu-ru — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:51:50 +0000

Get the Osprey Ace 48. AMAZING!!!!! I have it and it is awesome. It has good ventilation for your back in hot conditions and verrrrry comfortable.

By: jimbo

jimbo — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:19:04 +0000

what are those solar things that you put on the backpacks. how much do they usauly cost and are they worth it. what kind of things can get power from them and does it power them well.

By: GANDALFRULES

GANDALFRULES — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:51:22 +0000

I bought a pack at Sams Club auction for 20 bucks, swiss gear really nice back pack with all the bells and whistles.

By: jimbo

jimbo — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:18:38 +0000

off topic but what are those backpack solar energy things and are they worth buying and how much money and do they have ones with different plugs to charge diffdrent things.

By: Jman

Jman — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:42:16 +0000

external frams hurt my back.

By: Ranger Danger

Ranger Danger — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:20:41 +0000

Try thrift shopping.. I bought a perfict size packpack for just 5 bucks and now I’m glad I did. The pack has no bells and whistles but it gets the job done!!

By: get up and go

get up and go — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:17:45 +0000

This may sound odd, but I highly recommend a pack without a frame.
They may not have as much room as one with a frame, but they are loads more comfortable, and the
packs them selfs are lighter too!

By: GEAR MAN

GEAR MAN — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:32:05 +0000

Never buy a backpack over the internet! If you are going to get a pack, try to find a store and try it out. Some outdoor stores have a specialist to help you choose a pack, without trying to advertise to you. Those guys can help you find the right pack that fits you and how you are going to pack. If you can, ask if they have a weight or something and put it in the pack, then walk around in the store, try it out!

By: GEAR MAN

GEAR MAN — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:26:17 +0000

I have two packs for different backpacking. For scouting trips I use a Teton Sports Scout 3400 cu. in. It is good for the simple 2 to 4 day trips. For longer trips, I use a Deuter 5500 cu. in. pack I bought from the NOLS base in Lander, WY. Both packs are great for packing and cheap. The Teton Sports pack I bought from Sportsman’s Warehouse for $50!!! It’s not hard to find a good pack at a reasonable price.

By: jeph

jeph — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:23:18 +0000

definitely i agree, external packs are the way to go for 90% of scouts. but when i went on a backpacking trip in the adirondacks, i found that my external frame pack constantly shifted left and right on the rugged trails, and the frame sometimes caught on low-hanging branches (a common occurrence in the adirondacks), so in conditions like those an internal frame pack would be more appropriate.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:08:11 +0000

maybe be so but they are unconformable and if you pack only what is needed then room is not really a problem. Try making a list on your next backpack. Whatever you do not use check of and do not bring it again(of course things like first aid kits and other 10 essentials should still go). Also only carry as much food as you are going to eat, if you have too much food left after the trip cut down on the amount you bring.

By: wawa

wawa — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:55:14 +0000

a externelframe has alot more room

By: reader 2662622

reader 2662622 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:56:54 +0000

it is great thanks for the tips

By: kgjgjjgjgtk

kgjgjjgjgtk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:41:41 +0000

kelty yukon 2900 is graet it even has a sleeing bagcompertment

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:27:49 +0000

I used a Gregory Palisade (5300) when I went to Philmont a few years ago. I never had any trouble with the pack and always had space for troop and personal gear.

For a young scout you cant go wrong with a Jansport Scout. I recieved one when I was in Cub Scouts and used in for several years. The pack is ajustable and a great pack for youth who are just starting out in the sport. Usually you can always find them on sale at stores like Campmor or REI. Moreover, I always hear good things about the Kelty Yukon.

By: scout

scout — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:56:39 +0000

awsome its cool

By: xyz

xyz — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:53:22 +0000

cool

By: trailrat

trailrat — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:08:41 +0000

Loading a pack with the heavier items near the bottom and lighter items near the top also makes the mpack easier to carry and control. This is true of both internal and external framed packs. Many packs have a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack, but if your tent is heavier than your sleeping bag it make sense to carry it nearer the bottom of the pack. Heavy items such as stoves and fuel will also help move the load downward to your hips and take some pressure off of your shoulders. Water is arguably the heaviest item you will carry at nearly eight pounds per gallon. Packs with hydration compartments make sense, and the constant ability to drink as you walk can save you from dehydration. The most important point about pack size, as pointed out is that it should fit properly, then considerations about the length of the trip and time on the trail should be taken into consideration. I enjoyed reading the posted comments.

By: fuego

fuego — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:16:07 +0000

Wow, External won my vote

By: scout278

scout278 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:51:06 +0000

Are Canvas Backpacks built more durable than nylon backpacks? Will Canvas Backpacks withstand the weather and terrain more than nylon backpacks? During our visit to Philmont, my crew decided to earn the 50 miler afoot and afloat award so that our backpacks need to withstand water as well as dry heat of Philmont. Thank you for your input regarding canvas backpacks versus nylon backpacks.

By: !!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!! — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:37:41 +0000

i got the rei passage 65 yesterday

By: bob jones

bob jones — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:41:39 +0000

i think u need a backpack in the 5000 cubic in for a week backpacking trip. not a 2000 cubic in . i personal use the osprey argon 85 and it works great

By: troop102 patrol leader

troop102 patrol leader — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:06:25 +0000

i used 2 carry 2 much much gear and fell a few times so i say ONLY!!!!!!!! the most important gear and chance is u wont use most of the extra stuff anyway so pack light!!!

By: ty man

ty man — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:47:00 +0000

should high adventure camping trips have more advanced backpaks than other scouts

By: skiman

skiman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:33:39 +0000

The Osprey Kestrel comes in the small/medium size. Do you know what the suggested torso size is and what ages would this pack normally be for?

By: monster

monster — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:22:14 +0000

is the rei meteor pack waterproof or does it come with a rain fly

By: None of ur business

None of ur business — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:37:53 +0000

Nice how heavey should a backpack be

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:33:10 +0000

I like the backpacks. and I wish I could buy one.

By: Worcester Scoutmaster

Worcester Scoutmaster — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:30:49 +0000

The tent in the article was the MSR Trekker Tent.

By: db

db — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:20:22 +0000

If anyone wants my opinion:
External backpacks are the way to go. there cheap.There sturdy. They also can easily have a sleeping bag just dangle off a bar.

By: K.O Joe

K.O Joe — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:17:57 +0000

Very specific

By: scout

scout — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:08:56 +0000

I think that a larger capacity of pack is needed rather than these internal frames with only 3 to 4 thousand cubic inches because they allow you to carry some of your troops gear or if your sleeping bag or pad is rather bulky.

By: j-money

j-money — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:20:48 +0000

what was the name of the tent that was in the article. i was going to look for it on ebay but my dad threw away the magazine

By: Backpack Camper329864

Backpack Camper329864 — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:58:38 +0000

Thank you for the insight regarding hip belts and how to affix a tent and sleeping bag to a backpack when backpacking to a campsite.

By: scuba dude 642

scuba dude 642 — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:57:13 +0000

Dear Backpack Camper,

Hip belts are a must in all situations. They are well worth the cost. Hip belts do reduce injury, but are also much more comfortable to where. The hip belt is designed to eliminate load on the shoulders, thus increasing range of motion and hikability. You will always want a hip belt once you try it out.

When camping I put the tent on the top under the top cover, and attach my sleeping bag to the bottom of my pack with tie-downs.

By: Backpack Camper329864

Backpack Camper329864 — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:50:10 +0000

Are hip belts really worth the cost for people who go camping and hiking frequently to reduce injury to the lower back by placing the weight of the backpack on the pelvis? Or, are hip belts on a backpack only really needed for people who hike for distances such as at a High Adventure Camping Program. How does a person properly affix both a sleeping bag and a four person tent onto a back pack for hiking to a campsite?