Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject: Big packs
This week, after 26 years with my old frame pack, I will probably buy a new backpack at REI. I have pretty much settled on the Osprey Argon 85 or Argon 110 (settling on a single manufacturer and model early makes shopping easier, since all the major manufacturers make good stuff anyway).
What I am having a difficult time deciding is which of the two sizes to get. Part of me reckons the bigger the better, you can never have too much pack. The biggest problem with my current pack is it just doesn't have much internal space, especially after I have packed the wine and Usack and other such stuff, though I thought it was supposed to be a large pack when I bought it. I am not an ultralight hiker by any means.
Aside from weight and price (though it's 20% off at REI this week), what are the downsides to a 110 liter pack vs an 85 liter pack? _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
I had my eye on an Osprey last year but ended up buying a Gregory instead (after fitting the two packs in the store with weight/bulk stuffers).
The Gregory fit my tall frame better with weight bearing nicely on my hips.
The Osprey has a very comfortable and customizable belt, but was too top shifty for me and weighed a couple lbs more.
Selecting a good extended backpack is like fitting for a good boot and I suggest trying out all the options.
I'll report back whenever I actually use it for what I purchased it for.
Cheers simonov, and good hunting for your new pack!
Cheers simonov, and good hunting for your new pack!
Thanks a lot, now you got me thinking about Gregorys. _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
I bought a GoLite Quest last summer. Very comfortable, but a bit smaller than what you're looking for. However, their Tempest model at 90L is about what you're looking for size wise. They make, from what I've experienced, a pretty good product. I bought GoLite since they make pretty solid yet lightweight gear. Their Tempest is about 3.5 lbs empty, whereas a Gregory Whitney (95 L size) weighs about 6.5 lbs empty.
Just another factor in the mix. _________________ Hiking? Aw, gee, do I have to?
I got one of these EMS packs last year . you cant try them on because they are on the east coast (unless you want to pay return shipping), but for the $$$ you cant beat it. They are basically Greggory knock offs.
I bought a Gregory Whitney 95 last year. Used it twice and hated it (it's for sale now, if anyone wants one).
So over the weekend I ordered an Osprey Aether 85 (I had a 25% discount coupon from REI).
I'm just loving my little Osprey Stratos day pack more and more, and continue to be very impressed with Osprey's intelligent design and excellent workmanship.
I wanted a big pack, but the Osprey Argon I discussed last year is over six pounds empty. I think one of the problems I have with the Gregory is how big and heavy it is empty. I decided on the Aether because it's a lot lighter. It also has few (none?) outside pockets, which is a bit of an issue for me, but I decided to get a little day pack that Osprey sells that can be fastened to the "mother pack." If this isn't too bulky, it might be the best compromise between a lightweight, streamlined pack and a full-featured pack with all the bells, whistles and pockets. I need a little day pack anyway because on a lot of my overnights I drop the big pack to do a summit. _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
Last edited by simonov on Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:12 am; edited 1 time in total
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