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Rave About Your Rack Please do not post retail SPAM.

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Looking for a decent hiking pack - suggestions?

ClimbingNT

14-Jun-2011
2:46:12 PM

Anyone able to suggest where to buy a decent hiking pack off the internet?

I busted the zipper off my north face pack (I suspect a possible north face rip-off) on Sunday, and this is now the second dudd I have purchased.
- First pack was purchased locally. The north face purchased off what seemed like a "reputable" store on ebay.

I need something to carry all of my climbing gear in and has solid straps/buckles/zippers/etc. Pack does not need to be 100% waterproof, but weatherproof is highly desirable.

Looking for something around 50-60lt in size and have a budget of around $100.

Thanks


ajfclark

14-Jun-2011
2:48:17 PM

Someone on here regularly plugs http://www.bivouac.co.nz/ for packs. No idea what they've got in your price range though.

ClimbingNT

14-Jun-2011
2:57:25 PM

Thanks and agreed that budget is a bit of an issue.

I have already spent a fair amount of money on 2 packs - both flogging out within a couple of months of use (only used on weekends).

As a result I am a little more hesitant to throw a heap of coin on my 3rd pack, especially if it also end up being rubbish....

strerror

14-Jun-2011
3:01:45 PM

I just bought one of these:
http://www.deuter.com/en_DE/backpack-details.php?category=42&id=1635&title=Guide%2045%2B
I can't recommend it highly enough, it's got an amazing level of build quality and after a lot of research I have to say that Deuter have an amazing reputation.

bones

14-Jun-2011
3:36:31 PM

Lowe Alpine make the best hiking packs in the business


Sabu

14-Jun-2011
3:57:35 PM

My vote is for Osprey packs. Something like a Aether 60 or Variant 52 would suit you well, catch is they are fairly pricey.
On the cheaper end, deuter are good.


Robb

14-Jun-2011
4:28:30 PM

I got one of these for sale. you can have it for $60. Great pack but Ive got too many so dont use it.

lowe alpine mountain attack pro 35 +10
http://www.acmeclimbing.com/lowealpinemountainattackpro3510backpack.aspx

gfdonc

14-Jun-2011
5:15:22 PM

Robb, emailed you.

ClimbingNT

14-Jun-2011
8:28:43 PM

Hi Robb, I am really interested in the pack if gfdonc hasn't snaked it first....


BoulderBaby

14-Jun-2011
10:27:11 PM

At Paddy Pallin Ringwood there are the Old style (2008-9) model of the 60lt aether for $99.95, they're pretty awesome packs, but I think there is only Large back lengths left. (You probs can get it through paddy's website too if you're not local)

Mike Bee

15-Jun-2011
7:55:31 PM

On 14/06/2011 ClimbingNT wrote:
>As a result I am a little more hesitant to throw a heap of coin on my
>3rd pack, especially if it also end up being rubbish....

So instead of spending more and risking getting something crap again, you'll spend too little and be certain of it?

If you buy an Osprey pack and it breaks, you'll be covered by Osprey's "All might guarentee", meaning that anything that is broken on it will be repaired or replaced under warranty forever!
That's probably worth spending the $ on.

Otherwise, find a One Planet canvas backpack (eg a Mungo, thats about 60L). Those things are built like a brick shithouse. The warranty is not as all encompassing as Ospreys, but with the quality of construction and materials, there's a much smaller chance you'll ever have to use it!

ClimbingNT

15-Jun-2011
9:29:54 PM

The first pack I purchased locally had a 'good 2 year warranty' on it - or so I thought.
After 1 shoulder strap breaking, and quickly followed by the other on the same hike back to the car I took it back to where I got it from for a replacement (only 8month or so old).

After having the pack sent away, and 6 or 7 weeks wait and a heap of stuffing around by the local business, I did end up getting a new pack, which should straps broke in the same place 7 months later.

The local business made the whole process so difficult the first time around that I decided to cut my loss and buy a north face pack - as suggested by a couple of local hikers.

North Face pack was purchased off ebay - and from what appeared to be an Australian based company. Discovered after this pack broke that they were actually someone working in Australia, but importing rip-offs from china, and was told that I had to send my pack to china for the warranty (basically I would never see my pack again).

Now I am on to my 3rd pack in 2 years and have already spent quite a lot of money on my first 2 pack, both of which have turned out as being pretty crappy.

Yes, I probably shouldnt have purchased the second pack from ebay, but I wasnt too keen on purchasing a pack from the US, as I know all warranty options would be difficult/impossible to claim. As I mentioned before, the ebay site seemed legit, had a heap of positive ratings on their camping/hiking gear, etc.

I am now at the cross road of weather I fork out another $300 or so on a 'all might guarantee' pack, or spend less on something that is still a reasonable build quality, but doesnt have as many bells/whistles (waterproof, multi-compartments, bladder holder, etc) as the more expensive packs.

I am after a solid pack that is simple, comfortable, and will hold my climbing gear, some food and water and possibly a pair of boots and a helmet, but the last 2 are non-essential.
- I figured around $100 as a base price, but am willing to spend more on proven quality without buying the Rolls Royce of hiking packs. I am only planning on using it on weekends, and not for an epic around the continent expedition.

Cheers


Sabu

16-Jun-2011
10:47:08 AM

Yea buy from a reputable dealer, do your research & know your brands to avoid getting stung! It helps if you are a total gear slut and can't help but pathologically search for outdoor gear you can't afford. I suggest jump onto the $100 Aether from paddys. I have the 70L version and it is a gold standard lightweight hiking pack.

DavLong

17-Jun-2011
3:54:43 PM

Wilderness Equipment are also good they're based in WA and i believe they have canvas packs. Have heard good things about their gear


Hans

18-Jun-2011
8:32:14 AM

I can recommend the Aether 60L - scored one from Paddy Pallin for $150 and am very happy with it. Have used it a bit for camping/hiking but also daily in backpacking for the last 3 months and it has taken a good beating without any problems. $99 is a bargain for that pack.


evanbb

18-Jun-2011
3:32:57 PM

I lopve my Wilderness Equipment... umm, Mountain Expedition I think it is? The gigantic red one. It is enormous, light and tough. Excellent for hauling large loads.

Decoy

18-Jun-2011
3:47:26 PM

On 18/06/2011 evanbb wrote:
>I lopve my Wilderness Equipment... umm, Mountain Expedition I think it
>is? The gigantic red one. It is enormous, light and tough. Excellent for
>hauling large loads.

I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while. How good is the compression system? Like, if you wanted to only fill it with 75L of stuff, does the pack hold a proper shape and is still comfortable/balanced?

patto

18-Jun-2011
4:07:36 PM

Wilderness Equipment make SOLID gear. There tents have much stronger flooring and material than most other brands. Bit heavier but they will no doubt last longer.

They make bomb proof canvas packs. Usually similar weight to comparable sized packs as they don't have 1000 bells and whistles.


dave h.

18-Jun-2011
9:03:36 PM

Patto, sorry but I have to call BS on this.

(If this reply sounds like an over-reaction to your comment, forgive me. It's also a response to this idea that everyone keeps perpetuating, vis. "Canvas is more durable/better/awesomest". In my view it's a myth.)

I have a Wilderness Equipment Jagungal. It's a great pack, with some features that I love, but I'd be lying if I agreed with you and said it was lighter than comparable alternatives.

The Jagungal has a capacity of about 48L in the Large frame size. It weighs 2.6kg according to the Sea to Summit website. The Lowe Alpine Peak Attack 45-55 weighs 1.43 kg. Both packs have similar features, the Jagungal has a crampon pocket and some shock-cord on the back, plus a canvas roll-top closure under the lid, but that's about it.

I don't think those extra features equal a kilo of material.

If you take the two bags canyoning the difference will become even starker, as the Jagungal's canvas will become water-logged and weigh a stack more. While the Lowe's nylon will also absorb some, my impression is that it absorbs much less.

No matter how well made things are, they never last forever. I recently bought a Lowe Peak Attack 40 and that's become my cragging pack. I guess it's the choice between buying a heavier, super-burly product, in the hope that you get an extra three years out of it, or buying a durable but lighter alternative in the knowledge that it may not last *quite as long* as something a kilo heavier.

Back to the OP's original question - if you don't want to spend money, go buy that Aether like everyone has said. I've worked in a gear shop (not Paddys) for close to 4 years and that's a fantastic price on a good product.


jackw

18-Jun-2011
10:13:09 PM

one planet, by far a bomber pack maker... Comfortable, strong ,big, excellent harness setup. exe but, you wont be disappointed..

There are 31 messages in this topic.