New Back pack for Christmas!

[Reece]

Since I pretty much depreciated my old garage-sale Kelty giant on my last trip, I'm getting one of those new-fangled internal frame dodgers.





I went looking at REI online and found a bunch but I don't know what size to get, 65 liters, 74 liters, 80 liters, 90 liters. Now before you go saying, "It just depends on how much volume you need." I realize that but the liter designation means nothing to me.

Requirements:
1. I don't want a camel pack.
2. I do desert, winter-hiking, usually solo 3-5 days.
3. My pack including 5 liters of water is in the 45 lb. range.
4. I like side pockets for easy access. Some look too much like a tube.
5. I need it to fit my skinny rump. I've been told the internal frame packs are more form-fitting.
6. I need to be able to tie stuff on to it, like my bed roll.
7. Under $200.
8. I'm really not that picky so long as I get a good value.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[mule ears]

Well the beauty of REI is you can take anything back, at anytime.  I would stay below the 80 liter range and probably something like the Golite Quest is what you are looking for.

[dkerr24]

I have the REI Saturn pack, and it's not bad, but a bit on the heavy side (even empty).   The construction is very rugged, however.

My wife has a Golite Quest and it's very light, but the nylon is not very rugged.  It already has several worn/frayed spots where she has carelessly let it scrape against rock walls along the trail.

The slightly lighter packs usually get away with thinner nylon and straps.  Weight vs. ruggedness.

[SA Bill]

Well the beauty of REI is you can take anything back, at anytime.  I would stay below the 80 liter range and probably something like the Golite Quest is what you are looking for.

+1 for the GoLite Quest.
Here's a good deal on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/GoLite-Quest-Backpack-Large-/220709800629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3363544ab5
   Bill

[Reece]

Wow! SA Bill - good price on the Golite - very tempting.
Dkerr - do you think the Golite will stay up on my skinny butt?
QS - You've got a point - Looking at the REI Flash 65 on line...nice video.

[dkerr24]

Wow! SA Bill - good price on the Golite - very tempting.
Dkerr - do you think the Golite will stay up on my skinny butt?
QS - You've got a point - Looking at the REI Flash 65 on line...nice video.

We only have the women's version of the GoLite Quest, so I can't speak for the men's version of that pack.  My wife likes the fit of the pack, and even the women's version can comfortably carry 35 lbs.  I'm just a little concerned about how easily the pack is damaged unless handled very carefully.

Darin

[Verduretiger]

I am a big fan of Dueter and Granite Gear.  I carry the Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian that only weighs 3 pounds and can carry around 40 pounds comfortably.  I will wear it on the 6 day hike in big Bend in January and will have about 40 pounds full of water (hopefully less). 

[RichardM]

Backpacks are a lot like hiking boots, in that what is a great fit for someone else might be pure agony on you. I'd say hit REI, Whole Earth, and even Sports Authority and Academy and start trying some on. Start with REI or Whole Earth and have them measure your torso. Once you have a good idea of what size frame will work for you, start looking at ebay and other online retailers. Either that or be patriotic and support the local retailers and buy from them. If you're up for a road trip, head to San Antonio and check out Good Sports.

[mule ears]

Reece, not sure if you found this thread on packs for heavy loads (like water in the desert).  2 years old but still applicable.

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/general-outdoor-stuff-camping-equipment/lightweight-packs-for-heavy-loads/msg64051/#msg64051

[homerboy2u]

Have you guys checked out Mistery Ranch Backpacks? They have what i think are the best backpacks tailored made for you. Extremely rugged (used by many Govt. agencies) and YES , it will cost you an arm and a leg for it. But you won't need to turn i back to REI...

 Look for them on Ebay too.

[leigh]

Reece, I agree with Richard,and the others, a good fitting pack is as important as good fitting shoes. I got lots of great help from lots of folks on lots of forums, but ultimately you have to try a lot of packs. I went to REI, had them fit me, like Richard suggested. I tried on a gazillion, and most importantly I took all my gear with me and loaded it up right there in the store and walked around for a long time. They are use to people doing this. This way you get just the size you really need. I ended up with a Deuter (although a smaller volume than what REI carried that I had to order online), and I love it. It's not the lightest pack out there at 3 lbs, but it works for me. And that's the key. It has to work for YOU. Bodies are all different, and everyone finds their own perfect solution. Obviously, everyone wants the lightest pack they can get, but comfort trumps that in my book.
Good luck,
Leigh

[Reece]

I'm thinking just about anything is going to be an improvement over the old Kelty.

[leigh]

Yeah, but it's got stories to tell, right?!

[Frau]

fyi: I just bought the Deuter lite 65 + 10 my grandson, who is built like Reece; #1 pack in Europe, German made; has all the features you described ( I caught it on sale at REI)

I can definitely confirm that Deuter's are very good! All myn friends in Germany have one and very happy!

[ambersdad]

I have a Kelty Coyote 4750 cu in ( 77.83 L) for when hauling extras.  It has the long tube type pockets you mention.  It also fits me snug and handles 40-50 lbs well because of the padding.  Was fairly inexpensive which at the time was what my budget needed.

I also have a Osprey Exos 46 L for when I want to go lightweight.   

Want to also agree with others on how important it is to try on a pack "with your gear in it" before buying.   I recently spent about a month trying on packs before settling on the Osprey.