dovrar Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 Hello All, DD would like to get a camping pack for Christmas, but as we're new to this I'm not sure what brand to get. She wants it to be big enough that she could use it for a long camping trip or in lieu of luggage for a short trip. I'd like to get something that would last for years, but don't want to spend $400 on a bag. ; ) Probably in the $200 and less range. Thanks! Debbie :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 Keep an eye on Woot.com. I've gotten two packs for my son there for a fraction of what they were selling for on Amazon (a youth one for $50 and large one for $70). They've both held up remarkably well after traveling the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 The first thing to decide is what size she needs. Airline carry-on rules may be worth a look if she's planning to use it if she flies. She could use it as an under-seat bag, or an overhead compartment bag, which is bigger. Camping packs, nowadays, are somewhat body-shaped rather than rectangular, so they won't maximize the packing space when flying. You also need to take into account her height, or more specifically her back-waist length. The majority of packs are made for men; if she is on the short side many packs won't fit properly, which makes a huge difference. If she will be carrying the bag for a long period of time, and/or if the bag is fully loaded, you should look for a pack with a waist strap and a sternum strap. These two straps take significant weight off the shoulders. You'll also need to decide on whether you want a frame pack (probably an internal frame) or one without a frame. That most likely depends on what she plans to carry - more stuff = more need for a frame. A good thing to consider is whether or not she will be carrying bedding (pad to sleep on, sleeping bag or blankets, camp pillow. Bedding takes a lot of space in a pack (or must be strapped to the pack). 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 (edited) Capacity is usually measured in either liters or cubic inches. Many websites or tags list either one or the other, making it difficult to compare if you don't have a sense of the conversion. Still others list only the outside measurements. Find out the capacity of her current backpack if she has one, in each system, to have a point of reference for comparisons. Edited November 25, 2016 by justasque Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 I think going to a place with good sales people, like REI, is helpful when deciding what to buy. Get the right fit, style etc. Then buy it elsewhere for much less! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 We love our Ospreys. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 (edited) I think going to a place with good sales people, like REI, is helpful when deciding what to buy. Get the right fit, style etc. Then buy it elsewhere for much less! ;) I'm the opposite. I buy everything I can from REI because of their fantastic customer service and generous dividend program. Edited November 25, 2016 by purplejackmama 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 I think she needs to go to REI for a proper fitting. Being fit for a pack is really essential for any type of serious hiking/backpacking. If she's talking about a pack for a long camping trip, she's needs to have the weight hit properly on her body. Osprey, Deuter, REI....maybe Kelty (depends on the specific bag) are the brands I'd be looking at. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 Ditto go to rei or ems, whatever is around, to try things on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 I think going to a place with good sales people, like REI, is helpful when deciding what to buy. Get the right fit, style etc. Then buy it elsewhere for much less! ;) That kind of behavior makes it less likely such service will be around in the future. Service isn't free - the store pays for it in the hopes that the investment will pay off in terms of sales. If it doesn't, either the service or the company itself won't last for long. If you value the service, consider paying for it with your purchasing dollars. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 As a woman (and much younger when I actually backpacked) a backpack volume of no more than 3000-3400 cubic inches. That meant as much as 45lbs weight. We stopped at Campmor recently on vacation and Osprey was the brand I chose for my next backpack - if that ever happens. Not only does REI have good service and warranties, if you join the co-op (less drama than a homeschool co-op) you get a %10 rebate. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 I'm the opposite. I buy everything I can from REI because of their fantastic customer service and generous dividend program. I buy from there when I can afford it, but that is very occasionally. Almost all of our gear is second hand. When ds moves up to Boy Scouts, we'll run our budget through the REI credit card and get him lots of nice gear for not much money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 That kind of behavior makes it less likely such service will be around in the future. Service isn't free - the store pays for it in the hopes that the investment will pay off in terms of sales. If it doesn't, either the service or the company itself won't last for long. If you value the service, consider paying for it with your purchasing dollars. We do when we can afford it, but reality is that that is rare. We buy almost all recreation things used. Reality of life on one lower middle class income. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 That kind of behavior makes it less likely such service will be around in the future. Service isn't free - the store pays for it in the hopes that the investment will pay off in terms of sales. If it doesn't, either the service or the company itself won't last for long. If you value the service, consider paying for it with your purchasing dollars. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Another vote for Osprey. In fact, I have one on my Christmas list this year. If you go to their website they have information regarding fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 We do when we can afford it, but reality is that that is rare. We buy almost all recreation things used. Reality of life on one lower middle class income. It's good that you buy from local sellers who provide good service when you can. I also think that buying high-quality used goods on the second-hand market (rather than cheaply made new goods) does help support the original sale of such quality goods, as the initial buyer knows they can recoup some of their investment if they choose to sell the item a few years down the line, thus they are more willing to pay the high price needed to support quality design, materials, and manufacturing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 It's good that you buy from local sellers who provide good service when you can. I also think that buying high-quality used goods on the second-hand market (rather than cheaply made new goods) does help support the original sale of such quality goods, as the initial buyer knows they can recoup some of their investment if they choose to sell the item a few years down the line, thus they are more willing to pay the high price needed to support quality design, materials, and manufacturing. We love their used equipment and "scratch and dent" sales! We got our tent from LL Bean with a gift card. They too have excellent customer service and return policy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 Don't be afraid to spend a little more for a good quality pack. My dh is finally ready to replace the Kelty pack he's been using for over 40 years! It's a really good idea to go somewhere and try on packs because the fit is really important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dovrar Posted November 27, 2016 Author Share Posted November 27, 2016 Thanks so much, this is very helpful. So, now I guess it's off to research what stores are local that we can go to and try stuff on at. Anyone from the Columbia, SC area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 You might try The Backpacker Quality Gear on Wayne St., or the closest REI is in Pineville. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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