Backpack and Daypack Recommendations
Part of Recommended Outdoor Gear by Mark
Verber
Sections in this document:
Choosing a backpack can be tricky, especially for someone
who is just starting out. You need to know what you are carrying to
choose the right pack, but if you are just starting out you don't know what you
are going to be carrying. The best suggestion I can make is figure out what sort of trips
you expect to take (duration & conditions), and what backpacking style you
will use (ultra-light, light
weight, medium/heavy weight). This information will give you a
good starting point. For experienced packers, I would suggest bring all
your gear in a duffel bag and try packs using your stuff rather than simulated
weights.
In selecting the right pack it is extremely helpful to
have a good feel for what you are likely to be carrying, so you know what
sort of weight and volume that you expect to be hauling. Don't get a pack
that's larger "just in case you need more room", this will only
encourage you to bring too much stuff, will be heavier, and more
ungainly. If anything, you want a pack which is slightly smaller than you
need. It is likely that over time you will find the weight and volume of
your gear will go down, and the slightly too small pack becomes just right. In the mean
use a stuff sack which you attach to the outside of your pack with straps or
under the top lid to hold the items that don't fit inside the pack. As your food goes down move the items into your
pack. Once you have figured out how must volume and
weight you pack needs to support, you need to decide
how durable the pack needs to be based on the activities you will be engaged
in. Remember, just because a pack is "bullet proof" and "heavy duty"
doesn't mean that it is better. Given the choice, I would rather been carrying a
2lb backpack that is comfortable rather than a 7lb backpack that is comfortable. If you are hiking well developed trails, any quality pack will be
plenty durable and you should go for the lightest material and design which is
appropriate. If you are climbing, scrambling, going cross country, etc you
need a pack which is highly resistant to abrasion.
Finally, and most importantly, you want to
find the pack which is the most comfortable when holding the load you plan on
carrying. Whatever pack you get I would suggest doing two things. First, go to a
outdoor outfitter that employs experienced backpackers or climbers who can help you get a
good fit. Note: many of the larger outdoor stores employee kids who do
not have significant experience backpacking and climbing. Make sure the
person who is helping you actually knows what they are talking about. The first step to select a pack which has the the right torso
length. Typically you measure from the seventh vertebrae to the small of
your back and see what size pack the manufacture suggestions. Second, you
should place weight in
the pack to simulate the sort of load you expect to carry and give it a
try. But this is not always strait-forward since packs have multiple
adjustments. That's why it is important to go somewhere that has
experience sales personnel. A great pack
which is poorly fit can be more uncomfortable that a cheap pack which fits you.
Finally, check with local stores to find out if it is possible
to rent the pack you like for a weekend or has a great return policy like REI. This could save you from buying a
pack which seemed good in the showroom but isn't comfortable
after a hard day of use.
I can't stress enough how important getting a comfortable
backpack can be. Other than your footwear, no other piece of gear is as
likely to ruin a fun trip than a backpack which isn't comfortable. My
experience is that a well fitting backpack carries 20 lbs so well that I can
actually forget that I am carrying a pack, and that I can carry 40 lbs+ for days without
any shoulders or hip soreness or pain. Do not scrimp of
your pack. Get a pack which is comfortable for you.
There are some pretty wild packs out there. For example,
lightningpacks is doing a
backpack which generates electricity.
Internal -vs- External Frame Packs
There has been a debate running since at least the 1970s
as to whether internal or external frame packs are better. I doubt this
debate will ever end. For a more detailed description of different types of
packs and features, check out
Backpacks - Buying Your
Perfect Backpack. A study was done in 2003 which was a
Comparision of the MOLLE External Pack to Two Internal Frame Commercial
Backpacks. The commercial packs were made by ArcTeryx and Gregory. My observations are as follows:
Internal Frame Packs: These days most people seem to use
internal frame packs. An internal frame pack uses foam, metal,
and/or carbon fiber which is located inside the pack to give the pack
structure and effectively transfer weight to the hip strap. Advantages are
that internal frame packs tend to be easier to balance since they are closer to
your body and are less likely to get snared on things if you are climbing or
going cross country. The downside is that your back doesn't get much
ventilation.
External Frame Packs: What
nearly everyone used 30 years ago. External frame packs
typically have a ridged metal or plastic frame which has shoulder and
waist straps on one
side to allow you to carry the pack, and some sort of bag on the other side to
hold your stuff. These packs are good for hauling large
amounts of gear. They also tend to be better in hot weather because they
can provide better ventilation for your back, provide lots of pockets to make
organizing your gear easier, and allow you to secure gear
against the frame to minimize shifting of your heavier gear. External
frame packs also tend to be more adjustable so they are good for people who are
growing of as packs which get used by a number of people of variable size. Over the years I have had a
number of external frame packs including the original Kelty Tioga and a JanSport D2, but I never managed to find one which was really comfortable for more than 10
miles. On the other hand, there are many people who absolutely love their
external frame pack. Don't "upgrade" you old external frame pack if it is
working well for you. I have met a number of people who were convinced to get
rid of their external frame packs and get a "modern" internal frame pack only to
find that they liked their old pack better and then were unable to find a comparable
external frame pack on the market. They ended up hunting on ebay for a
pack just like the one they gave away a few months earlier. Most external
frame packs are quite heavy. Some people save weight by replacing the pack
bag with something made from lighter materials. A more extreme approach is
switching from a pack bag to a modular system such as the commercial the
LuxuryLite modular pack or DIY
modular system using stuff sacks suck as a
"packless" external frame.
What I Look for In a Backpack
Before you read my observations about packs, it might be helpful for you to
know what I am looking for when it comes to backpacks. Keep in mind that
choosing a backpacking is a personal thing, you might look for different things
in a pack, so my recommendations might point you in the wrong direction. Here is
what I want in a pack:
- Well padded, encircling, grippy waist straps. Wing hip belts typically
don't work well for me. The shapes of my hips & waist are such that wide,
wide thin hipbelts don't typically work well for me.
- Minimal or no lumbar pad: I seem to have much less sacral and lumbar
curvature than many people. As a result most lumbar pads feel like they dig
into my back. Because of this, I typically carry my packs slightly lower
around my hips than what is considered "correct". I have found that
when I carry a pack in the "correct" location, I either have to tighten down
too much on the waist strap, put more weight on my shoulders which I don't
like, or need to periodically reposition the pack as it slowly inches down my
back until it hit the widest section of my hips.
- Grippy back material: I like the pack to stay fixed on my back. I have
found that if the material against my back is somewhat grippy that the pack
stays put better. The opposite of this are packs that put sil-nylon against
my back. Particularly good have been the the rubberized mesh of the VauDe
Seina 45 and the slightly textured foam on the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, and
the mesh over foam of the GG Gorilla pack.
- Light-weight Frame: I use an inflatable air mattress, and I normally carry
loads which are more than 16lb, but typically less than 25lb, always less than
35lbs. I have found that with this weight, and without
the stiffness of a closed cell foam mat, that I need some for of structure in
the pack, be it stays or a plastic frame sheet.
- Curving Back: I have found that I like a pack which "leans" into me. I
believe that my thoracic curvature is a bit more aggressive than some
people. I want a solid connection at my waist, and I want the pack to curve
gently to my shoulders. I have found that packs that are too strait
bounce too much or feel like they are pulling away from my body.
- Load Lifter: With the pack leaning into me I like being able to pull on
load lifts to take even more pressure off the tops of my shoulders. Actually,
load lifters aren't an absolute requirement, but the shoulder strap top
anchors need to be slightly above the top of my shoulders.
- Pocket which is reachable while walking: I want a place to store snacks which can be easily reached
while wearing the backpack. This could be side pockets which aren't too tall,
maybe even angled forward like the Ospret Aether 60. I typically don't
like or pockets on the hip belts.
- Hydration Tube Access: Some convenient way to get a hydration hose a out of the pack,
but I don't require a hydration sleeve.
- Appropriate Volume: Overnight I am typically carrying around 2000ci.
Week long three season trips with bear canister I am carrying 2800ci.
Snow trips (which are pretty rare these days) normally run 3200ci. A perfect pack would handle this
range of volumes well.
- Appropriately Durable Materials: I want a pack which is sufficiently
durable without being excessively heavy. When hiking well maintained trails I
think a reasonable grade of sil-nylon on the main body and something like 210
Denier Dyneema for the pack bottom is sufficient.
For bushwhacking and other highly abrasive environments use I think 100% spectra
rocks, but Dimension-Polyant laminated fabric something using dyneema
in a small grid-stop pattern would be
reasonable.
- Narrow enough that the pack doesn't stick out much beyond the sides of my body.
Short enough that I can wear a wide brim hat without the hat rubbing against
the pack.
- Back ventilation: I love my VauDe Siena Biking Daypack. The mesh
allows my back to breath. Alas, I have yet to find a pack that has
this feature which carries 25lb comfortably and also has enough room for my
bear canister.
What Backpacks I Use
Since I started backpacking I have taken at least eighteen backpack out for
at least 60 miles each. I have checked out numerous other packs in a more brief
manner. Out of all those packs, I have chosen to keep four. I have just started
using a Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack. This may become my default backpack. The pack
that has been my default pack since 2003 is a Granite Gear Vapor Trail. My
third pack is an older Osprey Aether 60 which I used until I downsized to the
Vapor Trail. The Aether 60 is now used as a loaner pack and in case I need to
case a much larger than normal load. Finally, I have an ultra light Gossamer Gear Whisper which
was used on super ultra light light trips, and I
now sometimes use as a packable daypack. If I decide to keep the Gorilla
Pack, I will most likely sell the Whisper. It isn't getting enough use to
justify keeping it.
I would not recommend novice to start out using an
ultra-light style unless you are going some place with mild conditions. There are skills which need to be developed to be safe
and it takes some practice to figure out what you should take and what you can
leave behind.
Ultra-light packing is minimizing absolutely everything and relies on effective
use of technique to keep you comfortable and safe. Ultra-light backpacks are frameless rucksacks (think
high volume book bag) made out of a light-weight fabric. The philosophy is that if you aren't carrying too
much weight, you don't
need a frame or super heavy fabric... make the backpack as light as possible
and save up to 6 lb as compared to heavy weight backpacks. The most appropriate
load for an ultra-light pack is less
than 20 lb (+/- 5 lb depending on individual preferences)
which means that all of your gear needs to go light weight before you
switch to a ultra-light backpack. I would
never use
a ultra-light pack with more than 30 lb because the
lack of a frame makes load transfer to your hips inefficient resulting in most
of the pack weight being carried by your shoulders. Ultra-light backpacks
typically use the combination of a sleeping pad and tight packing to provide a
suspension. Properly packed, ultra-light backpacks are reasonably
comfortable (some people think very comfortable). Weekend packs should be able to carry
10-15 lbs and will likely be ~1800cu/in. Week long
without resupply you want a pack which has ~2600cu/in and can carry 20-25
lbs. If you are in locations without good water supplies, you will need to
carry significantly more weight and volume and should seriously consider a light
weight pack. Ultralight packs typically weight less than a pound.
There are a number of companies which make seem to make a number of ultra light
packs including
Fanatic Fringe,
Gossamer Gear (formerly GVP),
MLD, and
zpacks. If you are thinking about getting a frameless pack, you should take a look at BPL's
Frameless Pack Review Summary. For several years I tried a number of
ultralight packs. In 2007 I concluded that I would stop looking at UL packs. I
would rather use a heavier pack that had either a framesheet or curves stays.
For people who are wanting to give ultralight packs a try, I would suggest first
looking at:
-
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus $130, 19oz, 4000cu/in (2900ci main body) is an
updated G4 with optional stays to help carry comfort for heavier loads. This
pack as a bit less volume than the G4 and a slightly better compression system. You
can save a few ounces going with lighter material on the
Gossamer Gear Mariposa. There is a smaller volume called the
Miniposa which might be a better size for the current generation of
ultra lighters whose gear is light and compact. This is the most comfortable
ultra-light pack I have tried to use, especially when "cheating" and using the
optional stays. I
haven't had a chance to use the Mariposa Plus, but I have used it's lighter
material siblings on a number of trips. I found the the original stays improved the way
this pack carries, but the lack of them curving somewhat limited their advantage
compare to some light weight packs. Gossamer Gear has switched to a curved stay
which works significantly better than the original stays for me. The
Mariposa is best for medium size loads which are light-weight. Some people have
commented that the Mariposa doesn't compress well. If you are carrying tiny
loads (like using it for a day trip). I can see how that would be a
problem... but it's not an issue for me because I don't leave things behind for
day hikes and I typically have a bear canister which take up space even as my
food supply dwindles. There have also been some comments about the shoulder
straps being too wide, but I like the shoulder straps.
- Six Moon Designs StarLite
(my review) $160: 23oz (with padding
hip strap but no stays). Thoughtful design. Good size and easy
access to items. The best suspension system I have found in a frameless
pack if you use a foam pad. Acceptably comfortable to 27lb without stays.
You can also save a few ounces if you get the webbing waist strap plus there is
an optional vest harness rather than the typical shoulder & waist strap
configuration.
Other noteworthy ultralight packs include:
-
Fanatic Fringe: A number
of sub 10oz backpacks which seem to be the modern decedent of the GoLite
Breeze. Hopefully more comfortable.
-
Granite Gear Virga $99: 21oz. This is the second comfortable ultra-light
pack I found for carrying 20 lbs or less. This is much like the Vapor
Trail except it has less padding and doesn't have the plastic framesheet.
-
GoLite
Breeze
$69:
One of the first commercially produced
ultra-light packs. Personally, I don't understand why this pack is so
popular. People talk about it being so light that they often carry it on a
single shoulder. My response is that any pack which is less than 20 lb
can be carried on a single shoulder, and that a pack which is more
comfortable over a single shoulder means that the shoulder strap design
sucks. I was so disappointed with this pack I returned it to the store I
purchased it from.
-
GoLite Dawn
$79: A small volume pack (2400ci) which I have used for quick & light
weekend trips. It is acceptably comfortable up to around 17lb at which
point comfortable falls off rapidly. At 22lb I find this pack quite
uncomfortable. I have found this pack very sweaty since the back is sil-nylon without any padding or wicking fabric.
-
GoLite Gust $99: Seems like an oversize bag to me, but
other people seem to like it.
-
GoLite Jam2
$100: A moderate volume pack (2800ci) which I think is a great size.
Comfortable mesh shoulder straps, durable material, cut similar to the Gust
without looking like an oversize bag. A bit on the heavy size due to the
padded back.
-
GoLite Speed (my review)
$139: A great pack for adventure racing or trail running. When you
tighten the straps this pack stays glued to your back which is great if you are
moving fast. While the pack stays on your back well, it does not carry as
comfortably as a number of other packs. If you are doing strait-forward
backpacking, I believe you can find more comfortable packs. The main body
is quite narrow, with a plethora of external pockets to stash small items.
I sold my Speed after a couple of years because I stopped using it once I got my
Granite Gear Vapor Trail which is approximately the same weight and much more
comfortable for me.
-
Gossamer Gear G4 $85: was also known as the GVP G4. I found the G4 has a bit too much volume for me even when
I didn't put my sleeping bag in a stuff sack. There wasn't a good compression
system so I had trouble getting a tight pack. This was reasonably comfortable
when used with a closed cell foam pad as part of the suspension system.
I found this pack uncomfortable when I tried to use a therm-a-rest in the pad
space. If you use a therm-a-rest, air mattress, or a hammock you will
want a torso size pad to improve the carry comfort of this pack.
-
Gossamer Gear G5 Hyperlight Pack $125: is a lighter (and smaller) version
of the G4.
-
Gossamer Gear Whisper Uberlight (aka G6) $100: This pack is only
appropriate for super ultra-light use or as a packable daypack.
-
JanSport BodyWrap $199: A rework of the Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen
Pack. I have no experience but would be inclined to skip it.
-
Rivendell Mountainworks
Jensen Pack, $165, one of the original frameless fabric packs introduced
in the early 1970s and copied by Chouinard as the Ultima Thule. Haven't
tried this pack. I have an old friend who still uses his Jensen and claims
it is still the best carrying pack he has found. I know a number of people
who used this pack in the 1970s and did not like it at all. It's not clear to me if
this was a design issue, preferences issue, or if the people who hated the
Jensen pack were overloading it and then expected load carrying capacity of
an external frame pack.
-
Kiskil Mithril, Designed by George Cole and and made by Moonbow Gear.
Frameless pack made from the ultra-durable 100% spectra fabric. [Moonbow
is currently having supply problems with spectra, but does offer this pack
made with a spectra gridstop rather than 100% spectra]
Removable waist strap and external pockets. Think of this as an
affordable Kelty Cloud with stays and frame sheet removed. I only got to
try this pack for a short time on the trail by swapping packs. The pack
I tried was heavy... 35-40lbs would be my guess. At this weight, the pack was
definitely uncomfortable for me. Can't comment on how comfortable this
pack would be with a more appropriate weight.
-
Mountain Laurel Designs Packs: A number of nice looking packs aimed at
super ultralight packers.
-
Moonbow Gearskin, is an innovative system which uses your shelter as part
fabric body of your pack. Somewhat similar to Dana Designs Racer-X
internal frame pack.
-
R2 Packs: Custom design packs
-
Rodney's Packs &
Rodney's Packs: Rodney makes
custom packs. Many are based loosely on the GVP G4 design. Rodney is
happy to customize his packs to your specifications. Haven't interacted with
him, but several people who are regularly on backpacker.com forums who have
used him.
-
Six Moon Designs Comet: A rework of the StarLite designed for people who use
inflatable pads or hammocks. Pad pocket is on the inside of the pack. The
pack itself looks a lot like the StarLite. Torso length is adjustable down
to 15"... finally an ultra-light pack which can be used by shorter folks. I
found this to be one of the more comfortable carrying ultra light packs.
-
Six Moon Designs
Essence: $140, 13oz, 3000ci. A panel loading ultralight pack!
The panel is a large mouth draw string closure placed in the middle of the pack
rather than the more traditional top of the pack. This could be a
really nice pack if you use a foam pad for sleeping. Come to think about it,
even if you use an air mattress, you could take a foam sit pad which would only
add a few ounces and still keep it below 1lb. I tried this pack for a bit.
It was convenient , but after several years of experimentation, I have concluded
that I want the carry comfort of a pack with some sort of frame so I passed the
pack on to someone else. There is a decent
Essence Pack early review on bpl.com's forum.
-
Six Moon Designs
Traveler Pack: Much like the starlite but design for an adventurer traveler
who is going on airplanes.
- ULA: The Relay and
Circuit look to be durable packs made in an ultalight style.
- Wild Things:
Make a number of packs which have typically designed for climbers.
Super durable (a number of 100% spectra). Reasonable volume / weight
ratios. Most are overkill for trail hiking, but are worth a look if
you are going off trail, canyoning, or climbing.
- Zpacks: Makes a couple of
ultralight packs. These packs are quite light but don't have any
compression mechanism.
My
experience is that ultra-light packs aren't for everyone. Some people
swear they are the most comfortable way to carry <=30lb of weight. For
me, 16lb is the cutover for most
ultra-light packs. I have found that I would rather carry a
18 lb
pack with a frame, than a 16 lb pack without a frame. For a more analytical analysis
of the effectiveness of frameless pack suspensions, check out
Frameless Backpacks Engineering Analysis.
There are also a couple folks who have worked on turning other gear into packs
such as sleeping pads / hammock?!
StrapPack
and your entire sleeping shelter system like
Gearskin.
Light weight packers carefully select light weight gear,
and don't take a lot of luxury items... the luxury is carrying a light pack that
isn't fatiguing. I would recommend anyone starting out to follow a light
weight style. As a light weight packer you optimizes for carry comfort
like an ultra-light packer, but you bring a little extra gear to give larger
safety margins and more comfort in camp. Weekend pack should carry 15-25 lbs and have ~2600cu/in.
Week long trips without resupply you want a pack which has ~3600cu/in and can
carry 25-40 lbs. Light weight packs are also great for people who are
otherwise ultra-light packers who want to have a bit more carry comfort or need
to carry a fair amount of food or water in addition to their ultra-light gear
(this is me). Light-weight packs typically weight between 2-4 lbs. BPL.com has a nice summary of
light weight internal frame packs. The three light weight packs I would
recommend trying:
-
Granite Gear Vapor Trail (my review)
$149, 34oz, 3200ci (usable), <35lbs comfortable: This is one of most comfortable pack I have used for loads less than 25lbs,
and pretty good for 25-35 lbs. I have forgotten I was wearing this pack
with 22 lbs in it, and it carries up to 30 lb loads very well! The main bag is around 2500ci with
at huge extension collar (pack is ideal for 2200-3100cu/in,
possible hold more than 3600cu/in). I just wish the side pockets were
more usable when the
pack is full. You can put your water bladder or your sleeping pad in the
space between the suspension system and the main bag. This seems to be one
of the more popular packs with women as well. 2003-2008 the Vapor Trail has been
my go to pack, using it on more than 80% of my
trips between 2003-2009. Out of the seventeen packs that I have given
a serious trial, the Vapor Trail is one of my favorite. If
this pack isn't durable enough, check out the
Alpine Vapor. Of course, this pack isn't for everyone. My daughter tried a
Vapor Trail (short) but choice a Mountainsmith Seraph because for her, the
Seraph was more comfortable.
-
Gossamer
Gear Gorilla: $165, 24oz, 2800ci pack. The pack can be used like a typical
frameless pack, but was designed to use the combination of a foam sleep or sit pad
attached to the outside of the pack in combination with a removable U shaped
aluminum double stay. The stay is easily reshaped for a custom fit which could
be an issue with heavier loads, but I didn't have any problems with the stay
deforming with <25lb loads. The frame isn't seated into the hip strap system
which ultimately limits it's weight carrying capacity and means that that more
care needs to be used in packing than the average internal frame pack. The
Gorilla has a removable wrap around
waist strap and extra wide shoulder straps which can be filled with the provided
foam pads or cushioning material you would be carrying anyway such as socks. I
think the sock thing doesn't work as well as foam... though others might find
sock, etc to work for them. The
material is more durable than the typical sil-nylon ultralight pack. The
side mesh pockets are easy to reach while wearing the pack with a large mesh
pocket on the back of the pack. The biggest problem with the pack is that the
foam against the back means there is no where for the moisture to go so it is as
sweaty to wear as the ultralight packs that have sil-nylon against the back. I have only used this pack for around
200 miles
so far carrying my typical long weekend load (~16-20lb) and a brief trial
carrying 25lbs. With these load the Gorilla pack is in the same comfort league
as the Vapor Trail. [I wonder if I swap the Vapor Trials hipbelt in, if it would
be more comfortable.] I found the pack much more
convenient to use than the Vapor Trail while weighting 1/2 lb less.
-
Osprey Exos 58 (review).~2lb,
58l. Light pack with a lot of features and ventilation! for the back. I am sure
there are lots of people who are going to love this pack. This pack wasn't
super comfortable for me, but I expect that it will be good for many other
people up to 30lbs or so. A full size Bear Vault fits
horizontally at the top of the pack with room to spare. Osprey now offers an
unlimited lifetime warranty, so even if you have some concerns about the ultralight materials, be confident that any problem will be taken care of.
There are a number of light weight internal frame packs which merit attention
including:
-
Arc'teryx Needle 65 $299: the replacement for the Khamsin, ~4000 cu/in, 4
lb 3oz. This pack hasn't figured out if it for backpackers or climbers,
and doesn't do a great job at either. For people who find ArcTeryx
packs comfortable, it seems that the Khamsin is more beloved. This pack hits
my lower back wrong, and is not comfortable. I have a friend whose
store sold both the Knamsin and later Needle, and the Osprey Aether 60.
Everyone who tried both the ArcTeryx and the Osprey purchased the Aether 60.
-
Dana Designs Racer-X $165, variable sizing, 2lb 8oz. The Racer-X is an
internal frame with mesh compression system designed to hold a stuff sack, or
dry bag. You can adjust the size of this pack by using different sized
sacks.
-
GoLite
Unlimited Series
$110-199, 1800-3000 cu/in, 2-2.5lbs. Pack that uses
some innovative construction materials and techniques. I found that
Infinity pack adequately comfortable. I wasn't happy with the torso fit of
the Infinity: the medium was a bit too small, and the large was
too long, and the load lifter were ineffective. If you are thinking
about this pack I would recommend checking out the Mountain Smith Ghost as well.
-
GoLite
LightSpeed $135, 3000 ci, 2lbs 7oz. Panel loading pack.
-
GoLite Quest $175, 4250 ci, 3lb 3oz. One of the lightest moderately high volume
packs. I have not used this pack, but it looks pretty good. Like the
Unlimited Series, the torso length is not adjustable so there will be numerous
people who will not get a good fit.
-
Gossamer Gear Mariposa and siblings are discussed in the above section on
frameless packs.
-
Granite Gear Nimbus_Ozone
$215, 3lbs. Pack bag and hip belt are very
similar to the Vapor Trail, but it has a adjustable frame which is more
comfortable when carrying heavier loads. The short version of this pack can fit
people down to a 14in torso. Highly recommended for short folks who want a
reasonably light weight pack.
-
Granite Gear Inversion $165, 2800cu/in, 4lbs. Think of this as a Vapor
Trail without huge extension collar, plus a lid, made from more durable materials which has been optimized for back country
skiing or other snow work.
- Gregory
"G" Pack $149: weights 2 lb 14oz, and only holds
2995ci. Some people have had issues with
durability in the first version of this pack. I didn't think
this pack was as comfortable as the other Gregory
packs I have worn. I can't imagine selecting this pack over the Vapor
Trail, but folks at the Berkeley REI tell me that many of their customers find this pack more
comfortable than the Vapor Trail?! I don't get it. It has a stiff
back which hits me the wrong way. Just goes to show that people are different.
- Gregory
"Z" Pack $169: weights 3lb 2oz holding 3600ci. I have only
used this pack for a few miles on the trail. More comfortable that the "G" pack, but less comfortable
than the Vapor Trail.
- Kelty
Cloud 4000 $500 (discontinued): Can be configured in a number of ways
including as a frameless pack making it extremely versatile. Made from
100% Spectra cloth which makes this pack very durable and also very expensive.
I have not used one on the trail, but I did check one out in a store. I
didn't find this pack particularly comfortable. For the same money you
could buy a custom fit McHale pack
which seems like a much better deal.
-
Kelty Illusion 3500 $160, 3lb 7oz, 3500ci. Looked well constructed and reasonable comfortable with
30lb
walking around the
store.
-
Marmot Alpinist 55 $179, 3300 cu/in, 3lb. I haven't personally used
this pack, but I have talked with some folks who like it a lot. Seemed
more durable than many light weight packs on the market.
- McHale
UL Alpine Packs $350-650 : Custom made packs which are fitted to the
user with a wide variety of options and accessories. Many of his designs are
especially nice for climbers who want to use the same pack for approach,
attack and summiting. Dan's workmanship and attention to detail is top rated. If you need an exceptionally durable pack for climbing or
bushwhacking, you might want to consideration to one of Dan's packs, since he is
just about the only one who made 100% dyneema (spectra) packs.
-
Mountainsmith Ghost / Seraph
$150 (discontinued), 36oz, 2800ci. I found this pack to be adequately
comfortable up to 28 lb so long as I don't over stuff it. Nicely designed for an access
and usability perspective. Panel loading with a zipper that extends 2/3 of
the way down the pack. Some people complain that the zips will open
accidentally, but I haven't personally seen that problem. Big side pockets are easy to
reach while still wearing the pack. The mesh used for the pockets isn't
that durable, but the rest of the pack is quite durable, especially when
considering how light this pack is. Ventilation for the back is a bit better
than many light weight internal frame packs. The hip belt is rather wide but
thin. Some people find it to be very effective, but my experience
wasn't great... not sure if it was the width or they way the straps were
anchored into the sides. The maximum circumference of the size L seems to
be around 36 inches without the extension strap which can add eight more
inches. I do not find this pack nearly as comfortable as my Vapor Trail.
Within a few miles of a a trip start I found myself wanting a different
pack. Another issue is that the shoulder straps are sewn in
and not that adjustable so some people will likely find the pack a good fit
and others won't. A minor nit which can be adjust with a little
silicon sealer is that the straps have a tendency to slip. There is
also a size M, and the Seraph which is designed for smaller women. I took
the Ghost on a few test hikes and then sold it. My daughter has been
using the Seraph for several years and loves it.
-
North Face Skarab 40/55: $149/169, 2400/3000ci, 2lbs 10oz/15oz. A reasonably light pack
from TNF?!. Looks pretty good for the slim
crowd (waist belt works for a maximum of 33 inches?). Some nice features,
but it a bit heavy for the volume, the small side pockets limit usefulness,
and the straps are a bit thin (and single density foam) which means you
don't want to use this for a compact, decent technical load. A
Brief Skarab review in bpl.com forum.
-
Original Mountain Marathon:
Makes some interesting looking packs.
-
Osprey Exos, ~2lb, 58l with ventilation?! (specs
34, 46
46, 58). Osprey's light-weight pack released in 2009 and now shipping.
Light pack with a lot of features and ventilation for the back. I am sure
there are lots of people who are going to love this pack. I am not super
happy with the fit of the hip belt but the pack seemed pretty good with the
25lbs I tried in it. The 46l would be a great size for me except that
it's not really hear canister friendly. The BearVault 500 fits in but
it's a bit tight. A Barricade Weekender doesn't really fit at all. The
58 is a great size for larger volume packers. The full size Bear Vault fits
horizontally at the top of the pack with room to spare.
- Osprey Atmos 50
$190, 3lb, 50l: an innovative pack which was released in 2005. This pack uses a metal frame and tightly stretch
mesh (similar to Airoflex used by VauDe and Dueter) to give the ventilation of
an external pack with the carrying characteristics of an internal pack. I have
loved using a VauDe Siena daypack which has a similar suspension system. The Atmos 50 carry's a lot like the Osprey Aether 60 but rather than
use the thick pads typically used by Osprey they are using wide (but less
thick) pads with holes for ventilation. Alas, while the hip belt was very
supportive for how thin it was, it just wasn't as comfortable as I desired when
the weight exceeds around 20 lbs.
I found that the the lower part of the support frame dug into my back after
around 8 miles when carrying 22 lbs. It has been reported that the 2006 version
of this pack has refined the suspension and it might be more comfortable. This might turn out to be the ultimate summer pack. It is hard to get a bear canister into this pack.
-
REI Flash 50: $129, 2lb
12oz: This is a big improvement over REI's previous ultralight packs. I have
not used this pack in the field, but around town seemed to carry pretty
well. There are light weight packs such as the Osprey Exos, but the Flash 50
seems to deliver a decent experience at a reasonable price.
- Six Moon Designs StarLite
(my review) $170: 28oz
(with padding hip strap and stays). I like the design and features, but
it just doesn't work well for me because I use an inflatable pad rather than a
foam pad. Good
size and easy access to items. Reasonably comfortable to 35lbs. There
is an optional vest harness rather than the typical shoulder & waist strap
configuration.
- Six Moon Designs
Comet (my review): A rework of the StarLite designed for people who use
inflatable pads or hammocks. Pad pocket is on the inside of the pack. The
pack itself looks a lot like the StarLite. Torso length is adjustable down
to 15"... finally an ultra-light pack which can be used by shorter folks.
- ULA-Equipment Ohm:
$130, 1lb 6oz, 3500ci, <30lb comfortable. The pack is tall and narrow, with two side pockets
and a mesh pocket on the back of pack. The pack as a suspension hoop that
runs along the sides of the pack which are embedded into the wing waist
belt. This is a very attractive looking pack and is very user friendly. The side
pockets are roomy without getting in the way and are easily accessible while
wearing the pack. The compression system works well and there are a number
of nice options. The waist strap is fairly minimalist. Many people will find
the waist strap adequate, but I have found I need something more substantial
and I found that the stays didn't have a curve which resulted in the pack
not carrying as well as I had hoped.
- ULA Catalyst: $225, 2lb
11oz, 4600ci. This pack (used to be called the P2) is raved about by its owners.
I have very limited experience with this pack. I thought it was great for
people who needed to carry high volume, moderate weight loads. You get to
customize the pack. In my limited exposure, it didn't wow me, so I stuck
with my Vapor Trail.
- ULA Circuit:
$175, 2lb, 3700ci. I have no personal experience with this pack, but if my
Vapor Trail died, this is one of the three packs I would consider trying.
-
ULA Arctic Dry Pack: $325, 26-42oz, 50-65l. I don't have personal
experience with this pack. Similar to the Dana Racer-X, this pack is has a
harness which is used to carry various size drybags. This would be
particularly useful on extended trips that were particularly wet.
The only light weight external frame packs I know about are Luxury
Lite, and their cost contained cousin the NeoTrekk.
The LuxuryLite pack is somewhat expensive, using a
carbon composite frame which looks very nice. MedicineMan has written two reports about his early experiences
Luxurylite
Recieved and
LuxuryLite hit the trail. I tried this pack in 2004. While
strange looking, it was very usable: easy to pack and find items, has one of the
best weight / volume ratios, very adjustable, and the recliner feature was
really nice. Alas, it didn't carry comfortably for me. I should say that it was as comfortable as any external frame
pack I have used, I just haven't been happy with any external frame pack. A cheaper
version of Luxury Lite is taking a light frame and lashing stuff sack to it as
described on Brawny's
The Packless Pack System webpage.
Mid-weight packers are the most common / main-stream. You select standard backpacking equipment and take enough gear to feel
that you will be safe in comfortable in a wide range of conditions.
Weekend pack should carry 30-40 lbs and have ~3500 cu/in worth of space.
Week long trips without resupply means that you want a pack which carries holds
40-50 lbs and ~4800cu/in. Mid-weight packs tend to be 3-5lbs. Boy
Scouts tend to have a mid-weight approach.
Mid-weight style packers can use light-weight style packs for shorter trips,
but if you are going for a week+ a larger and more structurally sound pack
should be used. For 40lb+ plus loads I have tried packs by
Gregory,
Osprey and ArcTeryx. I have
liked most of the Osprey packs I have tried (except the Exposure for some
reason), Gregory where generally ok, and there is something about most of the
ArcTeryx that just doesn't work for me, though many people see to love them. The are still a number of people who like external frame packs made by Kelty.
JanSport
also makes some ok external frame packs. It's been several years since I
have used a mid-weight pack. The only one I have enough specific memory
and experience to common on is the original Osprey Aether 60 and the Auspex:
- Osprey Aether 60
(my review)
$199: 3lb 8oz, (pre 2006), ~4lbs (2006 and later models), 3900ci, <40lbs
comfortable. The pre 2006 Aether 60 was the most comfortable pack I have used
for loads 25-40 pounds. It is very easy to adjust torso size, has a great hip
strap, and excellent compression system if you are carrying a low volume load.
The side pockets are easy to access even when the pack is on your back.
The Osprey Arial is the female version of the Aether and is reported to be one
of the most comfortable women oriented packs. This is the pack I use on
the rare occasions that I can't get everything I need into my Vapor Trail (and
as a loaner to friends). This is a great pack for someone who is transitioning
from a mid-weight to a light-weight style. The 2006 model gains weight from
upgraded frame rods, a removable custom fit hip strap, and the top lid now
converts to a lumbar pack. I don't have field experience with the new Aether 60,
but I expect it will comfortably carry more weight and should no longer squeak.
For awhile I had a number of light to midweight packs. Every time a friend
needed to borrow a pack I let them try all of my packs. The Aether 60 was chosen
100% of the time.
-
Mountainsmith Auspex/Chimera $230 (discontinued): weights approx ~4lb holding ~4000cu/in.
Below 35 lbs I think other packs like the Osprey Aether 60 are more
comfortable. If you really need to carry more than 35 lbs, I would check out the Auspex. The frame sheet + two stays holds up with 50+ lb loads and provides a
reasonable amount of ventilation for your back, the pack bag material is quite
durable, there is a removable hydration pouch, a side zipper to improve access,
a light colored back to make seeing inside easier, and the floating lid converts
to a fanny pack.
Heavy weight style is when you
bring whatever you are going an for an extended period of time without resupply
or foraging, or if you are looking for maximum comfort for the camping or activity part of the trip
(at the expense of the hiking being comfortable). Serious camera gear, comfy camp chairs, lots
of climbing gear for an extremely technical assault, wine in glass bottles, etc. For a heavy
weight, weekend pack should be able to carry 40-50 lbs and has ~5000cu/in. Week long without resupply
you want a pack which has at least 7000cu/in and can carry 70-80 lbs.
Heavy weight packs often weight more than
6lbs!
I know a number of people who carry very heavy load who
swear by McHale
Packs, Dana Design Packs,
Arc'Teryx
Bora 95, and Mystery Ranch
packs, but I have no personal experience carrying huge weights in any of these
packs. I used to carry these sorts of weights in external frame packs.
I am glad I don't do this anymore.
Summit packs are used to reach the summit of a nearby mountain, often during
a multi-day trek. Typically a base camp is made and the majority of the gear
carried to that point is left behind for the assault on the summit. There
are a number of ways to carry your gear to a summit:
- Already carrying an ultralight or lightweight pack? Just carry
everything up to the summit. You don't have to return they way your
came. You don't need to find the gear you left behind. If the conditions
turn against you, you have all your gear with you. This is what I do most of
the time.
- If you carry a ultralight or light pack but want to save weight for the
assault? Use your pack, but leave whatever you don't need behind in a
dry bag or protected by your shelter. There are some packs which have
been specifically designed to carry large loads during an approach, and then
shrink for summiting. Example of this sort of design are a number of
packs made by HcHale Packs, and modular packs like the Kelty
Cloud line.
- If all you need is a drink, a small snack, and basic emergency gear,
then you could get away with using a waist pack than
weight as little as a a few ounces. You could use the waist pack
as a ditty bag which holds your essential items in your pack to make them
easy to find.
- See the daypacks listed below, especially the packable daypacks.
There are countless daypacks on the market these days. Some people use
daypack for fast and light over night trips. There are three factors which
should be considered when selecting a daypack.
Volume/Haul Capacity: Packs vary wildly in the size, shape, and what
sort of weight that are designed to carry. My suggestion would be to take a few
minutes and think about what you want to carry in pack, and then find a pack
which fits those items. I often bring the items I want to carry to the store in
a duffel bag, and then load up the packs I am thinking about with the items I
plan on carrying. If a pack isn't big enough for the items you want to carry it
isn't going to be that useful. If it is much larger, it will encourage you to
carry more than you want or need (we all seem compelled to fill packs up, even
if we don't need to). My experience is that a 20L (1200cu/in) pack will
hold a light jacket, a paperback or two, a small camera, a water bottle, and a
few small items. When traveling with my wife and daughter I have found
that a 30L pack works pretty well for day activities, or 40L if I am bring for
family items plus a full size DSLR, and number of lens protected by Domke wraps.
Comfort / Fit: If the pack isn't comfortable you will have a miserable
time. It is important to find a pack which fits you well. This is especially
true for daypacks since they tend not to be adjustable. I have found that many
daypacks are too short for my torso and become uncomfortable after a number of
miles. My wife who is quite short has found many daypacks are too long for her
torso, likewise uncomfortable. Besides fit, other factors which effect comfort include what sort of
padding / ventilation the pack provides, what sort of shoulder strap / waist
straps the pack has, etc. Another issue is what is the suspension like. Is it a
frameless pack (which most daypacks are), have a foam frame sheet, stays, etc?
Depending on what you are carrying the suspension could make a big difference in
comfort. My best suggestion here is go to a local outdoors store and try on a
number of packs which have been loaded an equiv weight / bulk that you expect to
carry for your activities.
Features: Various activities require different features. The question
I would encourage you to ask is what is the set of activities I want to use this
pack for. For example, if you are doing some back country skiing you will want
lash points for the skiing a loop for an ice axe, and maybe a pocket for a
shovel. If you are trail running you most likely want a hydration system (you
might want this for all activities). If you use crampons a lot, you would want
an extra durable patch were you lash your crampons on. If you have lots of small
objects that you want to find easily you will want a pack with a number of
pockets and a divide main section. Do you want easy access to all items then go
with a panel loading pack or do you favor a more durable and lighter pack in
what case go with a top loading pack. Do you want a fully padded
hip strap for carrying extra heavy weight, or a simple webbing strap. I could go on... but I think you get the
idea.
When I think about daypacks, I typically think daypacks fall into five
different categories.
"Standard" Daypack: There are hundreds of "standard" daypacks in the
marketplace. Most hold around 1500-2500 cu/in and weight betwen 2-4lbs. Most day
packs are overbuild making use of extra heavy duty materials, lots of zippers
and features, and thick padding which is normally not required for comfort. My favorite "standard"
daypack was the Eagle Creek Bedouin which is no
longer made (sigh), 2000cu/in, 2lb. The Bedouin is a panel loading pack with foam padding on the back. Smaller lower section, larger upper
section with a zipper on the divider between the sections so you can make it one big compartment if
you need to. A large pocket on the top compartment, side
pockets
with draining holes for water bottles.
Integrated straps to lash items to the bottom of the pack. Has a zip
off
fanny pack which I always leave
zipped off :-) Great for day long family
adventures. I carry two .5L water bottles in
one
side pocket, and long telephoto
lens in the other side pocket, and the family jackets when it
warms up using the lashing straps. Bottom section is just the right size for my
typical camera kit. The zipper between the sections can be opened just a bit so
my tripod fits into the pack. The top section has plenty of room for lunch
(which won't get crushed by the heavier camera), and the outside pocket has
enough room for a small first aid kit and other small items. I can't find
any packs like this made today. If I was buying a standard daypack today, it
would most likely be a
Kelty Basalt, 1500cu/in, 1lb 8oz. Cheaper than a number of "big name"
daypacks, but still well made with reasonable features without being overbuilt.
Two main compartments which run the full length of the pack. A good size
organizing pocket, two side mesh for water bottles, space for a hydration system
if you want it, top holder for iPod or other personal music system. It carries
better than many of the more boxy book bags on the market.
Ventilated Daypack: Yet another product of German engineering,
ventilated daypacks
appeared several years ago. They use a light weight frame which keeps a mesh
panel taut against the wearers back enabling good ventilation. The VauDe Siena
40 Daypack (my review) now
discontinued, is my favorite pack of this type. The Siena was a biking oriented
panel loading daypack. I love how comfortable this pack is in warm weather. It
has a sleeve
which can hold up to a Platypus 3L hydration system. Two
large mesh pockets on either side of the pack which can hold two water bottles
each, and
it has one large compartment. The tapered shape the the bulge from the frame
make it slightly tricky to pack. The panel load models from
Osprey Stratos
line of daypacks looks like the closest successor to the discontinued VauDe
Siena line. Deuter AirComfort suspension system is similar. You can find
Deuter AirComfort packs at REI and many other outlets. I think VauDe's packs are
typically superior, and significantly more comfortable when carrying 15-20lb
(e.g. camera gear + long lens + other day gear). For several years no US
retailer carried VauDe, but they have a new distributor and clueful retailers
like ProLiteGear are now stocking some
of VauDe's packs.
Packable Daypack: Typically ~1000cu/in, 5-10oz backpack made of
light-weight nylon with no padding. Often folds up into it's own pocket.
Appropriate to carry a few pounds of stuff such as a light jacket, a cliff bar
or two, a paperback, a small water bottle, and a point and shoot camera. There
is nothing that gives these pack structure so you have to pack them carefully
for them to be comfortable. My
favorite example of this sort of pack is the
Kiva Pico Jazz Pack
because it is a bit longer and a bit less deep than many others so it carries a
bit better. There are a number of other travel oriented companies like Eagle Creek that
make folding backpacks. Another options would be stuff sack / shoulder strap
packs like the REI Ultralight Flash,
ID Silcoat pack,
OR DryComp, or those made by Oware.
If you want to be carrying more stuff such as insulating clothing, lots of
food, a larger camera... a standard daypack size of around 2000cu/in is an
appropriate size. I would suggest checking out one of the small volume
ultralight packs listed above. If none of these suit you, design a
custom pack and make it yourself or get someone like
Moonbow or
Rodney's Packs to make it for
you.
Technical Daypack: Highly variable in weight and volume depending
on the sport they are design for. The most common technical daypacks are
designed for climbing (heavy duty materials, strong haul loops, etc), adventure
racing / trail running (close fitting suspension system with good hydration
capacity), and snow play (durable patch for carrying crampons, ice tool holders,
straps to hold skis, etc). My favorite technical daypack today is the Osprey
Talon 33.
Hydration Packs: Minimalist packs design to carry nothing but water,
first popularized by CamelBak. I have never used any of these very purpose
driven water packs. A lot of packs labeled "Hydration packs" and really basic
daypack with a couple of features to make them hydration system friendly: a
nylon sleeve to hold the water bladder near your back and some short of hole
which lets you pass the drink tube to the outside. Pretty much any daypack can
be fit with hydration system.
The general rule of thumb is that people shouldn't carry
more than 1/4 of their body weight. That means that a 60 pound child
shouldn't be carrying more than a 15 pound pack for an extended period of
time, a 100 pound child shouldn't be carrying more than 25 pound pack for an
extended period of time. I think this is still a pretty heavy load for kids,
ideally they should carry less. Our goal for around 12% of body weight.
There are a number of factors which effect selection a
pack for kids which aren't a factor for adults:
- Growth: Kids are going to grow. If you want the pack to fit
for more than a year you need to get a backpack which has an adjustable
torso length. External frame packs tend to be highly adjustable. Deuter, VauDe, and Kelty
each make at least one kids size internal frame pack with a highly
adjustable suspension.
- Durability: In general, kids are pretty hard on equipment. Most
kids are not sufficiently careful to use packs made from materials such as
light-weight sil-nylon, so you really want a pack body to be made from a
durable material such as Dimension Polyant, Dyneema, or Cordora.
- Peer Pressure: Some kids like to be
trail-blazers / thought leaders. For these sorts of kids, getting a pack which
is different and in some way better than the standard is appreciated. Other
kids want to have the same pack as everyone else, and will
be terribly embarrassed being different, even if different is better.
- Enforced sharing: Boy scouts
typically share equipment, food, etc. This means that even if all your child's
personal gear is ultra-light, the group might end up
bringing 8lb tents, cast iron dutch ovens, etc, and you will need to take your
fair share. So unless this is troop which has embraced ultra-light
techniques and gear, you kid will most likely want to get a pack designed for
mid-weight packing.
Daypacks: For very young children, Eagle Creek made a really
great daypack, but it has been off the market for awhile. Hopefully Eagle
Creekk will start making this pack again. There are countless day pack / book
bags available for kids today. A florescent Barbie or shockingly bright Barney
backpack might not blend into the back country, but there isn't really a need to
buy a special pack for hiking... use whatever backpack goes to and from school
since they are already use to carrying that pack. If you wanted to purchase a
purpose driven daypack, I would suggest the
CamelBak Scout or look at the kid's hydration packs at REI.
Backpacks: For smaller kids, there are only a few pack which have a
torso short enough, a waist strap which can be tightened enough, and has enough volume for all their gear (need
at least
1800ci). For example, 1850ci has just enough room inside it for a North
Face Tigger sleeping bag, a Big Agnes Insulated AirCore mummy sleeping
pad, a 1L platypus, and all my daughter's clothing, a favorite cuddly, her
clothing for a three season trip, eating utensils, toiletry kit and
flashlight. Even more volume would be required if the kids is fully self
supporting or carrying their fair share of group gear and food. I realize that
adult ultralight backpackers can easily get down below this volume, but most kids gear will be higher volume because items like
kid size 800 fill down sleeping bags are not a good investment. Most kids will
not be as careful as adults, and items have a limited lifetime because the
children will grow. It makes sense to purchase less expensive items such as
sleeping bags made using synthetic insulation.
For young kids (say <11y) I would suggest checking out the following
packs:
- Any daypack/book bag: Use whatever backpack
is used daily for school books. Fill the day pack with whatever will fit
without being too heavy (I would recommend keeping their pack under 10 lbs).
Carry the rest of their gear in your pack and have a great time.
-
MLD Prophet:
(size XS). Finally, a good ultralight backpack sized for
kids! This would have been my first choice if it existed when my daughter
was younger. This pack weights just 8oz rather than they more typical 2lbs
for a basic daypack.
-
Deuter Fox 30
(torso 10-17", 2lb 10oz, 1,850ci, $79): Very comfortable for most kids
(though one girl who borrowed it didn't like it). The torso length is easily
adjustable with a pretty wide range as does the hip strap (goes down to
22"). Good size for kids who are carrying their own gear, but adults are
carrying food and shared items. Very durable material. Two side pockets and
top pocket provide some organizational features. Back pocket and side mesh
pockets are close to useless. You can strap a pad on vertically running ties
through the retaining straps for the top lid.
-
Kelty
Junior Tioga (torso 9-14", 3 lb 3 oz 2050ci): External frame pack for small
kids.
-
Osprey Sprint
Series: A number of full featured packs that weight ~3-4lbs.
-
REI Comet (11.5 - 15.5", 2lb 8oz, 2,250 ci): Looks like a pretty well
designed pack for smallest kids.
- Tough
Traveler: Makes a number of internal frame packs for kids. I have never seen these
packs, but there have been a number of recommendations from people on
discussion lists.
For average size children older than 11 years old I would also consider
Light-weight packs detailed above for that have
short torso models including any of the
Granite Gear packs (especially the Nimbus Ozone), LuxuryLite
pack, Six Moon Designs
Comet, Kelty
Illusion (Womens), Osprey Arial, or packs from ULA equipment. Other
packs that would be worth looking into include:
- JanSport
Scout (torso 13-17in, 3 lbs 6oz, 3850ci): One of the classic
external frame packs used by boy scouts just starting out. Good weight /
volume, fits a good range for a growing kid. My daughter didn't like the
carry comfort of this pack but there are a host of kids who seem to be happy
with this pack.
-
Kelty Lynx 2750 (torso 11-17in, 3lb 3oz, 2750ci), Top loading internal frame
pack made for kids.
- Kelty Long Trail Junior (torso 12-17", 4lb 6oz, 2400ci + external
lash points): External frame pack which is fairly
adjustable and carries a fair volume. My daughter found this pack to be
comfortable, though it was heavy and it towered above her when set for 12"
torso.
-
Mountainsmith
Seraph (torso 14-18", 2lb, 2600ci, $56): This pack has been discontinued but you
may find it on closeout some places or on the used
market. A very durable (aside
from the mesh pockets) light weight pack which can fit mid-size kids. One of
the lightest packs which has enough volume for kids to carry their personal
gear, food for a few days, and there part of items shared (shelter, cooking,
etc) provided they are light weight / low volume.
-
Outdoor Products Dragonfly Pack (Torso 15-18, 3lb 10oz, 2780ci):
Moderately price external frame pack
You might find other options at Boy Scouts
Stuff and kidsource
There are lots of sites which have reviews about backpacks
including: