Starter Pack

[Mushroom Man]

1. What is the gender, height and build of the person who will be using this pack?
Male, 6’ 0” , 170lb Athletic Build

2. How much do you expect this pack to weigh empty?
5-10lbs

3. Will this pack be carried or worn as a backpack?
Backpack

4. What do you intend to carry in this pack?
Survival equipment. Larger items will likely include a tent, fishing gear, axe/hatchet, sleeping bag, etc.

5. What is its intended use? BOB, Backpacking, Backcountry Ski Trips, Mountaineering?
I intend to use this pack for Hiking, Backpacking, Survivalist purposes, as an accessory for Camping, Fishing, Hunting, and Kayaking. I’d like it to be as versatile as possible.

6. Do you prefer a MOLLE or ALICE type pack? Do you know what they are?
I am familiar with the merits of both styles; however, as a relatively new survivalist, I’m more comfortable deferring the choice to more knowledgeable members.

7. Where, in terms of terrain, do you intend to use this pack?
Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachians, Sierra Nevadas, Cascades. Woodland mountains.

8. How long do you expect to carry or wear this pack each day?
Between 4-12 hours.

9. Do you want a frame pack or a frameless pack? Internal frame or external frame?
In my limited experience, I have liked external frames. I’m open to either.

10. Are you looking for a pack made of a specific type of material?
Heavy Duty.

11. Do you know your volume requirement in cubic inches and/or liters?
Negative.

12. Do you require hydration compatibility?
Not necessarily.

13. Do you require water bottle pockets?
Maybe.

14. Do you want a waist belt and/or sternum strap?
Preferably.

15. Do you want a torso adjustment?
???

16. Do you prefer top-access, rear-access, or bottom access?
Top-access? Unfamiliar with others.

17. Do you require multiple pockets? What kind? How many?
I’m a pocket kind of guy. Variable sizes and positions preferable.

18. Should your pack have a detachable day-pack or fanny pack built in?
Not necessarily, but couldn’t hurt.

19. Do you need a sleeping bag compartment?
Pretty much.

20. Do you need a tent compartment?
I can make a debris hut, but a tent would be nice.

21. Do you need a rain cover? Attached or removable?
I can bring a tarp.
22. Do you need a shovel pocket?
Nope.

23. Will you be carrying a snowboard?
Nope.

24. Will you be carrying skis?
Nope.

25. Do you require gear loops?
Nope.

26. Do you require ice axe loops?
Maybe one for a shovel/axe/tomahawk/machete.

27. Do you require a built-in Avalung?
Nope.

28. How much are you prepared to spend?
As a college student, I don’t have a great deal of disposable income; however, I’m willing to spend up to $200 for a nice, durable pack.

[Sourdough]

Welcome to the forum, they get snotty if you elect to NOT go to the introduction section and start there.

The deal killer for the pack is the $200.00 upper limit. Other wise the best is the Barneys Pack.

[Mushroom Man]

thanks for the warning, I'll be sure to post an intro.

[BENESSE]

Mr. B has a Barney and likes it. Here's more about it:
http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/...ack-look-like?

[Rick]

You are going to get a lot of different choices here based on folks preferences. There will be no single consensus I'm afraid.

I like the large ALICE pack but with upgraded MOLLE shoulder and hip belt. I've used it a lot and while there are more comfortable packs on the market you won't find them in your price range. If there is an army/navy surplus store in your area then go there and look them over and try them on. There are two sizes, medium and large. The medium can be used with or without the frame. The large requires the frame.

You'll be able to pack far more in the pack that you'll want to carry plus there are a lot of accessories you can add to the pack and frame.

If you decide that pack might be right for you then check the internet for prices. You are almost gauranteed to find it cheaper on the net than at a surplus store.

You'll need to learn how to pack your pack depending on whether you choose an internal or external frame. There is a difference and that difference can be substantial in your comfort. Don't just throw things in a bag and take off. There is a bit of science to packing.

That's my cut. Other's will, no doubt, offer up other ideas as well.

Glad you're here by the way. Welcome home.

[Sourdough]

Mr. B has a Barney and likes it. Here's more about it:
http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/...ack-look-like?

Wow, I am impressed. $619.00 I see www.barneyssports.com is up.

[Ken]

The problem for me is the Kayaking element. You don't want something too large.

Take a look at this one.

Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.

http://www.rei.com/product/796723

[BENESSE]

Wow, I am impressed. $619.00 I see www.barneyssports.com is up.

He inherited it, from his best friend.
We'd never in a million years pay that.

[Sourdough]

You are going to get a lot of different choices here based on folks preferences. There will be no single consensus I'm afraid.

Well for the men in Alaska who pack heavy loads (Often 150# to over 200 pounds) and can afford any pack in the world, all choose the Barneys Freighter. Every hunter in Alaska wants to know what is "Almost" as good as a Barneys Pack.......the answer is always the same.....nothing.

If your Job is "Packer" for a Guide/Outfitter Co. you buy the best pack, best boots, best rain gear.

[Mushroom Man]

I have posted my introduction in the appropriate forum. Thanks for all of the helpful advice already. It should be noted that I would rather live off of the environment as much as possible than pack a heavy load.

If $200 is a bit on the low end, what kind of price range is more reasonable?

[Sourdough]

He inherited it, from his best friend.
We'd never in a million years pay that.

He would if his job was "Packer". Well he sure lucked out. Used it would fetch over $475.00 on the Alaska Outdoors Forum.

[Sourdough]

I have posted my introduction in the appropriate forum. Thanks for all of the helpful advice already. It should be noted that I would rather live off of the environment as much as possible than pack a heavy load.

If $200 is a bit on the low end, what kind of price range is more reasonable?

I think you can get a good pack for your needs for $200.00 Carbela's Freighter, or Kelty.

[Rick]

The problem is, Sourdough, he said he had didn't have the kind of money for a Freighter and he's not hossin' Elk meat. Given his requirements, I think he'll see a lot of choices posted but no consensus.

[crashdive123]

I test drove a couple of Osprey's and like them. They were a bit higher in price than what Ken posted. I ended up with a Kelty Redcloud 5600 from Dicks Sporting Goods - sale price was around $135. Here's a pic. http://www.rei.com/product/780663?pr...:referralID=NA

[BENESSE]

MM you might want to check here as well:
http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide...cks/gear/14134

btw...I love the gear reviews in this mag because they also talk about the drawbacks (quibbles) not just the good points. And they really put their gear through the grind.

[Sarge47]

I have posted my introduction in the appropriate forum. Thanks for all of the helpful advice already. It should be noted that I would rather live off of the environment as much as possible than pack a heavy load.

If $200 is a bit on the low end, what kind of price range is more reasonable?

1st off, thanks for posting your intro elsewhere & welcome to the forums. 2nd, I don't know what books, magazines, and groups you've studied on Backpacking, however here are some that I would suggest:

1.) The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher & Chip Rawlins.

2.) Hiking & Backpacking A Complete Guide by Karen Berger.

3.) Backpacker Magazine; check out their Web-site at: http://www.backpacker.com/

4.) The Mountaineers at:
http://www.mountaineers.org/ScriptContent/default.cfm

5.) "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your A$$ Alive" by Cody Lundin.

Now, living off of the environment might be both problematic as well as prohibited with the "leave no trace" statues imposed on many hiking trails.(Check the laws in the area you're going into.) The only time you might get away with that is in a true survival situation. Most areas even prohibit having a campfire unless you're lost.

As for a good quality Backpack, you really need to get with a local Backpacking club or group and have them advise you. There's nothing better than "hands on" advice as well as being able to actually see, feel, and try on the pack in question. REI has trained people that do that. I have no doubt that the Bailey's Backpack is the best one made...just like the Rolls-Royce is the best car, however I wouldn't pay the money for either one for what I do or need. Hope this has been of some help.

[finallyME]

MM you might want to check here as well:
http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide...cks/gear/14134

btw...I love the gear reviews in this mag because they also talk about the drawbacks (quibbles) not just the good points. And they really put their gear through the grind.

I have a different opinion about Backpacker's gear reviews, but hey, we are all different.

[finallyME]

My advice to the OP......you need to wait a little before buying the pack. Your pack should always be bought last. You don't know how big to get it, or how much it needs to carry, until you get your other stuff. Buy all your gear first, then weigh it. You can even take it all into REI and put it in a pack, then try the pack on. Not every pack is created equal, as well as not every person is created equal. To get a good match between pack and back, you need to try it on with weight. Also, I would look for a pack that is less than 5 lbs, unless you like carrying quartered swamp donkey.

[BENESSE]

Excellent advice, FM.
Sure wish I had it 3yrs ago when I bought my pack.

[Sourdough]

OK, I am wondering why you (Any Member) would want a pack that is just barely big enough. It seems to me that having a really huge pack even if you only use less than half of the space 98% of the time, would be prudent. I generally only use about 1/3 of my packs volume. Just curious.