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Backpack for Hiking

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ramoose_jc
Posts: 132 - Karma: 349
Hey guys! I am looking for a new backpack that is for daily hikes that I am going to use all throughout the spring season on the east coast. I already have a TNF Surge II Transit and I am looking for something more stylish.

Any suggestions?
Jan 15 2016 5:26PM
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
Jan 15 2016 6:02PM
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
Forgot the link

http://www.redbubble.com/people/americadime/works/17888866-scrotum-backpack?country_code=US&finish=lustre&p=photographic-print&size=small&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=google_products&utm_source=google&gclid=CIOA9cv2rMoCFQ6QaQodRsYIig

Ur welcome
Jan 15 2016 6:04PM
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ggfski42
Posts: 651 - Karma: 700
Idk what a stylish backpack really entails. But if you want a solid pack, Osprey is the way to go. I will literally never buy another bag from anyone else.
Jan 15 2016 6:06PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
The options of hiking backpacks are really broad, and the only criteria you listed is it being "stylish." So....do some browsing online. I would say you want it to come with a rain cover and aside from that it's all personal preference.

You said day hikes. How much stuff do you normally bring. Will a 30L be enough? Do you need an insulated hydration sleeve? How many pockets do you like? Do you need a hip belt for added support or just over the shoulders?

See what I mean? It's all preference depending on your goals and taste in colors and such.
Jan 15 2016 6:27PM
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jellomellow
Posts: 961 - Karma: 3,562
the surge is a pretty good backpack for hikes. Pm me if you have any questions as i make custom packs
Jan 15 2016 6:37PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
Cotopaxi makes good solid day packs.
Jan 15 2016 8:34PM
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250r
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 1,020
arcteryx makes awesome bags...just like everything else that they make. i get a deal on them though, they are pretty pricey at retail.
Jan 16 2016 4:10PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,174
I didn't read anything in this thread but I Really highly fucking recommend the

Osprey variant 37

This backpack is the shit, I use it everyday, highly versatile. You can take it skiing/hiking or use it as an everyday backpack.

Really cool yo
Jan 17 2016 3:20PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
Damn, I just don't understand the pricing behind Arc'Teryx stuff. $500 for a backpack?? What the hell? I mean they make quality gear, but so do a lot of other companies for a fraction of that price.

Ortovox and Gregory are my favorite brands. I have had a Gregory Targhee for 9 years now and the zippers finally broke on it. Gregory is repairing it for free though so she'll be back.

RMU also makes a 30L dry bag that looks sweet: http://www.rockymountainunderground.com/dry-pak-30
Jan 17 2016 8:06PM
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,787
Spagett+


Wow only 11 bucks, that's a steal
Jan 17 2016 8:16PM
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*DUMBCAN*
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 5,627
Don't trust what people recommend, they're just after the ego boost when someone follows their advice.

Go to a shop, try the bags on. See which ones fit best, weighted and without (any good outdoors shop will have weights for testing bags). Compare the features.

There isn't one magical bag that's the best ever made, but there's many that are what you need, and loads that aren't.
Jan 17 2016 8:30PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
loopieDamn, I just don't understand the pricing behind Arc'Teryx stuff. $500 for a backpack?? What the hell? I mean they make quality gear, but so do a lot of other companies for a fraction of that price.

Ortovox and Gregory are my favorite brands. I have had a Gregory Targhee for 9 years now and the zippers finally broke on it. Gregory is repairing it for free though so she'll be back.

RMU also makes a 30L dry bag that looks sweet: http://www.rockymountainunderground.com/dry-pak-30

$500 is not outrageous for a high end multi day pack. Gregory's larger packs are $400 and $435. I use a zpacks arc pack, which was around $500 when kitted out. If you want expensive, check out Mchale custom packs. They can run over $1000, and tons of people swear by them. A good pack can make or break a trip, so it is definitely worth investing in.
Jan 17 2016 8:43PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
byubound$500 is not outrageous for a high end multi day pack. Gregory's larger packs are $400 and $435. I use a zpacks arc pack, which was around $500 when kitted out. If you want expensive, check out Mchale custom packs. They can run over $1000, and tons of people swear by them. A good pack can make or break a trip, so it is definitely worth investing in.


Yeah I guess. I have a $250 75L pack and it has never failed me for summer and winter camping. Granted, I don't have any experience with those high end packs so I can't compare.

People pay ridiculous amounts of money for over priced shit all the time. Doesn't mean it's any better (to me at least).

For example, Kinko gloves. You can buy a pair for $20 and they kick ass, just have to Nikwax em with leather balm. Hestra uses the same patent/design as them but charges like $100+ for gloves.
Jan 17 2016 9:03PM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
*DUMBCAN*Don't trust what people recommend, they're just after the ego boost when someone follows their advice.


hahahah, yup you got me, only in it for the ego boost. Stroke my ego baby!
Jan 17 2016 9:09PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
loopieYeah I guess. I have a $250 75L pack and it has never failed me for summer and winter camping. Granted, I don't have any experience with those high end packs so I can't compare.

People pay ridiculous amounts of money for over priced shit all the time. Doesn't mean it's any better (to me at least).

For example, Kinko gloves. You can buy a pair for $20 and they kick ass, just have to Nikwax em with leather balm. Hestra uses the same patent/design as them but charges like $100+ for gloves.


I get what you're saying, but gloves are completely different. Everybody wants dry and warm hands, and for the majority they will get that with the kinko gloves or whatever highly priced stuff the get. Nobody has a pack that is completely comfortable and carries precisely the way they want, but my zpacks bag is light enough, comfortable enough, and durable enough for me to feel it is worth at least twice as much as the hyperlite pack I paid 200 for before it.
Jan 17 2016 10:11PM
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mike759
Posts: 872 - Karma: 1,949
Jansport makes some good day packs that are not very expensive, i have the agave 32
Jan 18 2016 12:05AM
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ExudeOwners
Posts: 16 - Karma: 14
Get the CVLIFE Outdoor Tactical Backpack at http://www.travelgearlab.com/best-survival-backpack/ . High quality, good storage and expansion. Waterproof materials, but tiny zipper gaps (where both zippers meet) will allow seepage of water. Straps are comfortable and well-stitched. Plenty of tie downs. The top handle is a little small to get your hands through, but that is a minor design flaw.

I bought for kayak/fishing/camping/hiking excursions and daily use for hauling work stuff. It's not too big, but can hold plenty. Sturdy design and stitches. Like the adjustability and front cross straps for serious day-hikes. Water bladder built-in is nice too. Definitely recommend!
Jul 20 2016 5:08AM
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Skittle.
Posts: 2537 - Karma: 718
osprey bags fit around my past-broken collarbone so they're what i use, but really just go try some on at rei or wherever like people said, schedule out a good hour to try out everything and get what feels best regardless of color or look
Jul 25 2016 8:31PM
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Ski_Alot
Posts: 5884 - Karma: 3,502
I've got a black diamond Dawn Patrol and its dope! pretty small and light, plus its got ski straps and is avalung compatible if you ever want to use it for skiing
Jul 25 2016 9:19PM
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