Backpacks, Gear Review

Intro to Backpacking – Recommended Backpacks

Intro to BackpackingThis last weekend, I hosted an Intro to Backpacking workshop with Hudson Valley Hikers.  The idea of the event was to allow future backpackers to see and feel real gear in the real world.  Our hosts brought several popular backpacks loaded with common equipment. Each pack was fully loaded as if for a weekend-long backpacking trip. The equipment ranged from “bought everything I saw in the store” to “who needs a toothbrush anyway?”  The students had the opportunity to carry each of these packs and experience the impact of weight and pack design. Here are some of the packs that were present:

Gossamer Gear KumoGossamer Gear Kumo

  • Cost: $165
  • Capacity: 36 Liters / 25 Lbs
  • Weight: 13.9 – 18.5 oz
  • Frame: Pad
  • Sizes: One Size Fits All
  • Pros: Very Light, Lots of Pockets, Inexpensive, Adaptable, Under $200
  • Cons: Only available online, Very Small, Belt Pockets and Shoulder pockets aren’t very functional
  • Best Use: Fair-weather pack for experienced backpackers

Gossamer Gear Gorilla

2017 Gossamer Gear Gorilla

 

  • Cost: $260
  • Capacity: 40 Liters / 30 Lbs
  • Weight: 18.5 – 30.6 oz
  • Frame: Pad + Removable Stay
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
  • Pros: Light, generous capacity, functional hip pockets, large back pocket, simple, pad-frame, interchangeable belt
  • Cons: Ok, I thought of some! Not available in stores. Cathy and I find her size small has noticeably less volume than my size medium, and it will not fit a full size sleeping pad as a back frame.
  • Best Use: Three Season Backpacking up to 4-5 days

Gossamer Gear MaripossaGossamer Gear Maripossa

  • Cost: $270
  • Capacity: 60 Liters / 35 Lbs
  • Weight: 19.7 oz – 34.8 oz
  • Frame: Pad + Removable Stay
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
  • Pros: Light, generous capacity, functional hip pockets, large back pocket, “tent quiver,” pad-frame, interchangeable belt, Made in USA
  • Cons: Easy to overload – a pack this large could use beefier suspension
  • Best Use: Light-duty winter backpacking, three season backpacking up to 7-10 days

Zpacks Arc HaulZpacks Arc Haul

  • Cost: $299 + add ons
  • Capacity: 62 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight: 24 oz + add ons
  • Frame: Tension-Mesh
  • Sizes: Short, Medium, Tall
  • Pros: Light, waterproof, excellent suspension, heavy-hauler, multiple colors, breathable back, Made in USA
  • Cons: Stiff frame, Mesh tends to tear, weight is held further from center of gravity, only available online
  • Best Use: Light-duty winter backpacking, three season backpacking up to 7-10 days

Zpacks Arc Haul ZipZpacks Arc Haul Zip

  • Cost: $325 + add ons
  • Capacity: 64 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight: 27.5 oz + add ons
  • Frame: Tension-Mesh
  • Sizes: Short, Medium, Tall
  • Pros: Light, waterproof, excellent suspension, heavy-hauler, multiple colors, breathable back, easy access to gear
  • Cons: Stiff frame, weight is held further from center of gravity, no mesh pocket, zipper could fail, only available online
  • Best Use: Light-duty winter backpacking, three season backpacking up to 7-10 days, adventure travel

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 WindriderHyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400

  • Cost: $345
  • Capacity: 55 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight:  30.3 oz – 35.6 oz
  • Frame: Removable Stay
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Tall
  • Pros: Waterproof, Durable fabric, simple, adaptable, Made in USA
  • Cons: Expensive, Non-Functional Hip Pockets, Side Mesh Pockets may snag but are reportedly durable
  • Best Use: Ultralight Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, Three Season Backpacking up to 4-5 Days

Osprey Aura 50 (Womens)Osprey Aura AG 50

  • Cost: $240
  • Capacity: 47 Liters / 40 lbs
  • Weight: 4 – 4.2 lbs
  • Frame: Internal Frame
  • Sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium
  • Pros: Padded Everything, Excellent Suspension, Available in stores, Lifetime Warranty, very durable, good attachments for snow shoes
  • Cons: Heavy, exterior pockets are non functional, funny shaped main pocket, very stiff frame, hard to use full capacity
  • Best Use: Adventure Travel

Osprey Kyte 46  (Womens)Osprey Kyte 46

  • Cost: $180
  • Capacity: 46 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight: 3.42 Lbs
  • Frame: Internal
  • Sizes: Extra Small, Small – Medium
  • Pros: Under $200, Simpler and Lighter than Aura, Available in Stores, Lifetime Warranty, Very Durable, Not as stiff
  • Cons: Heavy, exterior pockets aren’t functional, limited sizes available
  • Best Use: Good Starter Pack, Adventure Travel

Osprey Exos 48

Osprey Exos 48

  • Cost: $200
  • Capacity: 48 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight: 2.57 Lbs
  • Frame: Internal Frame
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
  • Pros: Lighter and Simpler than most mainstream packs, Durable, excellent suspension, available in stores, lifetime warranty, competitive price
  • Cons: Mesh side pockets may snag and rip, no hip pockets
  • Best Use: Lightweight Backpacking, Thru-hiking, Adventure Travel, Good Starter Pack, Excellent Transition from traditional to ultralight.

Osprey Volt 60 Osprey Volt 60

  • Cost: $180
  • Capacity: 60 Liters / 50 Lbs
  • Weight: 3.92 Lbs
  • Frame: Internal Frame
  • Sizes: One Size Fits All
  • Pros: Under $200, Large Capacity, Heavy Hauler, External Attachments
  • Cons: Heavy, Easy to Overpack, Stiff Frame, Mesh Side Pockets, Stiff Frame
  • Best Use: Lightweight Backpacking, Thru-hiking, Adventure Travel, good starter pack

GoLite Jam 50 (Now My Trail Company Backpacking Light 50)My Trail Company Backpack Light 50

  • Cost: $149
  • Capacity: 20 – 50 Liters / 40 Lbs
  • Weight: 1.9 Lbs
  • Frame: Light Frame-Sheet
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
  • Pros: Less than $200, Generous capacity, durable
  • Cons: Only available online, heavier than similar packs, zipper may fail, mesh side pockets, no mesh back pocket
  • Best Use: Lightweight Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, Trips up to 4-5 days