Gregory Whitney Backpack 6285

When shopping around for a new backpack  you will find a multitude of options that will make your head spin. If you have done your homework, you will know what options are worth the extra bucks and avoid those that offer little more than good looks.

When looking for a solid, reliable and comfortable pack… I look for those that are typically larger than whats needed. Packs designed to carry 50+ lb loads tend to be built better than smaller packs and are more comfortable for long treks in the back country.

I’m sure that most people shopping for backpacks have a fairly good idea as to what type and style they want. With all the customer reviews available, you have access to a wealth of information needed to make a sensible purchase. Consider the following perspective as you wont see it mentioned on any spec list.

A well designed backpack can easily cost a few hundred dollars. Backpacks sustain a lot of abuse and this is one piece of gear that needs to be reliable. If you’re hiking through narrow sandstone and granite canyon walls, rocky crags or dense forest trails…you’re pack will suffer. A quality pack will survive your adventures far better. It truly sucks for a pack to fail and you find your self cannibalizing parts of you’re gear to make the needed repair to continue you’re trek.

Do you really need a high end pack, especially one that may be a bit larger than needed? Only if your adventure takes you further into the back country than the parking lot, and then… only if you’re planning your next trek and haven’t returned from the one your on.

Knowing this, I would say you are serious enough to consider a high end backpack. Although if your accustomed to shouldering a load like a mule than you may not see the point.

Here’s how I see it…Higher end packs will typically offer a better internal frame, adjustable waist belt, torso adjustments, stronger zippers, sturdy shoulder straps, 500D cordura / 210dHT double diamond ripstop material, both top and side access and a variety of features based on the specific use of the backpack. I.e. ice ax, crampons, skies, snow shovels etc.

My preference is for a large pack around 6000 cu in for a three day trek. with the features stated above. If I’m going light weight, then this pack stays at home but so does the comfort level.

A larger pack can easily weigh in at 6 lbs, twice as much as a typical weekend pack and will have more space than you may need. The packs compression straps will help secure your gear keeping it from moving around in the pack.

The internal frame, adjustable waist and torso support in the larger backpack allows the weight of your gear to be distributed evenly across your hips and shoulders. A smaller pack that may seem to be more appropriate for the amount of gear being hauled typically lacks these features and as a result, is more uncomfortable as the weight is not evenly distributed and becomes much more noticeable.

It’s important to factor in the type of terrain you hike, the season, you’re fitness level, the amount of gear carried and the specific use of the pack. The end results we are striving for is to feel less like a pack mule and avoid the aches and pains associated with a lesser quality pack. This makes for a more enjoyable trek into the back country.