This Kelty Redwing 50L pack worked well on my last trip of three weeks.

Are there any websites that do reviews of backpacks? Especially related to travel.

Its hard to find good, conclusive information on backpacks.. probably why we see so many posts on these forums. Also, a lot of it is geared towards people bringing big packs (60-90L).

I'm really interested in reading about some first-hand experience with different gear on extended travels.

I've pretty much read every thread about backpacks in a few different forums. Obsessed? definitely.

Most companies don't even have decent pictures of their packs. It's usually just a single picture of the outside of the pack. If you're lucky, you'll get a picture of the suspension. It's very rare to show the inside of the pack, all of the external pockets, closeups, in use, etc.

With such little information, it's too much of a risk to buy a pack that you can't see in person, so if a pack isn't carried at REI, Any Mountain, or Redwood Trading Post, I can't get it. It's kind of a shame. I get up to Seattle sometimes, so I've been planning on taking the drive up to Vancouver to see some MEC gear.

- Mike

I have brought up this issue with our Marketing people, but it in their defense, it would be waaay cumbersome, as it would quadruple the photos that we already have. I would hasten to say that part of the strategy is to leave you curious enough to visit a Specialty Retailer where they can show you the spiffy features and close the sale. As more and more shopping is done entirely online this is changing the paradigm.

I'm definitely part of a newer generation of shoppers.

I like to go online and research, read reviews, and then go to the store and try things on.

When I visit a website with a lack of information its about 10% curiosity and 90% frustration. A website is a company's online representation. If I go to a website and it provides me with all of the information I'm looking for, I'm impressed.

Eagle Creek is a good example of a website with good information. One of the best things is that they have pictures of people wearing the packs, so you can really gauge how big it is.

Osprey's website is definitely lacking information. They do have downloadable manuals, which is a step in the right direction. Having only a single picture is really not cutting it.

Brian and I are both bringing ospreys. They are very comfortable and lightweight. Maybe the Atmos would work for you?

Today I went to the store and tried some on. Everything is so different in person.

surprisingly I really liked the mountainsmith Ramble. Even tho its 57L, it seemed small. It was comfortable and felt well made.

The Osprey Porter 46 on the other hand seemed huge. It may have been because it was packed with filler, but it really seemed huge for 46L.. also I didn't find it very comfortable. The straps all seemed very basic and uncomfortable. It did seem very well made though.

The eagle creek explorer trek was definitely smaller than the other ones, which is good, but It seemed to be lacking in the features. It really didn't seem much bigger than a daypack.. and for $135 I think there are better alternatives.

I didn't see the Lowe-Alpine Amazon 40L anywhere I went.

Right now I'm really leaning towards the Ramble. It seems like a pretty popular bag on many of the forums. I'm a little worried about it being too big. Its listed as carry-on legal though. I don't know how they squeeze 57L in there.. If I guessed I would say its 45L.

Any opinions?

quote:

Any opinions?

Paralysis through analysis not allowed. Make a decision, buy something and go somewhere cool.

Well after seeing the ramble at campmor for $70.. I think its too sweet to pass up.

Edit: purchased.

That Osprey is a nice looking bag. Exactly what I mentioned with the two compression straps. And flat. Good option Joe.

I agree with the comments about the dearth of good pics of various bags. The rigging is as important as the front. What kind of kooky marketers couldn't make it so that you wouldn't have to quadruple the pics?...How about, say, put more than one bag in one pic? One turned one way, one the other. Maybe one more-open. Marketers should be thinking outside the box.

http://www.stepping-out.co.uk/html/snugpak_rucksacks_-_sleeka_for.html


I am a former "big bag" guy. I still have and use my NorthFace Extreme 80L bag. But last month I traveled home with a 35L bag.
It got me comfortably through a 3 day journey and 4 airplane rides without doing laundry..I even jammed in the top a good sized fleece and it ALL fit in the overhead compartment......

Hey Tye - Looks like we are neighbors also. Any luck with the pack situation? I'm also looking for packs (45L for my daughter and myself and something much bigger for my two sons. Am having a hard time finding places in Charleston with good selections and prices. Any suggestions?

I really like the Mountainsmith Ramble (57L). Its a little bigger than I wanted tho, but it is really comfortable. The Osprey Porter 46 would have been my second choice probably.

bigmaude, u and your daughter could go for the osprey aura... i think the suspension would be much nicer than the porter - the airspeed will help keep your back from getting sweaty.

I have the Eagle Creek explorer LT...and its pretty cool , not too big and it made rather well....