BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi there, thank you for letting me join your forum.

The reason for the post is two-fold: ask for opinions and discuss a pack I have not found anywhere on this site.

I have read endlessly about packs, and I think I made up my mind. The North Face "Back Track." I can not find much info about this on any sites (reviews, etc...). This surprised me as I thought TNF would be popular. It is a 70L (50L available) including a rather small daypack, but seems quite nice. Mine is Black with grey and small red detailing, I can not find this colour online. Many online shops describe this as having wheels, this is not this pack, but the pics are correct.

At first I was going to get the Grand Voyage or Ultimate Explorer, but this just seemed like more pack, but smaller. I also looked at Osprey and Asolo.

Anyhow, just letting you all know that this pack is out there and I think quite nice. Also, those who have seen it, what do you think? Am I missing something? Just seems like a much sturdier pack than most out there for similar price. (I paid 279 CAD)

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/...=NA&model=AJ4X

http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/29492/

Good pics at http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/backtrack_70/produc...ex.cfm?modelid=79363

Cheers,

Matt

Y´know what - I hear a lot about North Face products and now that I have one (terra 40) I can honestly say, hand on heart, that it isn´t a patch on my Decathlon Forclaz 50. Don´t mean to rain on your parade but I don´t rate them so hot. Ok, packs - yes but really innovative. Not in my experience and for the money, I expected a little more

sorry

elv

No parade bing rained on...I have 30 days to return. This is part of the reason for the post too. Did you look at this specific pack? Just seems more put together than canvas on my back like Eagle Creek. Maybe more "jazz" and just a bunch of extra weight?

Though, my local options are really only Osprey, MEC, Asolo, and Eagle Creek.

Take a look at the Osprey Meridian series if you're considering hybrid packs. Two things turned me away from hybrids are 1) weight-to-volume ratio (too much weight for the volume) and 2) the frame sheet and suspension aren't as comfy as conventional packs.

I second Elvie's opinion about NF. They've gotta an established name but the quality is questionable and varies from item to item. You can find better gear for the $ elsewhere.

This one does not have wheels, it is pretty much a standard travel pack. As I noted, for whatever reason many sights list this as having wheels, but it certainly does not. That is the Double Back, I believe it is called.

Here's NF's info for the Backtrack 70, and you're correct that it has no wheels. It must be in the 4-5 pound range.

It's best to actually test the pack by loading it to the weight you'll be carrying and haul it around the block a few times to feel how in rides.

The tag lists it at 8 actually.

8 pounds? Something is wrong, that's too heavy for a 70L pack. My GF's Osprey Luna 75L weighs 6-lbs, 7-oz. My decade old external frame Dana Design is a 90L pack and weighs 7-lbs, 10-oz.

The weight of a pack tells nothing.

Would it be better if we made the entire pack out of sil-nylon? Lighter, it would be.

Weight is only one (out of many factors) that one should pay attention to.

True, the reason I've not gotten rid of my external frame Dana Design is the suspension. It rides so comfortably and packing is much easier with external frames. Of course, I wish it was 2 pounds lighter, which means I could bring more food or gear. When you're at high altitude and hiking uphill with a 45 pounds on your back, every ounce feels heavier. 45 pounds feels like 65.

quote:

When you're at high altitude and hiking uphill with a 45 pounds on your back, every ounce feels heavier. 45 pounds feels like 65.

Travel packs will always be heavier than hiking packs.

There is no one perfect, pack, tent, sleeping bag (or anything for that matter) that is perfect for all situations.

I just purchased the Backtrack 70 and absolutely love it !

Sure its a hybrid pack but it seems to do it very well. For one it's a double compartment panel-loading pack, IMO far superior than a top-loader for travel. The straps are sufficient, with vent panel between very ample pads. The hip belt has a 'scoocher' pull that transforms the pad into a cup for your hip. Very nice and better than I would have expected from a hybrid.

I also like the cable loop in the top handle for securing a retractable cable. It transforms very easily to duffel-mode with the panel cover doubling as a raincoat for the two packs. This is a heavier pack for these two reasons, but I find both features acceptable added weight.

The pack lists at 4250 cubes, and the day pack 800. The day pack is about as large as you would want to go for a outside load, I find it adequate, though smallish. The straps hide very well if you need.

The first thing I noticed about this pack, and not at all shown in the many photos I reviewed, was that the bag is clearly Pear Shaped ! A nice design truly, it moves a great amount of the weight low on your hips. As well, it's cut wider (depth wise) so it protrudes like a little shelf just enough to let the day pack ride on it for support. Somebody was thinking when it came to these two features, I think it's a very good looking pack.

I have owned a few, and this is a really nice, better IMO than Eagle Creek by far. The only drawback is the water bottle pockets are ridiculously small. No troubles, just a mention.

I've dealt with North Face before, and although they are more expensive you can often expect a brand-new pack in place of submitting the old one for minor repairs. It's good to deal with bigger businesses in this regard.

Online Shoes is another example, with their 90 day wear and return policy. I just don't know how they do it....