BootsnAll Travel Community

I have an interesting dilemma that has come up now that I finally settled on a pack to buy...

I decided to go with a Gregory Baltoro 70L backpack after reading reviews and trying one on in the store. They updated the pack and added tons of useful pockets and design improvements for the 2008 model.

Anyways, after trying on both the old model and the brand new one, I decided that the 2008 model was a lot more comfortable and the extra pockets would be really nice to have. Here's the kicker though; the 2008 model will only come in this color: http://www.rei.com/product/757777 or a light green making it stick out like a sore thumb everywhere I go.

So what do you yall think? Would you pick an inferior but easily overlooked pack over a new but bright colored one? I'm mostly concerned with theft and considered just using a black rain cover while moving about to solve this problem but I'm not sure how much a pain that will be.

Anyways, thats the question guys... let's hear what you think!

Thanks a bunch!
-SkiCO

P.S. for the record, I also looked into the Osprey Aether 70 but the Baltoro just fit better.

P.P.S I'm not gonna buy a travel pack since it will definitely get some use in backcountry camping when I get back.

Question:
Inferior dark colored, easily overlooked backpack or better fitting brightly colored backpack with loads of new features?

Choices:
Get the new one! A black rain cover will keep it from being to bright.
Get the older one! keeping a low profile is the best way to avoid theft on the road!

 

No matter what color it is any thief can see a 70L pack. And the even bigger tourist carrying it. A pack, especially one that big is not going to be inconspicuous. Not ever. Get over it and get the pack you like best.
The color black does not make things invisible.

Why not get one of the current colors? The green or blue are nicer than that orange. Is the new suspension that much better? How did you try on a 2008 model?

Got a backpack?

You'll look like a backpacker. Unless you really dislike the color, go for the better pack. Don't worry about what others will think.

PS: Skip the raincover.

quote:

Originally posted by static:
Why not get one of the current colors? The green or blue are nicer than that orange. Is the new suspension that much better? How did you try on a 2008 model?

Apparently, REI got an early shipment of them because they want to sell a few during the holiday season. A few retailers are getting them and everyone else is gonna get 'em in spring '08 (after I leave consequently).

They made improvements in the suspension as well as smaller details which would be hard to overlook.

Thanks for the advice guys... looks like I'll be going with a green version as soon as summit hut gets them in stock.