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exostratics


Jan 14, 2008, 12:02 AM
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Help me pick a pack!
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Need some help picking a backpack. Looking for something to carry climbing gear, a day or two of food, aqua, etc you know the basics. I've been leaning towards a North Face Terra 40, but hey I'm asking for help cause I need it. Any help is greatly appreciated.


HarklessDO


Jan 14, 2008, 12:11 AM
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Re: [exostratics] Help me pick a pack! [In reply to]
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I would look in the Kelty line. I haven't looked for a while so I can't give you a model that I would reccomend but prices are great, customer service is excellent, and quality is top notch.
I actually have a north face pack as my big pack but there quality has gone way down since they became the favorite of every college kid with to much money or a new credit card.
There are many good packs out there but Kelty in my mind is best bang for your buck. For an extended day or just a big rack I love my Kelty Redwing for what its worth.
Not sure if this will help but my two cents


gunkiemike


Jan 14, 2008, 12:15 AM
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Just about every pack mfr will have something that would be fine for the job. So here's a suggestion - turn away from the big companies and support a real climber who's totally a part of the climbing community, and who just happens to make great stuff. I suggest a CiloGear 40L or 45L It's good karma IMO.


moditup


Jan 14, 2008, 12:46 AM
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I've got the Terra 40. It's good for multi-pitch and cragging, but not for backpacking. It fits a rack and a rope, or a rope and clothing, or food and rope, etc., with room to spare. It's pretty damn comfortable. I like that it's hydration compatible and the water bottle pockets are easy to get at. It also has a narrow profile, so that makes it a little tall--if you're climbing with a loaded pack, the back of your head will hit the lid when looking up.

My general climbing setup is generally leader carries the rack and the second carries this pack with rope, water, clothing and guidebook for a one-day outing. It won't fit a sleeping bag or tent very easily, unless you've got super compressible gear. Good for long hikes or multi-pitch or cragging, not for mountaineering or backpacking.

So.. on that line, has anyone used the High Peak Tibet?

http://highpeakusa.org/backpacks/tibet.html (Scroll down a touch).

[end threadjack]


exostratics


Jan 14, 2008, 1:18 AM
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gunkiemike wrote:
Just about every pack mfr will have something that would be fine for the job. So here's a suggestion - turn away from the big companies and support a real climber who's totally a part of the climbing community, and who just happens to make great stuff. I suggest a CiloGear 40L or 45L It's good karma IMO.

Thats a great pack and I'd love to get it. Problem is, the review says its in the $130ish range, but their new 2008 model is 175, too rich for my blood. Maybe they have a student discount?


climbingaggie03


Jan 14, 2008, 1:36 AM
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I'm a bit confused on what you are using this pack for, are you using it for climbing? or backpacking? I'm mostly confused why you might need 2 days worth of food, but no tent/sleeping bag ect. If you can clarify the use, you will probably get better help.

you might look at the jansport whittaker LR

IF you want something smaller, I have a buddy who loves his REI Pinnacle pack


exostratics


Jan 14, 2008, 1:41 AM
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I was hoping that by expressing the need for more than one day of food, the responders would assume that I would also need gear for more than one day thus needing tent etc. I have a 6000 cubic inch external frame pack that I use for extended trips.

What I am exactly looking for in this back is for it to be big enough for an overnighter with climbing gear but not so large that I would look ridiculous using it for a one day trip with gear.

The CiloGear 40L sounds great, just too pricey. I'm looking to stay below $140.


retro


Jan 14, 2008, 1:42 AM
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Re: [exostratics] Help me pick a pack! [In reply to]
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exostratics wrote:
Thats a great pack and I'd love to get it. Problem is, the review says its in the $130ish range, but their new 2008 model is 175, too rich for my blood. Maybe they have a student discount?

Worth every Penny. They extend to 60+L, are totally adjustable and carry like no other pack you will wear. I agree with you, in that $170 still is a lot of money, but take the Arc'Teryx Arcteryx Silo 40 Ski Pack at $200, Mountain Hardwear Windpack Backpack at $219.95, etc...it really is at a reasonable pricepoint for all the options that you get...and the Cilogear comes in at almost a pound lighter than most packs its size. Above all that, you get second to none customer service that backs up their product 100%.

I understand the money thing, but definitely don't close the door on these packs yet. Wink


(This post was edited by retro on Jan 14, 2008, 1:44 AM)


HarklessDO


Jan 14, 2008, 3:05 AM
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To follow up on my earlier comment I would check out campmors deals on Keltys. There are multiple sizes with various features at great deals.


jermanimal


Jan 14, 2008, 3:16 PM
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I swear by Gregory. Even for a little bit more, they are better then spending more on what you really want next year. I don't own one, but have had my eye on a Adze, Ekko and Advent Pro. I am having trouble justifying it though, because my Shasta compress enough to avoid the "tool" image.

Which ever pack you get, think about the $30 extra dollars now for exactly the pack you want/need and will use for the next 15+ years.


socalclimber


Jan 14, 2008, 3:25 PM
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I'll chip in. I own an Arcteryx Bora 80. Hands down the best pack I've ever owned. There a bit pricey, but worth every penny.


generationfourth


Jan 14, 2008, 5:39 PM
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i love my deuter futura pro 42. It's $130 at backcountry. If you go with last years futura 42 (it's yellow) you can find them for $100. The pro is the 2008 model and about 5-6 ounces lighter I believe.

Great pack for cragging, comfortable, lots of good pockets for organization. Great value.


anykineclimb


Jan 14, 2008, 6:31 PM
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Another vote for Cilogear packs. great stuff!


wax


Jan 14, 2008, 7:03 PM
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http://www.mec.ca/...;bmUID=1200336980010

$99


gunkiemike


Jan 14, 2008, 11:19 PM
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exostratics wrote:
gunkiemike wrote:
Just about every pack mfr will have something that would be fine for the job. So here's a suggestion - turn away from the big companies and support a real climber who's totally a part of the climbing community, and who just happens to make great stuff. I suggest a CiloGear 40L or 45L It's good karma IMO.

Thats a great pack and I'd love to get it. Problem is, the review says its in the $130ish range, but their new 2008 model is 175, too rich for my blood. Maybe they have a student discount?

You could email Graham (ciloinfo@gmail.com) and ask. He sometimes has last year's models and demos available for discounted prices.


theclimbergirl


Jan 14, 2008, 11:37 PM
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I second the endorsement of Deuter packs in general (but am intrigued to learn more about Cilogear and will be looking them up). I adore my future 42 (the yellow one). It may be smaller than what you're looking for, but I use mine as an all-day crag pack and it is super comfortable even for a whiny hiker like me. It's widely adjustable, so it fits a large range of users (in my experience). Climbing partners who toss it on are surprised by the comfort even with a heavy load.


jermanimal


Jan 15, 2008, 5:13 AM
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can't vogue for quality, but cheap. Though about this thread looking through gearx sales....

http://gearx.com/camp-campack-40-climbing-pack.html


canyon8


Jan 15, 2008, 7:15 AM
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Cilogear. These packs rock.


dps


Jan 16, 2008, 5:28 PM
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I agree with the Cilogear recommendation. I have been really happy with mine.

I just wrote up a of the V2.5 45L on Mountainproject.com:
V2.5 Cilogear Worsack Review


(This post was edited by dps on Jan 16, 2008, 5:29 PM)


durangoclimber


Jan 16, 2008, 5:54 PM
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OSPREY...OSPREY...OSPREY. I worked (part time) in the "industry" for years and still remain pretty unbiased but I do have to say that the Osprey's are great packs. I also dig (and own the regular and spectra models) Wild Things Andanista. Real no bells and whilstles on this one though. Good luck.


dretket


Jan 22, 2008, 4:56 PM
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My vote goes to either the Mountain Hardwear Phenom or Trance backpacks. The phenom is the smaller of the two and makes an excellent day pack. If you are looking for a little bit more room, check out the trance. This is the one I have, and I love it Its large enough where I can carry my climbing stuff along with my girlfriends stuff. I still have enough room for an extra jacket for each of us, food, water, and anything else (i.e. my bulky SLR, video camera, ect...) The Trance also has gear loops, swappable padded waist belt (switches to harness friendly webbing), removable back panal for use as a bivy pad, and rope/crampon carrier in the hood. The pack isnt too terribly heavy, weighing in at little over 3 lbs. Its made of a really tough denier fabric that seems to be holding up really well.


jeremy11


Jan 23, 2008, 3:20 AM
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Buy Cilogear or buy twice Wink


dudemanbu


Jan 23, 2008, 3:24 AM
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durangoclimber wrote:
OSPREY...OSPREY...OSPREY. I worked (part time) in the "industry" for years and still remain pretty unbiased but I do have to say that the Osprey's are great packs. I also dig (and own the regular and spectra models) Wild Things Andanista. Real no bells and whilstles on this one though. Good luck.

Ospreys are definitely the best ventilated packs out there.. which translates to much more comfortable long approaches. Not to mention they're also pretty light and loaded with features.


tallndorky


Jan 23, 2008, 4:31 AM
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I like my osprey pack, but my girlfriends Lowe Alpine pack is really nice, she says it is supper comfortable and it has just the right features for cragging.

This one is similar to hers:

http://www.rei.com/...utlet/product/765531


jmeizis


Jan 23, 2008, 4:50 AM
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I hear a lot of people suggesting the Cilo Gear packs. A word of caution. It sounds like you're not just going cragging. I've had my Cilo Gear pack for less than a year and I'm easily destroying it. I've ripped the shroud, the velcro flap on the inside is coming undone. All the straps are ripping at the seams, had to repair the shoulder straps recently, It's had several wholes torn in it from trees and ice tools and such. If you're looking for light weight and versatility they kick ass. I can either fit everything inside or strap it on the outside in one way or another. If you beat the crap out of gear though and are looking for something that will last for a while maybe look at something different.

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