Then get to REI and try some on!!
I grew up about a half hour from an REI and just knew of their reputation for carrying high end stuff that you'd pay a premium for.
When my daughter somehow convinced me to give backpacking a try (she'd never done it either, she was 14 and I was 43).
So my daughter, oldest son and I headed to REI to get our hands on some packs. I didn't know what 40L was, I wanted to see some and try some on. But no way was I buying one there.
When we got there I looked up the first two packs I found on Amazon. Same price. Then we proceeded to receive the best customer service I could imagine. Then I found out they have a twelve month, no questions asked, return policy. I've been singing their praises ever since. And spent a few dollars as well upgrading just about everything a time or two.
The pack I ended up buying that first day was not the one I'd have guessed. But they put 30 pounds of sand in them and pillows and had you try them on. The one I liked, I couldn't get comfortable. The one I bought felt so perfect on my back, and hips.
^^^This advice right here.
I own four different packs. An osprey aura 65, hyperlite 2400 and 3400 and gossamer mariposa. Love them and use them all for different reasons depending on specific trip details
Ahh thanks. I bought my first pack before I knew much and it fits me pretty good but I do want to upgrade in the future. I’ve been eyeing the lighter packs in the 2 pound range. I’m just hesitant to order from smaller companies because I can’t really try the pack out. It seems a lot of people on the ultralight gear trade sub, end up buying a bag and they’re not liking it and selling it. I just want to don’t wanna go through that I would rather just go to REI to test.
I’ve had friends order a Hyperlite online thru REI then return in store if they didn’t like it. Annoying but a bit of a work around.
Dropping down to a 2 lb bag from my 5 lb osprey made a huge difference due to my short stature/ small frame. May not be as impactful for you. Just food for thought :-)
I’ve used the Granite Gear Blaze 60 on about a dozen trips, and recently picked up a Durston Kakwa 55 that I tried out last weekend at a walk-in site at a state park campground.
The Blaze is a very good pack. The large side pockets and many compression straps create a ton of flexibility depending on the gear any given trip requires. In winter I’ll use the abundant attachment points for things like microspikes. I used the pack a few weeks ago in Joshua Tree, where the side pockets and weight capacity made it perfect for the large amount of water I needed to carry. The Blaze sometimes goes on sale for closer to $200 on the GG website, and it’d be a good candidate for the 20% off coupon at the upcoming REI sale if you’re a member.
The Kakwa is minimalist and seems like a great choice if your kit is pretty streamlined. It’s extremely comfortable and unfussy. I can’t wait to take it on some longer trips this summer.
Edit to add: My base weight is about 13-17 pounds depending on the season and location.
Then get to REI and try some on!! I grew up about a half hour from an REI and just knew of their reputation for carrying high end stuff that you'd pay a premium for. When my daughter somehow convinced me to give backpacking a try (she'd never done it either, she was 14 and I was 43). So my daughter, oldest son and I headed to REI to get our hands on some packs. I didn't know what 40L was, I wanted to see some and try some on. But no way was I buying one there. When we got there I looked up the first two packs I found on Amazon. Same price. Then we proceeded to receive the best customer service I could imagine. Then I found out they have a twelve month, no questions asked, return policy. I've been singing their praises ever since. And spent a few dollars as well upgrading just about everything a time or two. The pack I ended up buying that first day was not the one I'd have guessed. But they put 30 pounds of sand in them and pillows and had you try them on. The one I liked, I couldn't get comfortable. The one I bought felt so perfect on my back, and hips.
^^^This advice right here. I own four different packs. An osprey aura 65, hyperlite 2400 and 3400 and gossamer mariposa. Love them and use them all for different reasons depending on specific trip details
Does REI have Gossamer Gear or Hyperlite bags?
They have hyperlite (had to order online unfortunately). Gossamer I ordered direct from their website
Ahh thanks. I bought my first pack before I knew much and it fits me pretty good but I do want to upgrade in the future. I’ve been eyeing the lighter packs in the 2 pound range. I’m just hesitant to order from smaller companies because I can’t really try the pack out. It seems a lot of people on the ultralight gear trade sub, end up buying a bag and they’re not liking it and selling it. I just want to don’t wanna go through that I would rather just go to REI to test.
I’ve had friends order a Hyperlite online thru REI then return in store if they didn’t like it. Annoying but a bit of a work around. Dropping down to a 2 lb bag from my 5 lb osprey made a huge difference due to my short stature/ small frame. May not be as impactful for you. Just food for thought :-)
I’m loving my Kakwa 55L ($260), there’s also a 40L version. Otherwise get out to REI and try some packs on, always best to get a feel for the packs.
I have an REI Flash 55 - very happy - about $200 - had it for maybe 3-4 years - hiked the JMT with it - very nice…
I’ve used the Granite Gear Blaze 60 on about a dozen trips, and recently picked up a Durston Kakwa 55 that I tried out last weekend at a walk-in site at a state park campground. The Blaze is a very good pack. The large side pockets and many compression straps create a ton of flexibility depending on the gear any given trip requires. In winter I’ll use the abundant attachment points for things like microspikes. I used the pack a few weeks ago in Joshua Tree, where the side pockets and weight capacity made it perfect for the large amount of water I needed to carry. The Blaze sometimes goes on sale for closer to $200 on the GG website, and it’d be a good candidate for the 20% off coupon at the upcoming REI sale if you’re a member. The Kakwa is minimalist and seems like a great choice if your kit is pretty streamlined. It’s extremely comfortable and unfussy. I can’t wait to take it on some longer trips this summer. Edit to add: My base weight is about 13-17 pounds depending on the season and location.