Backpack Suggestions?

[Rye Jones]

I just got back from a quick overnight backpacking trip and I tore a huge hole in my pack. I don't think I'm going to be able to repair it. It was an Alps Cascade that I had for years. I liked some things about it, but not others, but it got the job done. Now I'm looking to upgrade. I'm looking for something lightweight, preferably in the 70L capacity range (Maybe bigger) for multi day trips. Suggestions?

 

[LarryBoy]

Sorry about the loss of your pack!

If you're looking to strike the balance between size and weight, call ULA packs up in Logan and ask if you can drop by their warehouse to try some on. They're a good middle ground between weight and capacity. I use a ULA pack for my big (8 days of food and 6 liters of water) carries. It'll carry up to 35 lbs just fine, and probably will carry more but I've just never tried it.

Honestly though, if you're in the market for a truly huge pack like that, I might suggest abandoning the idea of lightweight and just getting whatever best for hauling big loads. A few years ago I carried an Osprey Aether 70 and it was a nice pack. Sure it was a 4 lb pack, but hauling a 28 lb baseweight with a 4 lb pack was a lot nicer than hauling a 26 lb baseweight with a 2lb pack.

 

[Wanderlust073]

Check out osprey's Xenith packs too if you want a load hauler. Super comfortable.

 

[Rye Jones]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll look into those.

 

[Lincsco]

I have an Osprey Aether and really like it for big loads. I also really like the Gregory Baltoro packs. I honestly can't pick a favorite so I just alternate between them.