Didn't know if it would be wise to start a new thread or piggy back on this one, but here I am doing the latter. I too am in the market for a new pack. After a couple of weeks of some extensive review reading and watching, I had narrowed down my list of new packs to try to a
Gregory Baltoro, an
Osprey Aether, an
REI Crestrail, and the more budget-friendly
Teton Sports Escape 4300. I initially thought 45-55 liters would be sufficient, but have moved up to wanting a 65-75 liter that would be capable of handling some bigger and heavier winter gear as well as additional gear for my kids when necessary and more food for any potential week+ long trips I could take in the future.
After renting an REI Crestrail 70 for a trip up Middle Basin last week to try it out for size and comfort I came away wanting for something different and have since eliminated that off my list. It seemed to be a great pack, but my dilemma is that my torso is 21" and my waist is a very slim 31". So, my torso length is almost always falling under the large size offers of many of the higher rated packs I'm finding out there, and while they fit my torso right, I'm finding that most have hipbelts that are just a bit too large for me to get seated and secure on my hips nice and tight. This was my problem with the Crestrail. As I tried to send more weight down to my hips on our hike down from Middle Basin, the pack began to sag a little down my back side and pulled the hipbelt on my front inward a bit too much resulting in some chafing and sore spots across the front of my hips, despite the belt being tightened down to its max. I'm not fond of its color either, so I'm not heartbroken to now have it off my list. I suppose I could still get a large and have it replaced with a medium belt as well and probably be alright.
I had actually ordered a Gregory Baltoro 65 from REI Outlet last weekend (which arrived the day we got back from Middle Basin), but only smalls and mediums were left. I figured I'd take the medium and load it up when I got it and see if I could still make it fit comfortably. Well, I was able to load it up and walk around the house a bit with it. While it is certainly very comfortable, stable, and secure around my hips, given my torso length, the load-lifters still ride too close with my shoulders for effective use of them. So, I'll definitely be returning or exchanging that pack. At least with the Baltoro, I can get it in a large for my torso and have the hip-belt swapped out for a medium if needed. The only other down sides to the Baltoro is that the bladder pouch intrudes on the space in the main compartment more-so than any other pack I've seen, and to exchange for a new one will now require a lot more money. Though, there is currently a great sale on them at
Backcountry Edge through the end of the week.
I'm also impressed with the reviews I've been reading around for the newest version of the Osprey Aether(s). Apparently, with the upgrades they made to their hip-belts, they can now handle some heavier loads with much more comfort and stability, that may even rival that of the comfort offered by Gregory, when a heavier load is necessary. Also, if I got a large, it too can have it's hip-belt swapped out for a medium belt. Though, I might be able to squeak by with a Medium size pack altogether given the torso range their medium size pack can supposedly handle.
Finally, there is the Teton Sports Escape 4300. This guy is appealing for a few reasons: Price, its purchase would support a local company, and it is highly adjustable for both torso and waist sizes. It seems very versatile and feature-rich, as do the others, and also has high marks wherever it can be found available online. However, with its cheaper price comes the concern that it might not be as durable or as comfortable at heavier loads as the others and the last thing I'd want is for some stitching to come apart at a crucial place (think right up against the top of the frame stays) while way out in the backcountry.
I know that when I take the Baltoro back to REI, I can still spend more time with a large size Baltoro and both Large and Medium Aethers, but I still get a false sense of comfort and security there with the sandbags and pillows, because their weight still doesn't pack in quite the same as a normal set of gear and no matter how long you walk around the store, its tough to simulate the rougher terrain needed to really test out a pack for comfort. What I can see myself doing in the near future is buying all three of these packs, bringing them home, and loading them up with my own gear and then taking each out for a day hike. If one proves to be far and away the most comfortable and secure, it will probably be the keeper. If all come out comfortable enough, then it will come down to which one provides the greatest value for the rest of my criteria.
Right now my criteria for a pack consists of the following priorities:
1.
Fit, Comfort, Stability - How does it feel and handle under heavier loads of 35 lbs+ after several miles?
2.
Versatility - Can it be used as an all-seasons pack? Are there plenty of places to load on tent, pad, other gear on the outside to free up space on the inside when circumstances warrant it? Can it tighten down to secure a lightweight, mid-summer overnight load with convenience while also being able to comfortably support a week+ long trip.
3.
Durability - How long will it last under normal wear and tear conditions? What kind of warranty does it come with? How reliable is the manufacturer and their customer service? How likely is it that a crucial piece or part breaks or comes undone while out and about under normal use?
4.
Cost - Will a higher cost pack be worth the higher investment? Will a cheaper pack lead to the need for a newer pack significantly sooner than a higher priced pack?
If anyone has first-hand experience or knows anyone with experience with the packs still on my list above, or thinks I should add any others, please share. I'll mention here that I will probably end up with a sub-50 liter pack (REI Crestail 48, Osprey Kestral/Stratos, etc.) down the road for quick overnights with smaller loads and ultralight/minimalist experimentation, but for now, priority calls for a bigger, more versatile pack.
By the way, @
Colin Parker, have you been able to decide on a new pack yourself yet?
I wouldn't want to have to cram everythign into a little 50 liter or smaller. I get comments about my pack size often - until people pick it up and see it weighs nothing compared to theirs. I've had a osprey ariel 65 for the last 8 years and it has held up like a champ (until now. it seems to be dying a slow painful death). i have a granite gear Kia too but i never use it, as the weight savings isn't all that great when compared to the comfort and durability of my ariel. I got the hip belt molded (Bioform or whatever they call it with the oven) after the first few uses when it just wasn't fitting right and have loved it since. as an added bonus i bought it because it's frame size was 28", just the right size for a carry-on. to me it's the ultimate travel and camp bag.
