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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Recommend a backpack that doesn’t suck |
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02/18/2020 07:39AM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
This will be an an purpose bag. Goes to work with me everyday, out in the boat when fishing, carry-on for flights, for light backpacking trips, to the beach, etc. I’m retiring a 15yo northface which was solid for 10 years but has really deteriorated over the last 5.
I have a nearly 20yo timbuk2 messenger bag with the rubber inside and waxed canvas exterior that’s still as good as the day I got it. Don’t think they make a bag like that in backpack style but that’s ultimately what I’m looking for.
I have a nearly 20yo timbuk2 messenger bag with the rubber inside and waxed canvas exterior that’s still as good as the day I got it. Don’t think they make a bag like that in backpack style but that’s ultimately what I’m looking for.
02/18/2020 10:09AM
I'm partial to Gregory packs as their large frames seem to fit me well. I have a Baltoro 65 that I backpack with and a Zulu 30 that I use a lot for day trips. The Zulu would suffice for overnight trips if you pack light and would be fine on an airplane (although I haven't used it for that). In the large frame size I'm sure it measures over 30L. I love both packs.
**Just noticed you mentioned taking the pack in your boat. My Zulu isn't waterproof (does come with a rain cover) so that probably isn't what you'd want if you will be laying it in the bottom of a canoe or boat without a floor.
**Just noticed you mentioned taking the pack in your boat. My Zulu isn't waterproof (does come with a rain cover) so that probably isn't what you'd want if you will be laying it in the bottom of a canoe or boat without a floor.
02/18/2020 10:18AM
Sounds like my situation a few years back. Had an amazing run with a NorthFace Sureshot, got me through undergrad, veterinary school, and all my camping trips. It's actually still alive but having a my 40's closer than my 30's I treated myself to a more "adult" bag?
I went for the Duluth Pack Sparky bag.
They make new versions now too, the Standard and Deluxe. But I like the full closure of the side pockets. The old ones are still out there on Amazon and stuff but apparently no longer made? It's large compartment also zips fully open so packing for a weekend with folded clothes is easy. Still a rugged as it gets pack but a more refined rugged than the standard hiking backpacks from NorthFace, Patagonia, Marmot, etc. Getting away from the tech materials and whatnot.
Not sure if that's what you're looking for.....but it's a great bag
I went for the Duluth Pack Sparky bag.
They make new versions now too, the Standard and Deluxe. But I like the full closure of the side pockets. The old ones are still out there on Amazon and stuff but apparently no longer made? It's large compartment also zips fully open so packing for a weekend with folded clothes is easy. Still a rugged as it gets pack but a more refined rugged than the standard hiking backpacks from NorthFace, Patagonia, Marmot, etc. Getting away from the tech materials and whatnot.
Not sure if that's what you're looking for.....but it's a great bag
02/18/2020 04:29PM
Osprey Talon 22 is the Bees Knees. They have larger and smaller size. But this one fits nicely in the over head and it's very light I'll use it sometimes to carry my Ursack and my every day pack. Osprey is great quality but if needed, it has one of the best no questions asked repair or replace lifetime warranties.
02/18/2020 05:15PM
Last summer I grabbed a Kelty Redwing 50. Absolutely love it. If you check the reviews - you'll see nothing but dedicated followers. Used it backpacking in Montana last year, use it in my work travels (has a laptop compartment), fits easily in the overhead bins. I plan to use it this summer in the BWCA while I portage the canoe to carry fishing gear and anything else that doesn't fit in my portage pack. They have smaller versions if 50L is too big - for me it is perfect - can get a few nights clothes in it, can fit 4 section fishing rods in the side pouch behind the pockets...just love this pack!
Kelty Redwing 50L
Kelty Redwing 50L
02/18/2020 05:50PM
Blatz: "Osprey Talon 22 is the Bees Knees. They have larger and smaller size. But this one fits nicely in the over head and it's very light I'll use it sometimes to carry my Ursack and my every day pack. Osprey is great quality but if needed, it has one of the best no questions asked repair or replace lifetime warranties. "
+1
I use an Osprey pack for daily work (laptop, files, lunch) and as my carry on bag for flights on business trips.
In the BWCA if I need a small pack or two I use a CCS Ruck. But I find the Ruck too big for everyday use.
02/18/2020 06:16PM
TipsyPaddler: "Blatz: "Osprey Talon 22 is the Bees Knees. They have larger and smaller size. But this one fits nicely in the over head and it's very light I'll use it sometimes to carry my Ursack and my every day pack. Osprey is great quality but if needed, it has one of the best no questions asked repair or replace lifetime warranties. "
+1
I use an Osprey pack for daily work (laptop, files, lunch) and as my carry on bag for flights on business trips.
In the BWCA if I need a small pack or two I use a CCS Ruck. But I find the Ruck too big for everyday use."
++1 own a Farpoint 40- perfect size.
I use it as carry on for my work travel (once every 3 weeks) and have for 6 years. One issue with a zipper, repaired promptly and for free. Large enough to keep me for two weeks overseas travel in cold weather (with laptop no less). Rugged, comfortable, easy to fit in bins. Straps can be covered with zip panel for checking the bag or courtesy (not whipping fellow passengers when putting bag away in overhead compartment. Great bag.
Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.
02/19/2020 10:25AM
Some of my favorite pack companies are:
Mystery Ranch
MR Daypacks
Evergoods
Evergoods
Granite Gear
This looks like a new one and very interesting.
GG Dagger
I too have the CCS Rucksack and it makes a great travel bag, just a little large for everyday use.
Mystery Ranch
MR Daypacks
Evergoods
Evergoods
Granite Gear
This looks like a new one and very interesting.
GG Dagger
I too have the CCS Rucksack and it makes a great travel bag, just a little large for everyday use.
02/19/2020 11:49AM
"bag with the rubber inside and waxed canvas exterior that’s still as good as the day I got it. Don’t think they make a bag like that in backpack style but that’s ultimately what I’m looking for."
A start but any more specifics? Zippered panel access or open top roll over. Pockets or streamline outer. Any sort of frame, from stiff foam to hard frame. Size or range of size. Specific features.
I like simple and flexible with option of stiffer frame support that can be used with a belt or removed and used without, and the ability to incorporate a water-bladder is important. 2 years ago I went with a GG Virga 2. 1500 CI fitted for bladder and open roll-closure that allows compressing and expanding. But that tick my check boxes. Really to many option without specifics.
butthead
A start but any more specifics? Zippered panel access or open top roll over. Pockets or streamline outer. Any sort of frame, from stiff foam to hard frame. Size or range of size. Specific features.
I like simple and flexible with option of stiffer frame support that can be used with a belt or removed and used without, and the ability to incorporate a water-bladder is important. 2 years ago I went with a GG Virga 2. 1500 CI fitted for bladder and open roll-closure that allows compressing and expanding. But that tick my check boxes. Really to many option without specifics.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
02/19/2020 02:37PM
CCS Rucksack for me too. I've only taken it on a couple of airplane trips so far but it is great. Dan put on the mesh side pockets from the Wanderer for me (not the first time he has done that). That way I can carry a water bottle when camping but not worry about the pack being wider than carry-on dimensions. My goal was a carryon that is sufficiently protective of my cameras and electronics enroute to MN and then turns into my canoeing daypack when there.
02/20/2020 01:45PM
Take a look at the Mountain Pack from Topo Designs. It fits a lot of stuff, has big side pockets, an easy access top compartment, zipper for access into the internals without unlatching the top, chest and even waist straps, water-sealed zippers... and it looks great too. I love mine.
https://topodesigns.com/collections/backpacks/products/mountain-pack?variant=7152193601589
https://topodesigns.com/collections/backpacks/products/mountain-pack?variant=7152193601589
02/20/2020 07:56PM
BTW, I agree that the CCS Rucksack is bigger than I need or want for a daily, go-to-work pack. For that I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag. The Rucksack is designed right at the carry-on limits and is bigger than most of the bags mentioned here. I want that in the BW as my pack seems to be the home for the first aid kit, InReach communicator, and on-the-move water purification. But for lunch, my laptop, some papers, and odds-and-ends it would just feel really empty.
02/20/2020 09:04PM
Osprey. The no questions asked lifetime warranty will be there forever and Osprey will be there forever and their customer service is incredible. I've owned Osprey for the past 14 years, they completely replaced one bag that had a large tear above the padding which couldn't be fixed, and another backpack has been to them several times for cuts and tear repairs to which they do an excellent job with repairs. My Frankenstein bag with all it's sewn up battle scars is so endearing, and it's STILLLLLLL got that warranty baby!
02/24/2020 10:50AM
This sounds like how my boys and I use our CCS rucksacks. I have been temped to try a smaller wanderer pack. It has way better side pockets. Also ULA has been a pack I have been looking at also. But with having the Cooke Packs the last 10 years and using them a lot they are a great straight forward pack that seems to hold up to everything. And made right here by good people.
Mags
02/24/2020 06:15PM
Not trying to start anything and call me cheap if you want but for a smaller everyday pack I got a cheap pack with a chest clip from Walmart.
Holds up to any normal use with twenty pounds in it.
Use it for day hikes and hunting.
Holds up to any normal use with twenty pounds in it.
Use it for day hikes and hunting.
03/23/2020 06:02AM
I've been looking for a backpack for a while too, I kind of like this one from Teton, maybe you could throw in your two cents too. https://popular.reviews/best-hiking-backpacks/#5_TETON_Sports_Scout_3400_Internal_Frame
It's spacious enough, feedback is quite good for it. What do you guys think?
It's spacious enough, feedback is quite good for it. What do you guys think?
03/25/2020 12:41PM
Pete11L: "I've been looking for a backpack for a while too, I kind of like this one from Teton, maybe you could throw in your two cents too. https://popular.reviews/best-hiking-backpacks/#5_TETON_Sports_Scout_3400_Internal_Frame
It's spacious enough, feedback is quite good for it. What do you guys think?"
My .02 on the Teton packs: My buddy has the larger Fox 5200 pack and it has held up really well for the past 4 years and several trips. Pockets and exterior attachments are well thought out and useful. It has been such a great pack that I bought the Explorer 4000 for my 14 y/o son to use on his first BW trip this year. Overall the packs are slightly heavier than others (like Osprey), but built very well to hold up for the long haul, and they are well laid out for packing. It is a good product from a company that is relatively new to the industry and putting forth good effort to make a solid name for themselves. I do not rep them, or any other retail for that matter, just my thoughts.
you cant get where you want to go if you never take the first step...
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