Currently using a 65L hiking pack and CCS Bushcrafter for 2 week solos. I'm having problems with the zippers on the hiking pack. Does anyone have a reccomendation for a 70-100L hiking pack that doesn't have an aggressive curve on the back? My back is completely flat. Also, something with a decent weight material that will be durable. I'm looking at portage packs as well, but think I'll miss the hiking frame support a lot. I stuff 2 BV500s in the hiking pack. They fit in the Bushcrafter too, but I find it too uncomfortable to carry.

Is the only purpose of the backpack to carry two BV500 bear canisters?

I stuff a bunch of gear in the hiking pack with the BV500s, but they take up a lot of the volume. It's a Black Diamond Mercury, maybe not a true 65L. I'd probably buy another if they still made them. Most of the 65+ hiking packs here in Ontario, Canada are Osprey and Gregory, all with aggressive curves on the back and don't seem to be adjustable.

I'd like to have a pack just for the BV500s. That's what I tried with the Bushcrafter. The GG Nimbus Core that Butthead posted in this old thread https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadid=612344&confid=1&forumid=15 would be perfect, but no longer made.

The Ostrom Wabakimi has a flat back and adjustable stays, but it's 7lbs. I also really don't like red. The similarly modeled RBW Expedition now has an internal frame sheet with stays option that I might try out. I have arthritis, and still think a hiking pack frame like in my BD Mercury will be significantly more comfortable.

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NM

I happen to have a second and willing to part with it. Small frame Medium straps.


Interested? Email me.

butthead

Two BV500 canisters fit horizontally inside this inexpensive backpack. I made a frame sheet out of plastic sheeting and foam floor matting that can be placed inside the internal pocket. The backpack without the frame sheet weighs about 2.4 lbs.

Check out a used Arcteryx Bora 70 or 80. Not light but well built, cool features, and carries heavy loads very comfortably. Back is quite flat.

I have a kelty coyote 105L. I just bought it last fall and was able to use it on 2 trips this past summer. I really like it and it fits a ton of stuff. Not sure if it aligns with your flat back but the frame is adjustable.

Old school basket