Time-Tested Gear: Backpacks

i'm a class of 2011er and did it all with my external frame i bought it for $9 at a yardsale.

just do it!

My X took off with my D3.
I really miss my D3.

I love my gregory baltoro 75. Its the best bag around for 2-10 day hikes in the back country. Gregory packs rule the trails!

Gregory makes the best backpacking bags around hands down! If you havnt used one, you would know.

I proudly own the Trekker 3900 external, it's a great pack. Yes, it's a bit heavy in comparison, but you gain the advantage of having the frame to improvise in an emergency for splints or stretchers or whatnot. It has a ton of assorted sized pockets, most are readily available without having to loosen the bag. It's just the right size to keep you honest and dismiss the luxuries, it fits only what you need with room to spare. And if you've ever hiked the Smokies in June, you'll know why back ventilation is key, this one does well, your lower back will be marshy but otherwise you'll feel the breeze. I personally don't care to be different or use older methods, they were thought of first for a reason. This bag is proven. Plus exercise is good, an extra few pounds makes you stronger overall, you're expected to feel spent when you reach the peak, not prancing up there airily with a bag made of tissue paper. Backpacking involves sweat and accomplishment, not blowing your children's tuition on flimsy gimmicks that save you 2 ounces. Maybe you should re-evaluate if you enjoy the experience of walking a ridge at dawn in solitude, versus how cool you look in your super puffy neon jacket. That said, aside from maybe waterproofing or adding zippered pockets in the waist band, it's quite suitable. And a steal for under $150. What's not to love?

I own severl internal frame packs and my go to gear eating pack is still my coleman peak 1 5400 ci.. hot weather and crazy heavy loads for my wife and little man. Eighteen years old and looks and feels new(some shoulder straps of corse) it's just a work horse. bottom line new and sexy is cool but go with what works for you..true story

5½ lbs?!? Ouch. I'll stick with my Golite Pinnacle pack. Using my Golite pack I can add in my Kelty 20° down sleeping bag, a Big Agnes Air Core sleeping pad and an Alite Butterfly chair and still weigh less than the Kelty Trekker pack empty! No thanks.

Last fall, I switched back to my 1978 Jansport D3 & I STILL LOVE IT!!
I hike in 3-5 miles, set up camp and hunt a week. I rarely see other humans. Also, I'm lighter going in than coming out. The packframe offers me packing flexibility which has been lacking with internals.This spring, I've stuck to the D3 for all my backpacking and have been VERY HAPPY. Now if my body would just perform the way IT did in 1978....

Love the organizing options of External frames. The back ventilation is also great. Since I am not scrambling I do want an internal.

5lb 9oz! I didn't know people still carried those!

I used a 1972 kelty for 39 years great pack but at my age I need a much lighter pack so i got a REI XT saved 1.5 lbs and it is just as comfortable as my old Kelty. Go Lite!!! enjoy the hike

What we need is an ultralight external frame pack using titanium or carbon fiber tubing and lighter material like ultralight internals. My first pack was an external Jansport "Backpacker". After using several internals for 15 years since, I went back to the external and now that my load is much lighter, it is much more comfortable than it ever was. Certainly better than most internals and I love the organizational options.

Im lookingfor a good 3 day pack with a sleeping bag compartment that actually is large enough to hold my bag. I like pockets and lots of access. Maybe a rain cover. Any suggestions? None of these looked like my bag

The Kelty 3900 adjusts from 14-20" for the shorter torso. The 3950 adjusts from 16-22" for the longer torso. I've had my 6 year old 3950 pack toting 50 lb loads with little trouble. It's old school, but I stay on the trail most of the time.

I believe the Kelty 3900 is made for women or youths. But Backpacker really doesn't make this very clear. But that aside, I started backpacking when external framed packs was all that was available unless you went to a ruck sack or military surplus and blue jeans was part of your hiking attire.I don't currently own an external pack but am considering trying one on again, because with the internal framed packs close body hug method of carrying the pack, not enough air ciculates between the hiker's back and the pack. As my trail name implies I do perspire alot and the external pack is said to do a better job of keeping the hiker a bit cooler on those perspiration inspired treks.

I have three Dana Design packs, and they still look nearly new!! Great packs!

Kelty has served Boy Scouts throughout the last 50 years. Externals, pack a lot, balance well and handle abuse. For any weeklong outing, take along a a small kit of replacement parts, i.e. (hitch pins, cotter pins, flex ties, buckles, duct tape).

I have had the Kelty for years now and have done enough elevation gain with 30-40lbs and can say I am glad I had this pack, Internal frame packs just dont function as well both in comfort and packing.

I'm still using my massive JanSport external frame pack from 1975--I believe it's called a K-2. With it, I can hike relatively upright for ten hours with a 45-pound. I wouldn't, however, trust it to baggage handlers.

Stuck in the 80's.

the women's Gregory Deva 60 is the best pack i've used. i was having real problems even carrying 35 lbs more than a few hours without my left shoulder becoming painful with other packs...had to basically walk with my back horizontal to keep any weight off my shoulder. Switched to Deva 60 and i can go hours walking upright with same weight. Heavier pack is way worth the weight. thank you Gregory!

I just purchased this pack last week and am very pleased so far. I did take off all the key rings and replaced them with hitch pins pushed all the way thru. Next weekend will be the test as we have our annual Klondike adventure with the Boy Scouts. Coming from a die hard internal frame pack to external was a wise decision for me and my needs.

Nope, Dana is still making the best packs on the planet. Mystery Ranch has a great website ( http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html )and their packs are made locally in Bozeman, Montana.

Dana hasn't gone anywhere. Still in Bozeman and still making great packs. Check out Mystery Ranch.

Love my Baltoro 70 and bought one for my dad last year - he loves it just as much as I do. After many weekend trips and long-term packing, it fits more comfortable than ever.

Ohhhhh how I wish Dana didn't sell out. I've had the Alpine for 13 years now. Still strong. Still haven't found a pack that can do better. Hopefully this one never deteriorates.