Pack Frustrations

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 09 2005 9:36 pm

Okay- time to enlist the enormous collective experience of the HAZ community, cuz I am just about at my wits end!

I have been on a backpack hunt for quite a few weeks, and have gone through the ringer trying to find one that fits well. I have a 22" torso, and that is making it extremely difficult to find a day or weekend pack (without going to like 60000 ci or spending over 200 bucks!). I think I tried every pack on at the Hiking Shack and no cigar! I am currently using a REI Lookout for day hikes- of course it doesn't really fit at all, especially with any type of weight (learned the hard way on a 2 day recently- it packed well but after 1 day I had no neck). I have tried the North Face Terra 50, the Deuter Vario Futura 50 +10, and I just received a Mountainsmith Phantom. The largest torso I can find is 22", which of course just barely fits! With the Phantom, there is absolutely no left over shoulder strap at all! HELP!

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions? I'm about ready to just hike with a bandana tied to a stick.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Mike

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Aug 09 2005 10:03 pm

Mike, as you know, I feel your pain. We've backpacked together before. You're looking for the "supersizeme pack" and I'm looking for the "mini me" size pack. I can't find a pack that fits my petite 13" length but am now thinking of getting an adjustable external frame backpack. I bought the Gregory Deva 60 in XS last year but it's just a little off. But when you're carting 30+ pounds...that can be the difference between a great backpack trip or misery. I might have to look into the childrens packs.

Shi · Post by **Shi** » Aug 09 2005 10:05 pm

Mike, I have friends as tall as you, they use the Vapor Trail backpack. They are light weight packs. They are no frills, but very functional. I think I saw them on sale at campmore recently. Mary

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 10 2005 9:05 am

In response to Trishness' reply:

Hey Trish!

30 lbs! Now- see there's our problem!! heee... since our overnighter in May, my philosophy is going more and more to ultralight- thanks to Chris and in no small part to my aching shoulders!

Since I have been doing all this research (instead of working), I have noticed most packs start at 14" torsos and go up to 21.5".

Wearing one of those 21.5" torso packs feels like wearing size 32" waist jeans right out of the dryer when I wear size 33". Talk about binding!

What happened to the days when we carried all of our stuff in a burlap sack slung over the shoulder... heee...heeee..

And that- is the long and the short of it!

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 10 2005 9:11 am

In response to Shi's reply:

Thanks Mary- I'm researching the Vapor Trail now- torso length up to 25 comfortable inches! Whoo-hoo! I'm also reading some gear test reports so I don't do my usual and make hasty instantly gratifying decisions.

Campmor doesn't have them on sale anymore, but that is not so bad- I just bought the Phantom from Campmor, so I can trade it in and at least get free shipping on the new one. Searching the web, I can't find it any less expensive right now- $150.00 is not too bad (considering my difficulty here).

How was Kendrick?

Mike

mttgilbert · Post by **mttgilbert** » Aug 10 2005 2:29 pm

go to REI and try the mars pack. The large size adjusts up to about 23 inches. The pack is about 4000ci, I don't know if that's too large or not....

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Aug 10 2005 3:57 pm

There's a 2004 G.G. Vapor Trail LONG for $85.oo at http://www.backpacking.net in the classifieds.
Below are the details...

Remember, it's not mine, but I came across thread on the TLB site, so use the email address below...

BTW - I SWEAR by my Vapor Trail.... they'll pry it from my cold, dead fingers......

Granite Gear Vapor Trail, size L, 2004 model like new $85
Osprey Atmos 50, size M, as new, $95
Osprey Atmos 25, size M, as new, $75
Gregory Reactor, excellent, $25

All packs, add $8 shipping.

If interested contact : runsmtns59@msn.com

_____________________________________________________________

there's also a used LONG one on eBay >>
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

Also a new LONG one @ $126.00 with FREE SHIPPING) (this is where I purchased mine)
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

Just call them up & buy @ the eBay price (or less)... sometimes they'll throw in a stuff sack or something.......

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 10 2005 4:26 pm

Hey Thanks!

Yep this is the one! I've been reading many reviews today and I'm anxious to try it! I was a little concerned about the lack of an actual lid, but all the reports say the roll down extension sleeve works great!

And up to 25" torso will allievate all the pack frustrations I've been having!

Thanks for the info!

Mike

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Aug 10 2005 4:35 pm

G.G. MAKES an optional lid.. but it's expensive, has about zero capacity and adds unnecessary weight

( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

kurt

tkknc · Post by **tkknc** » Aug 10 2005 4:46 pm

I would suggest
http://www.mchalepacks.com
They will make a custom sized Pack for you.

You can also sew you own from a kit.
http://www.ray-way.com/backpack/index.shtml

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Aug 13 2005 9:12 pm

matt gilbert wrote:go to REI and try the mars pack. The large size adjusts up to about 23 inches. The pack is about 4000ci, I don't know if that's too large or not....

Matt,

Does REI have any new backpacks for us munchkins yet? (13-13.5") Pickins' have been scarce the last few seasons and I really don't want to sew my own.

MelC · Post by **MelC** » Aug 14 2005 1:38 pm

Trishness:
Have you looked at the Kelty Illusion? It was in Backpacker Magazine as a Best Buy and has a torso length of 12 - 17 inches. I'm 5'4" and it fits great on me, withthe usual pack adjusting. You can buy it on REI.com and they'll ship it to the store. I will admit, the color is a little bright, but it's a great pack for $160!

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 15 2005 7:55 am

Hey Trish-

That pack looks sweet- and only 3.5 lbs.

Check it out here for $136- This is where I just purchased the Vapor Trail- it's coming today! Whooo-hooo!

( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Aug 15 2005 11:18 am

Trish, you might look at the Gregory Tega XS or the Osprey Luna XS, the first being a 14 in. and the second being 14 or less. The Tega is a scant 2,8 and comes in a cool deep pink (Rose)
Otherwise, there are KIDS packs (dont laugh) that are just as functional as the bigger ones. Check out Rokk, Vaude (Mighty Mite) and the Deuter Fox 30.
( 2018-08-28 dead link removed ) this might indeed be your next pack. Dont think because they aren't popular in the States means anything. They are all the rage in New Zealand, Australia, and all of Europe. I have the 45+10 ActLite, its a Great pack for $130. When you get to the home page, click the "systems" icon and then the Aircontact SL link. Here it is on sale!! ( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Aug 15 2005 12:42 pm

( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )
heres the TEGA on sale, make sure to scroll down and read the reviews.

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Aug 15 2005 9:29 pm

Wow,

Thanks for all your suggestions...they are all awesome! It's tough finding a pack when you're barely over 5 foot tall

My Gregory Deva 60 is 3200 cu in and fits things nicely for a full weekend adventure. Weighs 4 lbs 14 oz. It's just a smidgeon too big even in XS since it fits torsos 14" and I'm a 13-13 1/2 That variance of 1" makes a difference when you're carting out 30 pounds. The pack seems to shift a bit and sits just a little too low on my hips and gaps a bit at the shoulders so it can get uncomfortable after several hours of backpacking.

I looked at the Gregory Tega and it's way too small for backpacking since it's only 2,500 cu in.

The Osprey Luna is WAAAY too pricey at >$300 and also fits 14" and up so I'd probably have the same problem I have with a good fit.

HOWEVER, the Kelty Illusion is definitely worth a gander at $160 and 3 lbs. 6 oz. and 3500 cu in. THANKS FOR THAT SUGGESTION MEL!

And MikeinFH.......I'd NEVER laugh at the kiddie packs since I already buy the kiddie hiking boots

Since I'll be in the Tucson area next month, I plan on stopping by the Summit Hut to see what they have to offer. My thanks to you all for your suggestions!

Trish

MelC · Post by **MelC** » Aug 16 2005 7:58 am

no problem Trish! Let us know what you end up with and how you like it!

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Sep 10 2005 1:47 pm

MelC wrote:no problem Trish! Let us know what you end up with and how you like it!

I'm very excited as I finally tried the Kelty Illusion at Sportsman's Warehouse today. Now these guys are no backpack experts but it only took a minimal amount of adjustment and it fits like a DREAM! They also have another pack (Kelty Tornado) that also fits me and that one has a capacity of 4,000 cu in~~~~both packs are hydration compatible and the only disappointment is the lack of compartments which I guess I could live with because I'm so happy to have found something that FITS!

Now I need to justify buying another backpack other than being a gear junkie!!!!!

Does anyone have the Tornado and can give me a review of it? Thanks.

:mrgreen:

MelC · Post by **MelC** » Sep 11 2005 12:31 pm

not sure about the tornado but Kelty's packs seem to be good overall. I love my Illusion! yep it does have less pockets than say, my husband's Kelty pack, but i've learned to deal (plus the side pockets are actually pretty nice)!

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Sep 12 2005 6:23 pm

In response to MelC's reply:

Thanks all for your responses here in and in PM's. After much thought, I decided to go with the Kelty Shadow which holds 4500 cubes and was only $20 more than the Illusion (3500 cubes). I found it for $159.99 with FREE SHIPPING at

( 2018-08-28 dead link removed )

3 lbs 8 oz!!!!!!! I think I got the last one since they are now on backorder. So now I have to plan a trip to test it out.

:biggrin:

Pack Frustrations

Pack Frustrations

GG Vapor Trail

Packs

Kelty Illusion