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I was thinking about buying a Kelty Moraine. Anyone have any pros/cons, yeas/nays, mutts/jeffs to share about that model?

Anyone got any favorite internal frames around 3000 - 3500 c.i. that they'd care to recommend?


Trying to stay under $150 here. No need to break my already fragile bank account.


Right now Campmor has the old style Moraine on closeout for $69. It's about 3000 - 3200 c.i. The new style is about 3200 - 3600 c.i. but about $120 or so.


How about the Redwing 2900?

Or maybe I should just get a Coyote?

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

I figure I'll use this pack mostly for overnighters with a weekend here or there. I tend to pack light. No backpack espresso makers for me, or anything like that.

The Redwing 2900 is a rucksack style pack & weighs 3# 2 oz.
The Coyote is more substantial, holds 4500 ci., but weighs 5# 3oz.
The Moraine is, depending on size, 3# 2oz, or 3# 10oz.

Kelty makes their "Haiku" in the 3000ci. size (3# 8oz.)... my wife LOVES hers. ( I paid $90.00 @ REI-Outlet 8 months ago for it)
$114.00 now @ http://shop.store.yahoo.com/mbstores-st ... nfrba.html
They also make a 4350 ci. Haiku. (3# 15 oz.)
( I have the same pack in the 5750 ci. size (3# 15 oz., same weight as the 4350) , I love mine as well & paid $129.00 @ Campmor 1 1/2 yrs., and 500+ backpacking miles, ago)
All of the Haiku line has the internal bladder holder (not yours, but one from which to drink )

If you're looking to save some REAL $ ( I can't comment on durability) check out THIS pack...$ 40.00, 3# 2oz. !, 5700 ci. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/ ... rmenbr=226
Popular carries some Outdoor Products packs; you might get a look at it there, and they might "price-match" Campmor.... that is, if it suits your needs

Good luck !

Kelty makes fine products, although I have never owned a pack, I do have a Cricket 2 tent, loaded with quality. About packs, this Is what I've learned... several small companies are doing very well, with much ado:

Granite Gear, the Precipice won Backpackers "best weekender" award for its carrying comfort. 2800-3200 in. 3 sizes (G.G. has a very impressive sizing options) 3,4oz. $129
I am in the market to buy Granite gear's Nimbus Access FZ.

Deuter, German made packs. Their Vario Futura also got high marks, with a curved suspension called "air contact" that keeps the pack an inch off your back. I own the ActLite 45+10, and have never found a small pack to be more comfy. Huge in Europe.
Vario Futura 50+10 (60 L.) 3000-3600, 5,5oz BUT loaded with features
$149

Also noteworthy;
Outbound Products
Mountainsmith
EMS

Just an FYI, REI is having thier "Garage Sale" in mid February, you may want to check that out first and see if you can get something there.

In response to napalm's reply:
The Kelty Moraine sucks, I took two back to REI both with the same problem, stitch busted in the same exact place. I only used it once on both occasion with very little weight. I then went to the Gregory Stinger, good for canyoneering. I primarly use my Camelback H.A.W.G. I can get three days of backpacking by packing light. It's awesome for dayhikes, and I beat the hell out of it and it takes it.

J&SHike wrote:In response to napalm's reply:
I primarly use my Camelback H.A.W.G. I can get three days of backpacking by packing light. It's awesome for dayhikes, and I beat the hell out of it and it takes it.

I have one of these too! I love it, i use it for everything!

Back on topic, I saw that Moraine for sale too, no personal experience with it, but at that price I'd be willing to try it.

REI also has it's Morning Star dicounted right now too, about $20-30 off retail.

good Luck

In response to mikeinFHAZ's reply:

Vario Futura 50+10 (60 L.) 3000-3600, 5,5oz BUT loaded with features
$149

I saw one of these on the net for around $90. It definitely caught my eye with that airconditioned suspension.

I also saw a Jansport Peregrine for $49.95, 3200 cu.in. 4 lb. 6 oz.


I didn't see the Gregory Stinger shown on their site; is it still in production? I'll also look at a HAWG.

If you're not in a rush, first check all the backpacking websites and read the reviews. Then go try 'em on. The pack must fit or it is worthless to you, regardless of price. Then try ebay if you really want to get a good deal. The REI Garage sale is a possibility. Your choices are many.

Slisk

Isnt the HAWG about 1200 cu in including bladder pouch though?


THat Haiku looks like a sweet pack!

pfredricks wrote:Isnt the HAWG about 1200 cu in including bladder pouch though?


THat Haiku looks like a sweet pack!

Yea it is
Volume: Cargo Only – 1100 cu in (18.0 l) • Including Water – 1280 cu in (20.9 l)

though i was able to strap my sleeping bag and pad to the outside, and enough stuff for a short overnight, and it wasn't too bad.

How about the CT (camp trails) Eiger 36 offered by Eureka? They have a clearance sight where I bought mine a few weeks ago. Hiked Reavis Fall with it last weekend and it performed admirably.

The price was better than I thought I'd find from Eureka. $64 + $10 flat fee for shipping. Took about 10 days.

Torso: 18-23"
2 compartment
Top & bottom access
"S" straps, sternum and padded hips
daisy chain, zippered top pouch
side & back strap anchors
load lifters, cinch & compression straps top, sides & bottom

Good luck...

Also, I plan to get a couple of pockets to add later. I just strapped my 1st Aid kit and rope to the side anchors for the first trip out. Pockets would be a nice expansion.

For weekends I'm using a Mountainsmith Ghost. It has 2800 cui of space and only weighs a hair over 2lbs. It also has a large internal pocket for a camelback/hydration bladder. The suspension is plush and it handle 25-30lbs with ease. You can find them for well under $150.