What backpack should I get?

[gwlund]

I'm going to be traveling to Europe this summer and I'm looking to get a backpack for that trip and future backpacking trips. My trip to Europe is going to be about a month long and the trip I will be taking later this summer in Colorado will be about 5 days. I want a pack that will last me a while. Any suggestions? thanks.

[Kevo]

Greggory, Osprey, and Arc'teryx are all excellent quality. Osprey packs are cool in that they can be custom molded but if you get a good enough pack fits you well enough the advantage is only marginal at best.

In my experience REI packs fall apart after heavy use. I've guided backpacking, climbing, and mountaineering trips for two years with a Greggory Palisade 85 and it barely has any wear. I also have had two REI day packs during this time and both look 10 years old.

Try on several and get the one that fits you best. Don't skimp on a pack or you'll be hurting (literally) later on.

[AKbruin]

My Arc'teryx Bora 80 has served me well for travelling (Europe, Africa, Asia, etc.) and trekking (Nepal, Alaska, Shasta, Yosemite) over the past 7 years. I have no plans on replacing it.

My advice would be to do to a good shop and try out a bunch of backpacks with 30-40 lbs of weight inside. (The store should have weighted beanbags for this purpose.) Chose the pack that feels the most comfortable. Like Kevo said, I wouldn't skimp.

[AsheanMT]

Hmmm. My REI Mars pack did really well for the first season but then I took it on a 1,000 mile Pacific Crest Trail hike and the shoulder straps blew out. No problem though as I just took it into REI and got another one with upgraded shoulder straps for free. That one is now on its third season and still looks brand new. You can always take your REI packs back if they "don't meet your expectations".

[XXX-er]

got a bora 65 and a bora 40 ,I was able to swap for a smaller hip belt on the 65 ,try a bunch on to see what works for you

[GeezerSteve]

McHale. Custom fit, fit can be changed for differing loads, many options, will last a lifetime, no Asian sweatshop child labor required. Finest packs made in the whole world.

[RockBoy]

I second the vote for Arcteryx. I have the Bora 80 and it has been good to me. Very solid pack and it is as comfy as can be. Try on as many as possible until you find the one that fits the best. I spent about 7 straight nights trying on packs and walking around the stores until I finally made my purchase. Don't skimp!

[gwlund]

Bump for more suggestions.

[gwlund]

I dont think I can afford the arcteryx so I narrowed it down to the gregory palisade 80 and the Osprey Aether 85 Pack. Does anyone have experience with either one or maybe both and can offer some advice?

[RShea]

RE: Experience with the possible choices- as others have stated try them on, see which one feels better.

You also can check out some of the backpacking forums- backpacker.com and practicalbackpacking.com both have forums you can search for comments.

[Lost in OC]

I second the vote for McHale. I've got about 10 packs in my garage, the McHale is by far and away the best of the lot, no questions. Great guy to work with, he will send you a demo pack to try out before you decide.

[brice618]

Ospreys are nice, I have a 70L Aether (or is atmos). Great pack, needs more pockets though.

[Kevo]

I have a Palisade 85 (as stated above) and my brother has an Aether 85. We both love our packs. Both are bomber- I guided with mine for 2 years, my bro took his around the world. Try. Them. On.

[Steven S. Dallas]

Get a red one. The red ones last longest.

[seldon]

Loved an arc'teryx pack - wore it from seventh grade through the end of high school, backpacking about 20 nights a year. The thing was absolutely bombproof - I never once ripped a seam, broke a zipper, had a strap blow out. I gave the pack to a younger friend who is still using it (9 years later) and the stitching still hasn't even started to fray.

I outgrew it, and ended up buying one of the Osprey's because it fit me better than the Bora 80, but I cannot overstate how well built the Arc'teryx pack's were (probably still are - I just can't say from experience). If you're concerned about price but like the dead-bird fit, buying one used would be totally legit - it's not like it'll fall apart on you.