Just looking for some advice on backpacks. I have a long torso and a pretty small waist(30in), and not too many packs seem to fit. I'm not an ultralight hiker but I don't prefer cast iron either. I like the osprey atmos 65, the couple extra pockets and sleeping bag compartment, but it chafes my neck and the water bottle pockets are stupid! Anyone have any ideas on a good pack with those similar features that might fit my gangly form? Thanks for your input!!!
_Planthead_The right backpack
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#1
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#2
May be you need a smaller one than the 65. Go to a GOOD outdoors shop(ONE that has workers that also hike) and have some one there help you get one that fits properply. I have a couple of the osprey packs and love them all. I use the water bladder on them for while i hike and just use the water bottle pockets for storing my stove and other items.
_frog_
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#3
It's a rare hiker who has a Osprey atmos 65 and does not have one or 2 marks on his neck from the rub this pack gives. I think it has to do with a bad sewing angle. I attempted every kind of strap adjustment and it did not work. The problem with pack advice is that we are all built so differently that what may be great for one may be hell for another. My advice, go to an outfitter that has a bunch of packs and get a store clerk who knows what their talking about and knows how to measure and fit a backpack. REI is a good bet if you have one in your state.
_Francis_
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#4
You also should try the pack with weight in it. If you can rent or borrow some packs for a weekend hike so you can try them under actual conditions would be ideal. At least load them up with weighted bags found in most good outfitters and walk around the shop with slightly more then you will be carrying. I have an Osprey that I love and an old ULA that fits like a glove and is a great pack. I purchased a water bottle holster for my pack belt where I put a small water bottle and use the pack pockets for water to refil the small bottle. I do not like using a water bladder.
_Big B_
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#5
I used the REI 65 liter pack on my thru-hike. It comes in different sizes. REI has coupons that can make it very reasonably priced. You can order from REI on the internet if you don't have one in your area. Their quarantee is super. I was able to get a new backpack after my thru-hike on the A.T. To see the backpack, go to trailjournals/DreamWalker Ga.>Me. 2011.
_DreamWalker_
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#6
checkout Trailspace,com,Someone told me about this site awhile back.Iswitched to Osprey half way thru my hike of the A,T. in 04
_southernman_
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#7
i used the osprey 50 liter atoms on a thru hike and it worked fine - it was plenty big enough too.
my $.02
_Thru Hiker_
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#9
Mike, the military pack is built for durability, which it achieves at the price of weight. We don't see many thru-hikers who use them for that very reason.
_Francis_