Over the past month I've been looking into the different backpacks available. While I haven't handled nearly as many as I'd like, I have managed to get my hands on a few. I'll try to keep my reviews and musings brief.
In the meantime, I'm curious to know what packs other members have had experience with, and what they like about a particular design vs. another. Personally I have a lot of opinions on this topic, and I'd like to hear what other members have to say.
For years I've used a selection of Kelty External and Internal frame packs for the majority of my outings. My favorites are a relatively small green external frame and my smaller black internal frame. I prefer the external frame for summer, being much cooler while hiking and more comfortable with bulky items. The pocket layout is very functional as well, with easily accessible, fully enclosed zipper or snap pockets. These easily swallow my waterbottles, which is key, and keep my trailsnacks and smaller gear items organized. None of my internal frame packs have a similar layout, which is my biggest complaint with them.
What my internal frames do have is a compact profile. When carrying soft items, such as clothing, food, and small misc. gear, the pack itself ends up being lighter and easier to balance with. The straps and waistbelt are comfortable under load, being fully adjustable. Instead of pockets, these packs have compression straps on either side, which I've managed to lash waterbottle sleeves and strap my tent to. Hardly a replacement for the full side pockets on the Ext. frame. My large blue Int. does have little mesh pockets at the bottom, but anything in them is left exposed to the elements. Helpful in some ways, but on several occaisons I, or my partner has had their water freeze solid while on a climb because it was left exposed. I do have a newer Kelty Int. which will accept a hydration pouch from a CamelBak, but I still like to carry at least part of my water supply in bottles.
I've had my CamelBak HAWG for just over a year now, and I really like this pack. It is black, but it was $80 at the Bx/Px, and black was the only color they had. The attention to detail on this pack is great. They include velcro tabs to keep straps short & tidy, quality zippers, webbing and compression straps in enough of the right places. The stowable waist strap is nice for bike riding, and when running with a full bladder. The straps and contsruction in general is very decent, and I haven't had any problems with it yet.
By far the greatest feature is the included 100oz. bladder, followed closely by the 6 rows of 4-loop MOLLE webbing across the face of the pack. Even when pouches are not being used, they make great attach points for straps, webbing, paracord, carabiners, etc. The only complaints I can really make about the pack are the lack of additional MOLLE points on the sides or top of the pack, which in my mind would really increase its versatility.
I've recently handled both the CamelBak Motherlode ($110@Bx/Px) and BFM(155w/S&H from Botach) packs. The MotherLode (ML) is a healthy step up in size from the HAWG, which was limited in capacity, especially with a full bladder. The ML sports wider, heftier shoulder straps and a fully padded, removable waistbelt. The carrying handle is also beefier. Five 5-loop MOLLE rows are evenly spaced on the face of the pack, with another pair of 9-loop rows across the lower panel. Three, 3-loop rows can also be found on the sides.
For a larger daypack, I think this pack would be excellent, but what I find confusing is the pack lacks a frame entirely. It has a perfectly serviceable belt, but no frame to transfer the weight of the pack from the shoulders to the hips. There is some rigidity due to the padding and stiff construction, but I'm wondering how well it compares to my smaller Kelty Int. when loaded. I know some members have and use this pack, and I'm eager to hear their feedback on it.
Which bring me to the BFM, which is a very nicely laid out pack. It's very similar to the ML, with larger, deeper pockets and dimensions. Three pockets were added, one large mesh organizer pocket across the face, which I'm very impressed with, and 2 side pockets that span the sides of the pack. MOLLE attach points were trimmed from this pack, only carrying 4 of the 5 rows found on the face of the ML, 2 of the 3 rows on the sides, and both lower panel rows being deleted. There is a beefy carrying handle on the top, and both sides of the pack, and two internal mesh pockets to the ML's one. CamelBak advertises that this pack has a internal aluminum frame... which inspired me to imagine a twin stay design similar to my Kelty Internals. I was very surprised to find a large sheet of what appeared to be kydex, with a single aluminum stay down the center, lining up perfectly with your spine. I found this a bitter disappointment to an otherwise brilliant pack. It probably does well when lightly loaded, but when I tried on my cousin's after he had loaded his gear, it was less than comfortable.
I've looked at Maxpedition's packs as well, and my impression of them is that they are quite similar to the CamelBak Military line of packs, but lacking the quality shoulder pads and waistbelts. I do like the compression straps and ample attach points, but without an Int. frame or padded belt, I can't imagine carrying something much larger than the HAWG I already own. There is also the preference of the standard MOLLE to their Snap & Anchor system. I could be way off, but unfortunately I don't have a selection of their packs to review as closely.
Then there are packs like those offered by Kifaru. They look incredible, even after considering the extra weight. With Int. or Ext. frames, and an expandable design with plenty of ways to attach all of your gear. The cost is staggering though. Besides, is a simple side pocket really $70 to make? Or $15 extra reasonable for grommets? My CamelBak and TT pouches have those standard! Even still, I'm left admiring the design.
Perhaps Camelbaks or Maxpeditions could be modified? I've done some work on my Keltys out of frustration, but nothing that involved. I've been thinking about buying a new pack, but I have a hard time deciding what I like.
Thanks to everyone for putting up with my long post! Pack design is something I tend to study and muse over quite often. I hope this strikes a chord with someone of a similar mind, but either way, I'd appreciate any feedback on your packs (of any type) and experiences. I'll post pictures of the different packs I have on hand if anyone is interested.
Thanks in advance,
- Rail
In the meantime, I'm curious to know what packs other members have had experience with, and what they like about a particular design vs. another. Personally I have a lot of opinions on this topic, and I'd like to hear what other members have to say.
For years I've used a selection of Kelty External and Internal frame packs for the majority of my outings. My favorites are a relatively small green external frame and my smaller black internal frame. I prefer the external frame for summer, being much cooler while hiking and more comfortable with bulky items. The pocket layout is very functional as well, with easily accessible, fully enclosed zipper or snap pockets. These easily swallow my waterbottles, which is key, and keep my trailsnacks and smaller gear items organized. None of my internal frame packs have a similar layout, which is my biggest complaint with them.
What my internal frames do have is a compact profile. When carrying soft items, such as clothing, food, and small misc. gear, the pack itself ends up being lighter and easier to balance with. The straps and waistbelt are comfortable under load, being fully adjustable. Instead of pockets, these packs have compression straps on either side, which I've managed to lash waterbottle sleeves and strap my tent to. Hardly a replacement for the full side pockets on the Ext. frame. My large blue Int. does have little mesh pockets at the bottom, but anything in them is left exposed to the elements. Helpful in some ways, but on several occaisons I, or my partner has had their water freeze solid while on a climb because it was left exposed. I do have a newer Kelty Int. which will accept a hydration pouch from a CamelBak, but I still like to carry at least part of my water supply in bottles.
I've had my CamelBak HAWG for just over a year now, and I really like this pack. It is black, but it was $80 at the Bx/Px, and black was the only color they had. The attention to detail on this pack is great. They include velcro tabs to keep straps short & tidy, quality zippers, webbing and compression straps in enough of the right places. The stowable waist strap is nice for bike riding, and when running with a full bladder. The straps and contsruction in general is very decent, and I haven't had any problems with it yet.
By far the greatest feature is the included 100oz. bladder, followed closely by the 6 rows of 4-loop MOLLE webbing across the face of the pack. Even when pouches are not being used, they make great attach points for straps, webbing, paracord, carabiners, etc. The only complaints I can really make about the pack are the lack of additional MOLLE points on the sides or top of the pack, which in my mind would really increase its versatility.
I've recently handled both the CamelBak Motherlode ($110@Bx/Px) and BFM(155w/S&H from Botach) packs. The MotherLode (ML) is a healthy step up in size from the HAWG, which was limited in capacity, especially with a full bladder. The ML sports wider, heftier shoulder straps and a fully padded, removable waistbelt. The carrying handle is also beefier. Five 5-loop MOLLE rows are evenly spaced on the face of the pack, with another pair of 9-loop rows across the lower panel. Three, 3-loop rows can also be found on the sides.
For a larger daypack, I think this pack would be excellent, but what I find confusing is the pack lacks a frame entirely. It has a perfectly serviceable belt, but no frame to transfer the weight of the pack from the shoulders to the hips. There is some rigidity due to the padding and stiff construction, but I'm wondering how well it compares to my smaller Kelty Int. when loaded. I know some members have and use this pack, and I'm eager to hear their feedback on it.
Which bring me to the BFM, which is a very nicely laid out pack. It's very similar to the ML, with larger, deeper pockets and dimensions. Three pockets were added, one large mesh organizer pocket across the face, which I'm very impressed with, and 2 side pockets that span the sides of the pack. MOLLE attach points were trimmed from this pack, only carrying 4 of the 5 rows found on the face of the ML, 2 of the 3 rows on the sides, and both lower panel rows being deleted. There is a beefy carrying handle on the top, and both sides of the pack, and two internal mesh pockets to the ML's one. CamelBak advertises that this pack has a internal aluminum frame... which inspired me to imagine a twin stay design similar to my Kelty Internals. I was very surprised to find a large sheet of what appeared to be kydex, with a single aluminum stay down the center, lining up perfectly with your spine. I found this a bitter disappointment to an otherwise brilliant pack. It probably does well when lightly loaded, but when I tried on my cousin's after he had loaded his gear, it was less than comfortable.
I've looked at Maxpedition's packs as well, and my impression of them is that they are quite similar to the CamelBak Military line of packs, but lacking the quality shoulder pads and waistbelts. I do like the compression straps and ample attach points, but without an Int. frame or padded belt, I can't imagine carrying something much larger than the HAWG I already own. There is also the preference of the standard MOLLE to their Snap & Anchor system. I could be way off, but unfortunately I don't have a selection of their packs to review as closely.
Then there are packs like those offered by Kifaru. They look incredible, even after considering the extra weight. With Int. or Ext. frames, and an expandable design with plenty of ways to attach all of your gear. The cost is staggering though. Besides, is a simple side pocket really $70 to make? Or $15 extra reasonable for grommets? My CamelBak and TT pouches have those standard! Even still, I'm left admiring the design.
Perhaps Camelbaks or Maxpeditions could be modified? I've done some work on my Keltys out of frustration, but nothing that involved. I've been thinking about buying a new pack, but I have a hard time deciding what I like.
Thanks to everyone for putting up with my long post! Pack design is something I tend to study and muse over quite often. I hope this strikes a chord with someone of a similar mind, but either way, I'd appreciate any feedback on your packs (of any type) and experiences. I'll post pictures of the different packs I have on hand if anyone is interested.
Thanks in advance,
- Rail
