Mid sized pack recommendations

[Rainierwon]

Time to ditch the old midsized pack.

Any recommendations and reasons? Looking at 3000-3500 sizes, maybe a little larger. Don't want more than a few basic features, like durability, ice axe loops and weight to use for overnight mixed climbing.

RW

[ScottP]

Check out the Osprey packs

 

I own the Eclipse series (42+5) and it carries as nicely as any I have owned in the last 20 or so years. Not a lot of extra "features" and not too heavy.

Another thing I like about it is the "straitjacket" design that allows versatility in volume.

[Zoran]

 

I don't think you can find better pack than this one. Full option is 2050g but if you remove all extras it drops to 1400g.

http://www.deuter.com/cms/front_content....7a611eced284a93

Z

http://www.deuterusa.com/guide45.html

Edited August 17, 2005 by Zoran

[TrogdortheBurninator]

I have a Deuter 35+ and while good, it is not the greatest pack ever. The side access zipper is a stupid waste of weight on a pack this size. I think it acutally has some excessive straps and features. The waste belt is pretty awesome after i finally figured out how you remove it.

[JoshK]

I agree. I always thought those Dueter packs had too much extra stuff on them. Side or middle height zippers are ridiculous. If you can't find your shit with a standard top open pack then you brought too much crap or packed poorly.

[TREETOAD]

Have you checked out the Kelty Haiku or Satori packs?

[Chad_A]

Check out the BD Shadow 55. 3lbs 7oz, 3360 c.i.

 

Very basic. Or check out the Wild Things Rocsac or Icesac.

[mattp]

Side or middle height zippers are ridiculous. If you can't find your shit with a standard top open pack then you brought too much crap or packed poorly.

 

For anything lager than a day pack, I've always preferred packs that provided some access to the bottom. I would find a pack without a side or middle height zipper to be a nuisance.

[kioti]

I've been enjoying the Gregory Exo-Series packs (I have the Ekko). The pack moves with you well, Seems to carry everything I need well (except a shovel), and is super comfy. It is a bit heavier than some, but I've had it loaded with plenty of stuff before and it didn't break my back.

 

My ultimate recommendation would be to go to your local gear shop and try on some stuff. I don't know where exactly you're located, but here is my run down of shops in different regions.

Portland- The Mountain Shop (US Outdoors blows)

Olympia- Alpine Experience (great selection)

Tacoma- Backpackers Supply (only REAL gear shop in town)

Seattle- Feathered Friends

Bellevue- Marmot Mtn Works

Everett- Cascade Crags

 

Any one of those shops will spend some time with you to find the right pack.

 

Alan

[thelawgoddess]

 

I don't think you can find better pack than this one. Full option is 2050g but if you remove all extras it drops to 1400g.

http://www.deuter.com/cms/front_content....7a611eced284a93

Z

http://www.deuterusa.com/guide45.html

this looks like a great pack. i have been thinking about getting it for ski touring and light overnight adventures where my current 35L pack won't cut it.

[cj001f]

Macpac

 

Not the cheapest, or the lightest. Well made, durable, pleasingly simple design.

[K_Y_L_E]

At 4200 it may be a bit bigger than you want, but the Mountainsmith Auspex is a great pack. Very basic, light, comfortable, carries a lot of weight, and very durable. Two thumbs up fo sho!

Good luck

Kyle

[Paul_K]

I know I've seen some discussion of the Cold Cold World Chaos - does anybody have experience with carrying heavier loads - 50 lbs or so with this pack?

[Airborn_69]

Check out the Osprey packs

 

I own the Eclipse series (42+5) and it carries as nicely as any I have owned in the last 20 or so years. Not a lot of extra "features" and not too heavy.

Another thing I like about it is the "straitjacket" design that allows versatility in volume.

Can't go wrong with Osprey packs man!

[smithisheaven]

Cold Cold World packs rock. I own the Chernoble and the Chaos and they both rule. Not to heavy, in fact light for what they offer. Look at the other competitors wieght and you will see just how light these things are. Not any extras that you dont need. The Chernoble is great for 2 to 3 day alpine trips and climbs real well. The Chaos has seen alot of time on Rainer and longer trips and works great. They dont have any real frame but 50# loads with the Chaos are very doable. Both have removable bivy pads. have a parter who carried 60# with the chernoble once. Looked like a gypsy with everything hanging out and clanking, it was a bit to much for that pack. He swore he shrunk by 2 inches after that trip.

[Crampon]

BD Ice pack is perfect......

[whidbey]

BD shadow 45 gets my vote!! Great pack. Light and enough space for a long weekend.