My husband and I recently moved to Colorado. Before we hiked a lot but really just a couple miles on nice days. Now we’re out there almost every day and our weekend hikes are getting longer and longer.
I have no interest in getting into backpacking or camping, but I’ve noticed that our Deuter speed light and Fjallraven Raven 20 just aren’t cutting it anymore. We’ve had to turn around a few times already because we couldn’t bring enough water. We’ve added a lot more gear (for example snow spikes, binoculars).
What is a good backpack that will get us through a day in the mountains? Something we can pack enough water, food, and gear in to be able to hike from dawn to dusk in any (reasonable) weather. Would we need a backpack with a frame? What other things should we take into consideration?
I have no idea where to even begin on this upgrade.
Anything from Osprey in the 28-35 liter range will be solid - Manta, Stratus, etc. If you’re doing big days with lots of water and/or photo gear, a frame is nice. There are tons of other options from Gregory, Mammut, etc. but REI carries Osprey in-store so you have a good chance of actually being able to try it on.
One thing I would avoid, are alpine style packs unless you really think you’ll need it. They tend to be stripped down without hip belt or side pockets, which are pretty handy for hiking.
About 30L should do it. Most of the bigger brand name packs are good quality, just find what’s comfortable for you. Some packs that size have a light frame, and some don’t. Whether you get one with or without a frame is entirely personal preference. I went for a frameless Gregory because my back is going to get sweaty no matter what I do, and I prefer carrying weight as close to my body as possible due to an old hip injury.
Can you go to REI or another outfitter and try some on? That’s the best way to go about it.
PS, I also said I had no interest in camping or backpacking when I got really into hiking… And now I go camping or backpacking whenever I can Famous last words!
First step is to figure out how much volume you need. Loosely pack everything you need in a cardboard box. Add 10% for overage. Do a volume calculation for a cube. No guess work at that point.
I’ve got a Gregory Zulu 30. It’s a nice pack, holds plenty for all 4 seasons, nice hipbelt, pockets, etc. They make it in a women’s also (Jade 28). Main gripes are that: (a) it doesn’t have stow and go trekking pole slots like Osprey (b) It doesn’t have shoulder strap pockets (I bought an aftermarket one from Gossamer Gear). I forget which Osprey my wife has, but it bests the Gregory in weight and features (has a and b). The hipbelt is not great though and the pockets are set too far back.
I wouldn’t rule out any major brands, but Osprey and Gregory are definitely my personal favs. Whatever you get I’d probably aim around the 30L size. Try some on at REI if you have one near enough.
Famous last words!