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the most comfortable internal frame pack

Jim O'Brien · · Branford, CT · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 565

Gregory Packs are awesome, I logged over 250 mi backpacking with the Reality in a year. When selecting the pack, note the max recommended weight it was designed for. I found that when out for a two week jaunt, I loaded up on water one particular day, the next camp was dry, and found the suspension was not able to handle the extra weight. I estimated the pack was at least 75# loaded with 2+ gallons of water, far above the max load recommended. I'll buy another Gregory when this one really craps out.

Steve C · · Missoula, MT · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 70
ronnie ray wrote:ultimately, though, it's how the suspension fits your body and how it's padded. you need to load it up and walk around the store for a while, which is why rei is a great place to buy a pack.
I want to re-emphasize ronnie's point here. A pack that works really well for one person won't always work well for another. It's impossible to tell how the pack will fit unless you load it up with weight, adjust it properly and walk around the store while wearing it. Do this with like 4 or 5 different brands and you will have a good idea which pack will fit you best.
T-Bob · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 50

I agree with everyone's disdain for the new DD. Quality has really taken a dive. I spend a lot of time beneath enormous loads for work. I used an ill fitting Dana for years till one of my buddies offered me more than it was worth. I've regretted selling it for 5 years now. Currently I use a Lowe Alpine countour III and find it adequate with the 70+ lbs loads I suffer beneath. BUT, there is a better option. Granite Gear out of Two Harbors, MN makes some incredible packs. I have one of their ultra light packs and have carried some large loads with it for multiple days in the mtn.s of CO and overseas. the carbon fiber suspension sheet is like nothing else I've used. Some how they've made it fit 5'9, 185 lb. me equally well as my 6'3" 230lb. brother equally as well. He has one of their behemoth packs and has used it hard in the MN winters as well as extended trips in Wyoming.

You'd be doing yourself a disjustice if you didn't check Granite Gear out.
granitegear.com/

best wishes to your back
Tony

KathyS · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 125

I'll add to the list of Gregory fans. You can customize the suspension and hip belt of the high end packs. I have the simple Shasta, and was able to carry 1/3 of my body weight through steep terrain without any discomfort. They come in lots of sizes to get a good fit. I bought mine in person at Campmor, and the salesperson spent quite a bit of time with me to adjust it to fit. I spent more on it than I had planned, but it was worth it.

Kathy

Kai Larson · · Sandy, UT · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 436

I've used a number of big load packs. My favorite is my McHale. I've carried loads over 100 pounds with that pack.

John Hegyes · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 5,676

I wholeheartedly recommend Osprey packs.

Angry Boris · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 0

Back when I was buying in the mid-90's, the Gregorys were good but I felt they were too hard in their backsheets, the Lowes weren't comfortable at all, and the Ospreys had seam blowout problems. Seems like the Gregorys are still good, the Ospreys have gotten better, don't know about the Lowes, the Arcteryx are new to the market but at least well made. Yes, Marmot bought the Dana brand and their designs, but Dana Gleason now has a new outfit, Mystery Ranch. Google them, look at their website; the designs there are essentially identical to the old Dana ones and I'm guessing still excellent quality, workmanship, materials, and comfort. I used my trusty Terraplane on Denali four times; no complaints at all. Picked up an Astralplane since that's what the Denali guides were using and someday expect to use it on Aconcagua. Tested them out with 60 lbs of sandbags in the local REI and the place in Keene Valley, NY for about an hour each; comfy!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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