Type of Pack...Brand Names??

[Glenda]

Hi Everyone!!
Just a quick question....
I am not an experienced traveller at all, but I am just setting up to buy a pack.  I am just looking around and seeing what's out there....but I realize that I have no idea what to buy....HELP!!!!  Well I kinda lied...I do have an idea because I read the other questions and the tips, but I'm stuck on the brand names......DOES IT MATTER, or is this opinion......or what.  Could anyone tell me maybe 3 good names of brands that are good, and maybe some that are not so good.  I understand that Eagle Creek is good....but I just want a few different kinds so I can look and compare.  What does everyone think about Jack Wolfskin, Low Alpine, or The North Face?  Sorry if I'm a bit nieve about this.  Anyway hope someone can give me a clue, Thanks.  

[Kim]

Hi Glenda,

Look at them all. Go into a sporting good store or a camping store and get them to put a weight in them for you. What that does is give you a realistic expectation of how it will feel. Those three that you named are all big brands, which I'm sure are decent as well.

Make sure to try one of the Eagle Creek Women's models. They are best suited to a women's frame.

You definately want your pack to have a padded waist belt-this is where you will carry most of the weight.

Once you have found the one you like the best, make a note of the price. Come back and check on the web if you can get it cheaper, which often you can.

Kim

[Valeriana]

hey glenda!!

im new at this too, but i just bought one of the eagle creek womens models.  I love it!!! It actually fits to the contours of my back.  Good luck and safe travels

[CuriousToronto]

If you live in Canada -- you can't go wrong with Mountain Equipment Co-op!

[LHR02]

Can't praise the Eagle Creek womens models enough. 4 months with nary a problem. This is not an area to try and save money. If your pack fits badly or is poorly made you will regret the few bucks you 'saved' every day. ;D Your pack and your boots/walking shoes.....gotta spend the money here as both of them will control the success of your trip.

[Kim]

Boyfriend had an Eagle Creek - it lasted through our 7 month trip with absolutely no signs of wear.

I had a no name brand that lasted maybe a couple months, had to buy another so I bought a cheaper brand (I'll look what it was) and by the time we got home, it was falling apart. I tried to contact the company for repairs and nothing.

Eagle Creek has a lifetime warrenty - definately the one I recommend.

Kim

[WillTravel]

I'm a budget traveler, but not a backpacker. I don't really do much heavy-duty hiking on my trips, so I guess that's why. I just like a suitcase with wheels. If you do use a backpack, what do you find as a benefit over a wheeled suitcase?

I second the recommendation for Mountain Equipment Coop. www.mec.ca/

[Eagle]

My vote would also be Eagle Creek. I agree with Kim that it's a good idea to check out different brands at a travel or sporting goods store. EC are a bit "pricey" but the quality and features are excellent!
Some other brands you could look at: Gregory (some models available at MEC), Osprey (web order?), Arcteryx (made in lower mainland and should be easily available) or Rick Steves (recently redesigned to include a padded hip belt, I think?). Not sure where you're located, but check MEC or Valhalla Pure.
Some other points - not sure if you've thought about these?
> Do you require a detachable Daypack. Some EC models include this, such as the Continental Journey. Some people really like this feature, others don't. Personal choice, but I find the Daypack is great for carry-on.
> Make sure you are properly fitted for torso size. Try the pack with weight (for a couple of hours if possible) to make sure the fit is good. Some packs have adjustable harnesses, some are "fixed" for a specific range.
> Do you prefer top loading, panel loading, or combination? Most "expedition" packs are top loading. most travel packs are panel loading with zippers. Many travellers feel top loaders can be a "pain" as it's hard to access items if they happen to be on the bottom. Again, personal choice.
> Have you decided on a size? To quote Rick Steves "you pack the same whether you're going for three weeks or three months". Also, "Pack Light, Pack Light, Pack Light"! A good "all around" size seems to be about 45-70 L. - perhaps someone else could provide a few more opinions on this?
> One point: EC have discontinued several models for the 2003 season, so there's only a couple that have harnesses designed for Women, and these are larger packs. Check the web site for details.
Hope these few comments will be of some help. Have a great time on your trip!!!