Backpack info

[Wildwood]

I've never had a backpack and have no idea what features to look for. I don't want one with the hydro-pack. Give me some tips, please?
Thanks.
Jan

[Clif]

Many of the same considerations of boat shopping come up for this. Fit.. try em on. Need to be comfy. Many make my back sweat too much. What you gonna use it for? How big?? over nighters? daytrips? week long excursions?

http://www.backpackingarkansas.com/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

those guys are a lot of help. many are out on the trails instead of at a computer these days. And some are radical ultra light guys so figure it in your equation.

[RomanLA]

I'm really happy with my Granite Gear Vapor Trail.
http://www.granitegearstore.com/Vapor-Trail-P8C7.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[vtsquid]

a great place to go is ooo in hot springs, they do a great job of making sure you get what you need!

all you need to do is explain what you want, and anyone there will help you out, even other people in the store that dont work there! good group of people!

I like lowe alpine, Granite Gear, mountain hardwear and mountain smith, three great brands with lots and lots of options.

[JasonK]

I highly recommend Mountainsmith products, but I own Kelty, Osprey, and Camelbak personally. Mountainsmith and Kelty both give you lots of bang for the buck for sure, both will hold up, but the Mountainsmith stuff is more innovative in design and materials.

Whether day hiking or overnight, I highly recommend considering a hydration system. I've done it both ways and lived out of smaller packs for weeks at a time for work (back at base at night) and for personal day trips, and in the end I perform better and hike better if I can sip all day rather than bottle up.