Dale Matson
One thing I have learned in decades of backpacking is that
to a point, the weight of an empty backpack should not be as important in pack
selection as the suspension of the
pack. I am an ounce counter but know that the lightest packs are generally not
the best packs for carrying heavier loads. I still see folks on the trail with
an old external pack frame with gear mounted to it. They stick to it and swear
by it.
I think the heart of a good pack is the pack frame more even than the capacity and
increasingly, I am coming to the same conclusion as two quality U.S. pack
manufacturers. Both Kifaru (Colorado) https://store.kifaru.net/bikini-platform-frame-and-suspension-p116.aspx and
Mystery Ranch (Montana) http://www.mysteryranch.com/Packs/Hunting/frame/NICE-Frame
sell pack frames separate from a selection of various sized packs that attach
to the frames. Each company has more than one frame to offer. I would rather
carry 40 pounds in a heavier pack with good suspension than 25 pounds in a
flimsy ultralight pack.
This comes to my second point of flexibility. This means that a person could have a single pack
frame with several different sized packs that attach to it depending on the
mission. Are you out for an overnight, three days or two weeks? A second
feature of these packs is the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing
which allows for attaching external pouches pods and pockets using Modular
Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), For example this allows for
specialized items like a telescopic camera lens being externally attached,
protected, and providing quick access to it.
An example of this is my Kifaru Express pack that is a 2,300
Cubic Inch pack but because it has several attachment points, I added a
zippered top pocket and two side pockets. With these additions, it is closer to
2,700 Cubic Inches. (It has been discontinued and is a stand-alone pack with
it’s own harness and belt). You might argue that I should just buy a larger
pack but I often use this pack as a daypack, by removing the added pockets and
pouches.
This flexibility is important for search and rescue (SAR)
folks like me that need to have an overnight pack and a three day bag packed
and ready to go 24/7.
Another factor is durability.
My Kifaru pack is made of 1,000d Cordura. 500d Cordura is available as a
lighter option. I have owned my Express pack for about seven years and gone on
scores of missions with it. Many searches were off trail and involved traveling
through and crawling under Manzanita and Buckbrush. This would have torn other
packs to shreds. The Kifaru and Mystery Ranch packs are expensive but over the
lifespan of the pack, they are cost effective. Navigate on on EBay and see what
kinds of price used packs from these companies are still worth.
Fit/Sizing is the
final issue. Many packs come in only one size. These companies build the packs
individually based on the measurements of the buyer. This assures proper fit
and comfort.
I recently had some email correspondence with Patrick Smith
(formerly owner of Mountainsmith Packs) who is uncompromising and innovative
with his newer Kifaru Company. He has some exciting plans for the future and
many will be watching.
In sum then, think about pack suspension, flexibility,
durability and fit/sizing in addition to capacity when selecting a backpack. My next pack will start with a pack frame first.
This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! Backpacks
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