Ask Dr. LJ... Backpacks?

[penk]

So I want a decent backpack. Something with an internal frame that can carry a small tent, sleeping bag, food for at least an overnight, and a change of clothes.

The problem is, folks may have noticed - I'm 6'6" tall. It's very hard to shop online for a backpack and go "Will that fit me?".

I've been to REI and to EMS - the packs there are INSANELY expensive ($600+). If I'm looking at top of the line, used or online, I'd like to keep it under $250 - I plan to hopefully use this a lot.

Most important is comfort.

So... any suggestions? Specific models or sizes would be great - some source other than VeryExpensiveOutdoorRetailer would be nice (even going to said stores and trying on packs - I think they cater to higher end manufacturers, and I'm not sure if they'll even carry what I'm looking for. Second, I have Issues with using a brick and mortar store to size up something I'm going to buy elsewhere. It's just wasting their time).

Comments

[inahandbasket]

Find out your torso length by measureing, all worthwhile backpacks have sizes based on torso length.
eg: this one here has a medium for a torso length of 18-20", and a large for 19-21".
If you're a 22" torso you could rule that one out immediately.

Then just google your brains out. There's LOTS on sale out there right now for some reason.

ihnp, ijls "google your brains out."

[dilletante.livejournal.com]

well... this search sounds a bit overconstrained, if it's ok to say so. "top of the line," "under $250," "unusual size," "have issues with using a brick and mortar store to size up somethign i'm going to buy elsewhere," "most important is comfort"...

i think you've ruled out all the methods i would use for something like this, which include "go to a brick and mortar store, tell them my constraints, try on every pack they show me, and pay what my favorite of them costs there," "go to a brick and mortar store, try on the packs that look nice to me, then buy that model online for cheaper," "buy something cheap online and see how it turns out," and "go to the most convenient brick and mortar store, try on whatever looks good, and buy the cheapest pack they have there that fits my constraints and i don't hate."

but if most models are explicitly sized by torso length, that sounds handy. good luck!

Re: ihnp, ijls "google your brains out."

[penk.livejournal.com]

The big challenge I've been having is finding listings OTFW that actually state torso length sizing.

Irritating!

But thanks :)

[pumpkin-pi.livejournal.com]

If you're ordering on-line or sight unseen, make sure you can return it. Different brands will fit different body types. For instance, Osprey packs fit me like a glove, but the same sized pack by Gregory feels *horrible*. Maybe it's a size thing, but I've never had to spend more than $300 for any of my packs (usually bought new from an REI or LL Bean type place), even the ones I use for 6-nighters, so I'm surprised to hear you're only finding ones in the $600+ range. Sorry I can't be of more help :(

[jacflash.livejournal.com]

If I were you, I'd probably take a day trip to LessExpensiveOutdoorRetailer and go from there.

[penk.livejournal.com]

Oddly, I'll be near them tomorrow morning. Hmmmm!

[cutieperson]

FWIW, REI is holding a big sale through the end of the weekend. members get a 20% off coupon for one full price item.

[frotz.livejournal.com]

The LL Bean stores where they sell returns and seconds and stuff (which used to be called "Factory Stores", but are now "Outlets", which blurs the distinction between them and the newer ones that just sell a small selection of new stuff) often have some very nice packs for comparatively short money. There's one just off of route 3 in Nashua that I'd definitely check out if you're up that way. (Portland and Ellsworth are also good, but the new one in Freeport is much smaller than the old one and is mostly useless, though you can always visit the LL Bean mothership across the street.)