backpack recommendation?

Post by **StephyG** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:06 pm

I'm looking into getting a new back pack. I found this website: http://www.mickiesplace.com/ArcteryxBackpacks.htm
which has arcteryx packs on sale. The ones I'm thinking about are the Bora 60LT and the RT 45. The RT 45 is a better price I'm just worried about the volume. Do you think that rt 45 is a functional size to carry rack, rope, food, etc. . . for a day climbing?

Post by **Eric** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 5:26 pm

The RT 45 will be stuffed to capacity with a rope, a trad rack and water; the roll tops are a little weird to close and I wander how they will do over repeated use. The 60LT will probably be perfect with lots of versatility. You should buy a backpack for what you do the most of though, not the occasional trip once a year. So if you primarily do sport climbing the RT45 would be the best choice.

Post by **Yasmeen** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 5:29 pm

I got my Bora 75 from these guys. I love the 75 just because it's got a little more than enough space for a day or two's worth of climbing and camping gear, and lots of room for extended backpack trips. So I would say the 60 is a good size for just day climbing.

Post by **StephyG** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 5:33 pm

THanks for the input! I too was thinking the rt 45 might be too small. I tried on a 62L arcteryx and it seemed pretty darn big though . . . The 60lt might be good for what I'll be using it for.

Post by **SikMonkey** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 5:52 pm

Hey, if you are just going for a day of sport climbing, mgear.com has the Trangorrito on clearance for $99. This pack kicks major ass.

Mj

Post by **StephyG** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 6:05 pm

Thanks for the suggestion; however, I don't spend much time sport climbing. I'd like to have a pack that will definately have room for 4L of water, full rack of cams, rope, harness, shoes, food, etc. . . A little extra space never hurts, actually it helps in being able to retrieve the stuff!

I'm concerned with getting a pack to small, as I'd like to carry what I need.
I'm concerned with getting one too big, as I'll end up carrying more than I need. (i.e. Hey steph, you got room for these big bro's?

)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 7:05 pm

60 litres is a good size. You will have some extra room, but not too much and it'll be good for carrying extra layers in colder temps. I was using an Osprey Aether 60 for cragging, but it's a very lightweight pack and I was tearing it up. I got a 42 litre pack and it's really not big enough for everything. I'm bummed about that and usually end up carrying my rope in a rope bag and hanging my shoes and helmet off the back of the pack.

Post by **StephyG** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 7:22 pm

Cool Lynne, Thank ya very much!

Post by **tomdarch** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 12:35 am

Look for an opportunity to try packs on before you buy. Ideally, you can try them on with good, knowledgeable and attentive staff to help you select and adjust the pack. They'll measure you in order to size the pack (S, M, L etc. refers to your torso length, not what size you'd like) and put on the right sized harness components. (Bigger packs usually have interchangable shoulder straps and hip belt) In the end you need to load up the pack, put it on, adjust it with an extra set of eyes to scope how the straps are running and wander around the shop for at least 15 minutes (30 is better). Ideally, you can try several different models/manufacturers for comparison. Just because a pack is perfect for your buddy or the magazine reviewer, doesn't mean it's right for you.

Smallish packs tend to have 'lightweight' suspensions becuase most people are just carrying around clothes and food. A rack is a worst case scenario - it's dense, heavy and pointy. You really need to lug your rack to the shop (along with the other stuff that you'll typically want to pack) and try it out. If they're a good shop they'll love you for bringing the stuff you'll actually carry for trying out packs. (We had bags of old dog food and packs of sand to simulate a loaded pack - it's not the same!)

Good luck!

Post by **littlefeller** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 2:11 am

i have the bora 65 it is perfect for wekend trips to the red.you should go to a shop and try before you buy. put some weight in it and walk around the store for atleast a half hour.