Good hiking backpack

[JDRhodes]

Backpacking trips via RV seem like a great way to do it. You can certainly expand your trail options without LONG drives. And the airplane will certainly haul more stuff than you can carry.

But - how do you guys that fly to camp handle getting from airport to trailhead? Rent a car? That's always been the logistical problem that's kept me road-bound.

[rvator51]

Originally Posted by KirkGrovesRV8

Do we have any avid hikers/backpackers out there in VAF land?
My wife and I decided we want to get out and hit some trails this year, any recommendations for packs??
The RV tie in is...... of course packs that will fit in the 8 well;-)

Hi Kirk,

Katie and I try to hike a lot. My last big hike was the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim (24 miles in 12 hrs) in October. We use daypacks from REI. I used to like bladders but now use several individual water containers. Water is a critical item for hiking in AZ in the summer and with the individual containers, I dont worry about the bladder leaking and running out of water.
Heres a hike we did a while ago with some of the SoCal Group.
We just got a couple of folding bikes for Xmas that hopefully will fit in our RV-6a when its done that we plan on using for exercise/getting to trailheads.

http://eaa538.org/trips/zion/zion.htm

[jcaplins]

Originally Posted by JDRhodes

Backpacking trips via RV seem like a great way to do it. You can certainly expand your trail options without LONG drives. And the airplane will certainly haul more stuff than you can carry.

But - how do you guys that fly to camp handle getting from airport to trailhead? Rent a car? That's always been the logistical problem that's kept me road-bound.

For the Appalachian trail, there is a whole network of people that will pick you up, shuttle you or your car around. Lot's of web sites, just need to do a little googling. I'm sure this network of people will have no trouble picking you up and dropping you off at the airport. They do charge a fee, but it beats leaving a rental car at a trail head for a while.

The airport just outside the south rim of the grand canyon has a shuttle into the park also. Small fee there too.

I'd be interested in some beta from people who live near other major trails (continental divide, Colorado trail, pacific coast highway) or parks.


And, I have a couple Osprey packs; couldn't be happier.

[recapen]

Here's a thought - for light duty work....see if the Bison mountain guys are willing to make a set of backpack straps for their RV bags. Then you'll have something that is easily transported in the RV - and easily carried.....

[mackd]

Just to second what others have said about Gregory. I did 50 miles of the 100-mile-wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail in four days in August and it was gloriously comfortable. I don't think the Gregory packs can be beat for comfort and fit, but they are at the top end of the price range.

The pack I have is the Baltoro 70...http://www.gregorypacks.com/products.../15/baltoro-70

You'd probably want a smaller pack for weekend trips.

[Mathew Sharp]

Check out www.ospreypacks.com


Amazing packs!

[alpinelakespilot2000]

A lot of packs are good and a lot of them are very comfortable... if they are on the right person.

I would highly recommend finding a sporting goods store that rents a variety of packs and try all of them for a weekend each because trying to simulate a realistic load in the store is pretty much impossible to do, especially because it really doesn't matter how well it feels in the store. What matters is how it feels after a few miles and a few thousand feet of elevation gain.

REI rents a variety, but there might be other stores in your area that do. At the end of the year, buy the one that was most comfortable.

Using this method 18 years ago I just happened to end up with a North Face pack that I have loved ever since.

The bigger problem for you, I think, is that it may be tough to fit backpacks in an RV8 if both seats are filled with people. What you would probably need to do is wait to fill the pack until you've landed at your destination.

Good luck with all this, and happy hiking!

[KirkGrovesRV8]

Thanks again Guys! I looked at all the websites and I kinda fell in love with a couple of them but I am going to go to the local REI and rent one for me and my wife and take them for a hike (as soon as we get a somewhat nice weekend)
You know it might be fun to get a RV hiking group going we just need some 10's to act as the heavy haulers
Thanks again!

[foka4]

The Arc'teryx Bora series seems to work well for me. Pick a size to suit your mission.

My back is a little sensitive to the shape and loading of a pack, and this one seemed adjustable enough to work very well for my needs. I've mostly used mine in the Tetons, for 5 to 8 day trips.

My pack was 31 lbs for my last 8-day journey. Since then, I've sort of used that as a benchmark for what I should be able to get by with on the average weekend flight junket.

Now that I'm married, though, I guess I need to consider a shower every few days and maybe a change of clothes every now and then...

M

[William Slaughter]

Last year we bought two packs that my son and I can share - a Deuter Futura Zero 40 and an REI Venturi 30. We live where it's hot, so both packs keep the pack itself spaced off your back behind a mesh panel. The Deuter is hydration compatible and is a "real" backpack of 2400 - 2500 ci. The Venturi is more of a deluxe day pack that can carry a lot of water. Without all of the water on board, it would easily serve for a weekend pack. Very happy with both, and all bought at REI. We used the dividend to buy a new tent this year! I really like getting to play with all of the stuff at the store, since even amoung several quality brands, certain items will just fit a certain individual better. Having the folks at REI to advise us was also a big plus, given our limited experience.