Looking for a 65L hiking backpack

[kneighbour]

I seem to have settled on the 65L as being a compromise between a day pack (of which I have 2) and a giant 80L+ pack. I was also warned that if you do get (say) an 80L, then you will tend to fill it!

Anyway, have looked around, and like everything in the camping world, there is a huge range of prices. I can get a pack from China (ebay) for about $80 (perhaps cheaper), or I can get an Osprey for $400. They all seem to do pretty much the same thing, and seem to weigh about the same (1.5kg or so). They all LOOK the same quality.

I am torn between an ebay seller (for about $100) of a chinese model, and the Anaconda Denali 60L for $113 (down from $189). Will probably go with the Anaconda as I can go down to the store and pick it up. But I was really wondering why these prices vary so much. I have a hard time seeing why the prices for any camping equipment varies so much, but backpacks are a pretty basic bit of gear. My current day packs (25L) that I have used for ages are from K-Mart and cost $29. If K-Mart sold a 65L I would probably get one as well!

I also like an Osprey 50L for $199 (looks nice), but it is perhaps a bit small.

I only plan on doing 1 or 2 night trips, so nothing too extended. I am also in Queensland (Brisbane), so not going into extreme weather conditions. Any comments welcome.

[paul_gee]

G'day again Kneighbour. 65L is a decent size for multi-day hikes. I started with a 70L Macpac Traverse back in the day and can testify I use to fill it up. After a few years and many long hikes I started to lighten up by gear and now tend to use a 45L for hikes up to 6 days, provided I am not going to have to carry too much water.

Why is there such a variation between prices for hiking backpacks? It's no different than with any other product really - fridges, cars, and undies. Quality, materials, suitability-to-task, and after-sale support. Buy a $80 pack of eBay and something breaks, I would almost put money down that it will be more difficult to get a repair or refund. Buy a Deuter or Osprey from a reputable Australian camping store, if something goes wrong, you'll probably (hopefully) be treated like royalty. Then there is the harness (read: comfort), high-techness of materials, the bells and whistles, and so on. The harness is the most important part of your pack and often you will get what you pay for. It doesn't matter as much with a small day pack as you're carrying less weight and the weight doesn't need as much to be properly distributed across your body.

The best thing you can do is try a range of packs on and let the harness determine your choice.

You might find this video helpful in getting the right fit - it's aimed at travel packs but the fundamentals are the same:

https://youtu.be/uzEUYh7kSKA

(Disclaimer: I work for Snowys, the camping store that produced the video.)

[kneighbour]

I watched the video. Good stuff. I hear what you are saying - you usually get what you are paying for, in this area as in any other. The thing is I cannot see the difference between a $100 pack and a $300+ pack.

I tried on and looked at every hiking pack in Anaconda. These are not top end packs, but I guess a fair range. The cheapest Denali ($113) was better than the much dearer Black Wolf ($200). The Black Wolf had a very narrow waist strip - narrow and only just long enough. I am way overweight, so need a big strap. The Black Wolf also had a double waist support system, so it looked better. But in practice (in the shop, with no weights in the backpack), it felt the same as the Denali. Both packs had the same features - hydration pack support, raincoat, adjustable back support, quick access top bag, etc. All pretty much standard.

I also looked at a few other brands that were a bit dearer (around $300, I think). No difference to the Denali that I could see. All were about the same weight and looked to be exactly the same quality.

When looking at tents (for example), there are clear features that I can look for. Weight, seam sealed, number of doors, space, etc, etc. Easy to delineate between the cheaper models and the mid range ones. Not so easy with the top models, of course. It does not seem so easy with backpacks. Forgive me for saying so, but to my untutored eyes, they ALL look to be the same quality. Heavy cloth/material sewed together very well, with pretty much the same belts and straps everywhere. I could understand it if some were much lighter, or had different features - but they all seem to be the same. That is why I asked this question here - obviously they are not all the same, and I wanted to be educated before I waste money on a cheap item that I will regret in the field. I don't mind spending the money if it is the best thing to do. I am also a road cyclist, and I have no trouble spending $4,000 on a Trek bike (now have 2). And for a bike, that is at the bottom end.

You say the harness is the most important thing - sounds great. Of the half a dozen models I have checked, they all seem pretty much the same. Obviously, this is in the shop, unloaded, so this is a bit unfair. But squeezing the straps in the shop, poking it with a finger, etc - all seem the same. In fact, some of the dearer models (ie the Osprey) seemed to have thinner shoulder straps. Perhaps looks are not everything.

BTW - I don't count after sales support as very important at all. In fact, I ignore it. In the ebay age, if something does not work, you just throw it away and get something else. For example, I bought a $169 pair of hiking shoes from a local store (Rays). Seemed fine in the shop - but got them home an hour later and they were so tight I could not wear them. Bit weird that - but they were unwearable. Total waste of money. I did not even think about taking them back. Too many hassles - I guess it was my fault somehow. I have a 'faulty" Coleman tent. I did in fact call their support line with my issues. They told me to go away, basically. No, support is not a thing I even think about. And really, what can go wrong with a backpack? My K-Mart special has lasted on dozens of hikes.

If backpacks had bell and whistles, then I would gladly pay for them (I just love gadgets). ie some hi-tech weight loading system, special phone charging pockets, whatever. The only thing I can see that might set some packs apart from others is that some have a little bag on the waist straps to put your keys in. Or some have a strap on daypack (nice). One model had a system whereby you could attach your walking poles while on the hike - THAT is a useful feature that I could certainly use. I would pay $100 extra for that feature alone.

In fact - I am KEEN to be talked into buying a better model than the Denali - I would love to discover some wonderfully useful feature.

[dee_legg]

Sounds like you could benefit from trying the packs on instore with some weight in them. All good outdoor stores should have something heavy for you to stuff into the bags so you can try and see how the harness really feels! They all feel great when the pack is empty.

Another thing I would consider when choosing a pack is think about what type of walks you are most likely going to be doing. If you are sticking to wide open tracks then have a pack with lots of pockets and zips and made of lightweight nylon won't be too much of an issue. However, if you are hoping to take on some rougher tracks then simplicity in a pack is best and will ensure your bag lasts much longer. I can imagine nothing worse than a critical seam failing on a scrub bash!

Personally, I use a One Planet McMillan. It set me back about $500 but was very much worth it in my mind. It will probably outlast me, hence is incredibly reliable (something I consider very important when walking in remote areas). They are an Australian owned and made company which again, for me, is very important.

Think about what is important to you and what will ensure you are out walking as much as possible and then spend what you need to get a product that makes it happen.

[kneighbour]

paul_gee, just checked out your (Snowys) website - the Black Wolf McKinley 65L seems like a pack that could suit me.

dee_legg - I agree with you 100%. That is why I am on this forum, after all. I don;t want to buy a cheap item only to be disappointed out in the field. But I want to know what I am buying.

Last edited by kneighbour on Mon 18 Jul, 2016 12:14 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[johnk1]

Hi Kneighbour,

I too have a Macpac Traverse 70L which has been a very good pack for a long time and still is.

60L will be enough for 5-6 days. You do tend to fill bigger packs.

Steer well clear of cheap packs for overnight walking, you will regret it when you are two days walk from being able to take it off your sore shoulders/back. I watched my uncle struggle for 5 days in Tassie with a cheap pack.

You don't have to spend a fortune.

For the money, weight and functionality I think that the Osprey Volt 60 is right up there.

I have the Volt 75 and wish I bought the 60.

You will get the 60 for less than $200 at a few places.

They are a good pack and we'll worth the money.

Remember that investing in a good pack now will save you in more ways than one down the track.

Cheers.

John

[hairypanic]

paul_gee, just checked out your (Snowys) website - the Black Wolf McKinley 65L seems like a pack that could suit me.

I was just in the same position trying to find something on a budget, managed to get the same pack from an online warehouse for $160, but yeah had done the same and tried on at anaconda.
I thought the design of the blackwolf packs seemed a bit more practical than the denali range in shop.

I took the Mckinley out on the weekend hiking through the snow and it was really comfortable, at 2.4 kgs its a bit heavier than the expensive packs but it was sturdy, I slipped and it copped a branch stuck in it with no damage so no complaints here

Probably the only thing that was missing would have been a pocket in the waist strap, would have been nice but not a deal breaker

[kneighbour]

I took the Mckinley out on the weekend hiking through the snow and it was really comfortable, at 2.4 kgs its a bit heavier than the expensive packs but it was sturdy.

Probably the only thing that was missing would have been a pocket in the waist strap, would have been nice but not a deal breaker

Ok - that is something I can get behind and measure - the weight. They all seemed pretty much the same to me, but if a more expensive unit is a 1kg lighter, then it might be worth the extra money.

I also like the waist strap pocket.

[kneighbour]

I see mention with some of the more expensive models (ie Osprey) of the 'anti=gravity' or other top notch weight balance system. I was wondering if this was just marketing or a real thing?

[paul_gee]

But in practice (in the shop, with no weights in the backpack), it felt the same as the Denali.

Put some weight in it and then carry that weight for a substantial amount of time and you will soon see the difference. On the surface a harness is just some straps and buckles. In practice it's something much difference. There's probably thousands of years of cumulative hiking experience on this forum. Probably a few trips to the moon and back in terms of kilometres hiked. These guys opinions on harnesses ought to be trusted. Especially those older guys who hiked in a time where backpacks were really basic, but the loads just as heavy. I'm lucky, my hiking career began in 2004, I've always had good gear available to me.

Black Wolf McKinley 65L seems like a pack that could suit me.

Great! They're a pretty good quality pack (in fact, they're built tough, hence the weight) and are really popular with those wanting a pack to start out.

[kneighbour]

These guys opinions on harnesses ought to be trusted.

I agree completely. I recall buying my first (mountain) bike. The expert in the bike shop tried to tell me what bike to buy and I was having none of it! I bought a bike quite unsuited to me and I regretted it for years. I finally did what he suggested and I learnt my lesson - listen to people who have been down the same track before.

So far I have decided to avoid the cheaper $100 packs - now just trying to decide on a more upscale model. The Ospreys are affordable, but frankly I don't like their clean looks. Probably good for in bush stuff where clean is good. But I will be walking on fairly open bush trails.

Getting into Brisbane is also a real pain - so little chance of an in-shop try-on, so most of my homework has to be done on the Internet.

[north-north-west]

There are a lot of variables in all gear, including packs, that are not obvious to the naked eye. And how a pack feels without anything in it and how it feels when fully loaded are two very different things. A loaded pack is not just heavier, it is bulkier, so your centre of gravity changes and your balance is affected.

Like boots, it's a personal thing, but you'll never know how a pack will carry until you've loaded it and walked around with it for some time.

[paul_gee]

These guys opinions on harnesses ought to be trusted.

I agree completely. I recall buying my first (mountain) bike. The expert in the bike shop tried to tell me what bike to buy and I was having none of it! I bought a bike quite unsuited to me and I regretted it for years. I finally did what he suggested and I learnt my lesson - listen to people who have been down the same track before.

Too true. But don't forget, the guy in the shop wants you to buy the bikes he stocks. That's why, if I mention a brand, there is a good chance it is one I am familiar with because we stock it. But not always - most of the gear I own I owned long before I worked in this industry. Hence my affinity for Macpac and One Planet (I have no vested interest in either of these brands). Most of the guys here don't work in the industry so are impartial.

So far I have decided to avoid the cheaper $100 packs - now just trying to decide on a more upscale model. The Ospreys are affordable, but frankly I don't like their clean looks. Probably good for in bush stuff where clean is good. But I will be walking on fairly open bush trails.

Good call. I suggest going back and trying the packs you have already tried - if any caught your eye - but with weight in them. The fact that a certain store you went to didn't, by default, weigh down the packs is cause for concern. They should know better.

You don't like the clean look of Osprey? They do look a bit 'American' I suppose. I have a 38 Kestrel (we don't stock Osprey, so this is an unbiased comment) which has proven to be a pretty reliable pack. My partner just wore it around UK/Europe for a month and it was sooooo much more comfortable than a travel pack.

Getting into Brisbane is also a real pain - so little chance of an in-shop try-on, so most of my homework has to be done on the Internet.

Well, you have come to the right place.

[north-north-west]

The Ospreys are affordable, but frankly I don't like their clean looks.

Don't worry. A pack gets dirty very quickly if you know what you're doing.

[kneighbour]

Just saw on your site you have the Black Wolf Mantis II for under $200!! *&%$#! kicked my self - just bought another tent, but the Mantis II was really what I would have liked. Ah well....

Pretty keen on the McKinley - but was wondering if the Deuters are worth looking at seeing they are over a $100 more expensive?

[paul_gee]

Just saw on your site you have the Black Wolf Mantis II for under $200!! *&%$#! kicked my self - just bought another tent, but the Mantis II was really what I would have liked. Ah well....

Pretty keen on the McKinley - but was wondering if the Deuters are worth looking at seeing they are over a $100 more expensive?

Murphy's law and all that.

The four key advantages of a Deuter over, say, the McKinley, in my opinion are:

Quality - Better components, more durable but lighter weight fabric
Design - It's more streamlined, so less bits and bobs hanging off it just waiting to be snagged on a tree and ripped off
Global warranty - You've decided to head overseas with your pack and something breaks, just go and see an authorised reseller
Weight - The ACT Lite 50+10 weighs in at 1.73kg compared to 2.2kg for the McKinley
(And, let's be honest, Brand - You'll look more serious an outdoorsperson with a Deuter on your back! )

That all said, and others may disagree, Deuter and Osprey are rather similar in quality, features, and technology. It really depends, though, on what fits the best - both your body and budget.

[kneighbour]

(And, let's be honest, Brand - You'll look more serious an outdoorsperson with a Deuter on your back! )

Ha! If you saw me (64 years old and 114kg), you would not mistake me for a serious hiker! Probably look pretty comical out in the bush, in fact. But still the wife and I do a 6-13km bushwalk every single Sunday without fail. Been doing that for a year now - so time to move to the next stage. And at my age, image is not that much of a concern.

I thank you for the effort you have put into these posts. Will see if I can try out a Deuter at Anaconda (which is fairly close to me). Otherwise the McKinley it is!

[stepbystep]

I've been using a One Planet Mungo(65L) for several years and love it, best 'feeling' pack I've owned. I'd like to see a 'tough' version with an extra layer of canvas on it's bottom to help with rocky abrasion off track.

[kneighbour]

But One Planet is SOOOOO expensive....way out of the question. I have bought cars for less.

[kitty]

I see mention with some of the more expensive models (ie Osprey) of the 'anti=gravity' or other top notch weight balance system. I was wondering if this was just marketing or a real thing?

If you are interested in one of these AG packs, I recommend you go into a store and try one on, loaded up with weight, stand straight, and see how you find the the offset centre of gravity (created by the trampoline back). It may or may not suit you - personally it didnt work for me. With any pack, as others have mentioned, do try it on, loaded up, because everyone is different and you have to see what suits you.

[Stew63]

Kneighbour - I have a McKinley that I'd be happy to sell you for a reasonable price. It's dark green in immaculate condition. Has only been on one hike and otherwise just used to store gear. PM me if interested.

[kneighbour]

Thanks for your help everyone - I finally bought the Black Wolf McKinley 65L.

[GPSGuided]

Then there's Aarn packs for something different. At the end of the day, pay according to your needs and fit. If just for one short trip, then be done with something economical. If it's a long term plan, then it's worth the investment.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kneighbour]

If just for one short trip, then be done with something economical. If it's a long term plan, then it's worth the investment.

No, this is long term stuff - or as long as my health holds out (I am 64). We do day walks every single Sunday around Brisbane, plus I cycle every Saturday. You would think I would be as thin as a rake the amount of exercise I do, but am as fat as Humpty Dumpty. Ah well...

I think I might have been too cheap on a few items. Very hard to get out of the habit of going cheap. I think my sleeping bag and mattress will need updating some time (they were about $80 each). Anyway, good to get things ready for a few shorter walks to get started.

[GPSGuided]

No, this is long term stuff - or as long as my health holds out (I am 64). We do day walks every single Sunday around Brisbane, plus I cycle every Saturday. You would think I would be as thin as a rake the amount of exercise I do, but am as fat as Humpty Dumpty. Ah well...

Great to be out and about and staying healthy. On the issue of weight, it's a balance b/n calories in and out. So exercise is only on the 'out' part of the equation, controlling the 'in' in combination will be necessary to make any weight changes. Exercise alone is inadequate for weight control.

[stepbystep]

But One Planet is SOOOOO expensive....way out of the question. I have bought cars for less.

But they are soooo good...keep an eye out for specials, or second hand and it's not such a big deal. I use my stuff all the time so invest in my own comfort....that said I have a Black Wolf day pack that has served me well for years, but weight isn't an issue. I rate OP comfort and fit miles above any other overnight packs I've used, admittedly I've only tried Mont, Macpac(Cascade and Torre), Osprey, Mountain Design and Black Wolf. I have a Mungo and a McMillan. Money well spent imho.

[kneighbour]

But they are soooo good...keep an eye out for specials, or second hand and it's not such a big deal

Yeah, good point. After all, money means nothing when you are out in the bush. I have heard nothing but good about that brand, so will certainly keep my eyes open.

[cat793]

I have a Lightwave Ultrahike 60L that weights just 1.2kgs. Used it for a 9 day trek in Nepal and was pleased with it. Very well made and light with a simple design. It falls between the ultra lightweight but flimsy US packs and the bombproof but overweight monsters like One Planet.

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ ... htwave-m40

[kneighbour]

Finally did a reasonable test walk with my new Black Wolf McKinley 65L backpack. Went from O'Reillys to the Wanungara Lookout up the Toolona Creek Circuit. About 18km by my GPS. I did not do a full loadout on the backpack, but it was around 12 kg. Even took a few cans of coke and a chicken dinner for our stop at the Lookout.

The pack went well. Only really two things I would like improved on my next backpack. You really need little pockets on the waist straps and this item has none. Bit of a pain. Also, the waist straps are just a bit short. To put the pack on I have to open the straps up to max, and this makes the bits that you pull to re-tighten a bit harder to locate. The padded bits could be a bit bigger also, but I had no troubles down there, so I guess they are ok. Also, the two side pockets where you put extra water bottles are covered over by compression straps. Pretty annoying and rather useless (although a lot of backpacks do this). Very good value for the money (only paid $165) and can recommend.

[hairypanic]

i agree with the waist strap, but i liked the compression straps over the bottle covers, i know its more straps but it does help keep the weight more central rather than on the sides