Alpine or Trek Pack

[wildernesswanderer]

Thanks for all he help guys, in fact I may end up with two packs, one for lightweight hiking and then a bigger multiday hike pack.
For now I ended up getting the Macpac Ascent pack. For what I want to do now it fits best. In e future who knows lol.

[north-north-west]

still pays to use a dry bag inside. if you hole a "waterproof" pack the water will get in ...

The Aarn packs are waterproof because they come with dry bags.

[Kinsayder]

Just on the alpine packs = no easy access zipper idea, Wayno, I think if you look at the Marmot Drakon 45 you'll see a full zipper at the front. I'd put that in the alpine class. I think some packs are becoming more hybridised. I think alpine for longer hikes (not climbs) is probably not a great idea though, unless you're ultralight.

[Strider]

they also do a 15D which sounds like what the schnozzle bags are

Same fabric as the mat. Makes sense.

[cams]

Thanks for all he help guys, in fact I may end up with two packs, one for lightweight hiking and then a bigger multiday hike pack.
For now I ended up getting the Macpac Ascent pack. For what I want to do now it fits best. In e future who knows lol.

Yeah, that's the way I've ended up going.

On the original topic. I quite like the Alpine style of packs for all uses. Obviously you don't need the more technical features mentioned previously for bushwalking but I like the streamlined more minamalist style. Less to snag on. Less to go wrong with less openings and zippers. I'd never get a pack without hip belt pockets these days. So handy. Although there are plenty of options for fitting them to packs without them around as well. I also like a pack to be fairly modular so it can be stripped down depending on the trip.

[wayno]

top reviewed packs
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-ge ... t-40L.html

http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-20 ... cles/16510

[roysta]

the exped packliner i have is 70D nylon
they also do a 15D which sounds like what the schnozzle bags are

Bought a couple of the 50 litre 70D ones today. bigger than the S2S ones, a much better shape and lighter.

[wayno]

i had probems with s2 s ones, the thin ones have the inner coating delaminate easily, had a heavyweight one delaminate as well. but it left the heavyweight one damp and it became mouldy so not necessarily that bad...

[Kinsayder]

I've just looked at the Arcteryx Nozone 55 just now on the web, it looks like a reasonable fusion of the two types. Just a thought.

[icemancometh]

you're doing a walk so get a walking pack

just because it's in alpine country as it were does not mean you need an alpine pack

an alpine pack is for alpine activities like real mountains, climbing, skiing etc where you will go lighter and carry technical gear and have less of a frame etc

[icemancometh]

the aarn packs you can't see your feet easily with the front pockets full.. makes it harder to negotiate rough ground. also scrambling steep faces the pockets can get in the way.

Yeah - they are the exact reasons I am not sold on the concept - despite the carrying advantages.

use and loive them for ski mountaineering and no issues with them even on steeps. Can always unclip and swing them to the side if and when needed. Minor inconvenience for pretty good packs. Pockets also help a lot for skiing with as helps balance out the pull from the weight sitting fully on your pack

No zips due to weight and no need. Except for avo gear there's never any reason you need to get at anything in a hurry. Esp NOT sleeping bags. Convenient but not necessary